Veterans Grappling Foundation Limited

🏆 The Inaugural John Whipp Trophy 🏆

The Australian National Judo Championships at Carrara saw the first-ever John Whipp Trophy contested between the ADF Current Serving Team and the ADF Veterans Team.

With Major Albert "John" Whipp passing away just a few weeks ago, the event carried even greater meaning. John was a passionate supporter of military judo and veterans, making this a fitting tribute to his legacy.

The contest could not have been closer:

🥋 Round 1 – ADF Current Serving Team
🥋 Round 2 – ADF Veterans Team
🥋 Round 3 (Tie Breaker) – ADF Current Serving Team

Congratulations to the ADF team for claiming the inaugural trophy.

A huge thank you to Young Veterans for helping Veterans Grappling Foundation field the Veterans Team and making this historic event possible.

U73kg Private Aaron JONES
U81kg Squadron Leader Andrew BELL
U90kg Sargent Michael PENNISI
O90kg Lance Corporal Craig GRESHAM
090kg Sargent Andrew EAMES
O90kg LTCOL Iain MCCAUSLAND

Coach Michael SHIELDS (Vietnam Veteran 2RAR)

We're already looking ahead to next year and would love to see veteran teams representing Navy, Army, Air Force, Police and Emergency Services. If you're a current or former serving member with a judo background and would like to be involved, please reach out.

Vale Major Albert "John" Whipp. Your legacy will continue to bring current and former serving members together on the mat for years to come.

Vale Major Albert John Whipp AM, CSM

The Veterans Grappling Foundation is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Major Albert John Whipp AM, CSM.

John was more than a highly respected military officer, martial artist and coach — he was a pioneer, mentor and a man whose influence reached far beyond the mats. His dedication to military unarmed combat, judo and martial arts development in Australia helped shape generations of practitioners and instructors.

For the Veterans Grappling Foundation, John was not only an early inspiration behind our charity's vision, but also a valued supporter over many years. His belief in the positive impact that martial arts can have on the lives of veterans and service personnel helped encourage and strengthen our mission.

His legacy lives on through the countless students, soldiers, coaches and veterans he mentored and inspired throughout his life.

We extend our sincere condolences to John's family, friends and the wider military and martial arts communities during this difficult time.
Rest easy, Sir. Your service, leadership and contribution will not be forgotten.

Vale Major Albert John Whipp AM, CSM
Lest We Forget

CALLING ALL ADF, ABF & LAW ENFORCEMENT VETERANS
Judo Australia National Titles – Military & Police Veterans Team (June 5–7)

We are putting together a combined Australian Veterans Team to compete in a proposed Military & Police Teams Event at the upcoming Judo Australia National Championships.

This is a unique opportunity to represent alongside fellow veterans from:

Australian Defence Force (ADF)

Australian Border Force (ABF)

State & Federal Law Enforcement

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
Veterans (former serving) who are keen to step back on the mat and be part of something competitive and meaningful.

TARGET TEAM STRUCTURE (FLEXIBLE):

Men: U73, U81, U90, 90+

Women: U70, 70+
(Final categories will adapt based on available athletes)

We are aiming for:

A minimum team of 6 competitors

Female representation strongly encouraged

Reserves welcome

IMPORTANT NOTES:

This is a veterans-only Australian team (ADF / Police / ABF)

The event format will be flexible — the priority is getting a team on the mat

Self-funded, however some sponsored entries may be available

Entries and accreditation will sit with Judo Australia

TIMELINE:
We need a rough indication of numbers and viability within the next 1–2 weeks.

This is about reconnecting, representing, and putting veterans back on the mat together at a national level.

Register your interest:
[email protected]

Include:

Name

Service background (ADF / Police / ABF)

Weight category (approx.)

Current training status

Let’s build something credible and competitive. If you’ve still got one more in you, now is the time.

🇦🇺 CALLING ALL SERVICE PERSONNEL – WE NEED YOU ON THE MAT! 🇦🇺

Judo Australia is assembling teams for the Oceania Championships – Inaugural Military & Police Teams Event 🥋
📍 Melbourne
📅 19 April 2026
We are specifically seeking:
✔️ Current & former ADF members
✔️ Law enforcement personnel (Police, Border Force, Corrections, etc.)
✔️ Male AND female athletes – with a strong push for more female competitors
This is a unique opportunity to represent Australia in a brand-new international teams event and be part of something that will grow within the military & police judo community across Oceania.
💥 Whether you’re still competing or thinking about stepping back on the mat — this is your chance.
👊 Female athletes are strongly encouraged to apply – we need you to help build a balanced and competitive team.
📍 Venue: MSAC Arena, Albert Park
📅 Date: 19 April 2026
If you’re interested or want more information, reach out or register your interest ASAP.
Let’s put together a strong Australian team and lead from the front. 🇦🇺🥋

Welcome to the VGF Board – Gavin Kelly

We’re proud to welcome Gavin Kelly as an incoming Director of the Veterans Grappling Foundation.

Gavin is a 14-time Australian National Champion (15 incl. Young Men’s), an Olympic & World Championships coach, and a graduate of the IJF Academy – Instructors Program. He is also a founder of the BBR (Black Belt Register) Academy, with decades dedicated to developing athletes and coaches at the highest level.

Beyond judo, Gavin has over 20 years’ service in law enforcement as a policing officer and Police Use-of-Force Trainer, bringing real-world expertise in safety, leadership, and decision-making under pressure.

He is also an ambassador for Fight for Balance, supporting boys with intellectual and learning challenges through martial arts and physical training.

Gavin’s experience in elite sport, policing, and community service aligns perfectly with VGF’s mission to build wellbeing, resilience, and connection through grappling.
Welcome to the team, Gavin 👊

CommunityLeadership VeteranWellbeing FightForBalance

We’re proud to announce the appointment of Carli Renzi to the Board of the Veterans Grappling Foundation.

Carli brings over 20 years of international leadership experience across global banking, government, and public sector institutions, most recently serving as Managing Director for Financial Institutions and Government Coverage at Commonwealth Bank.

An accomplished high-performance athlete, Carli is a 2012 Olympic Judo athlete and a 2010 Commonwealth Games Freestyle Wrestling competitor. She has coached state-level judo athletes, currently serves as a Board Director of Judo Australia, and is a strong advocate for sustainable pathways that support lifelong participation, wellbeing, and resilience through sport.

Carli joins the Veterans Grappling Foundation with a focus on governance, strategy, and strengthening programs that support veteran wellbeing, connection, and opportunity through grappling.

We’re honoured to welcome Carli to the team.

VeteranWellbeing Community Resilience

💥 3 x Commercial Cardio Machines – Charity Sale 💥
📍 Gold Coast | Pickup Only
Selling three heavy-duty commercial cardio machines as part of a charity clear-out from our training facility.
Included:
AirBike (fan bike) – $600
Rowing machine – $650
Ski machine with floor stand – $700
⚠️ Important – please read:
The screens/monitors are not working properly on the machines.
All three units are mechanically sound, fully functional, and ready to train on.
Pricing reflects the screen issues.
These machines are ideal for anyone who trains by:
Time or effort
RPE / intervals
Conditioning, warm-ups, or finishers
Perfect for:
Home gyms
PT studios
Functional fitness gyms
Clubs, schools, or organisations
All equipment has been used in the Veterans Grappling Foundation training space and is no longer required.
💙 100% of proceeds go back into our registered not-for-profit, supporting veterans and first responders with free training, recovery tools, and mental wellness programs.
💰 Pricing:
Individually: $1,950 total
Bundle price: $1,700 (save $250)
📦 Pickup only from the Gold Coast
👀 Inspection welcome
📩 Message if you’re interested or would like to discuss the bundle.

Yesterday’s attack at Bondi Beach was a confronting reminder that violence can occur anywhere, at any time — even in places we associate with safety, family, and freedom.

At the Veterans Grappling Foundation, we don’t train because we expect violence.
We train so that if chaos appears, we are calm.
We train so fear doesn’t freeze us.
We train so we can protect ourselves, our families, and others if there are no other options.

Training is not about aggression — it’s about control, awareness, resilience, and responsibility.
It’s about learning to breathe under pressure, think clearly when adrenaline spikes, and act decisively when seconds matter.

For veterans, first responders, and everyday Australians alike, grappling arts build more than physical skills. They build confidence, emotional regulation, and the ability to stay grounded when the world feels unpredictable.

Events like yesterday remind us why community, preparedness, and personal responsibility matter.

Well done to that local hero who in the face of evil ran forward to take out one of the armed offenders. His takedown and disarmament of this terrorist was enough to save many lives.

Stay aware.
Stay connected.
Keep training.

🤍

🎄 CHRISTMAS SALE IS HERE! 🎁
From December 5–20, we’re dropping a massive 66% OFF selected items in the Veterans Grappling Foundation shop! 🔥

Whether you’re grabbing a gift for a mate, supporting a veteran, or upgrading your training gear — every purchase helps fund our programs that support veterans and first responders across Australia. 🇦🇺💙

🛍️ Sale items include:
✨ Rash guards
✨ Tees
✨ Hoodies
✨ And more!

Your Christmas shopping = real impact.
Your support helps us change lives on and off the mats. 🙏

🎅🏼 Jump in now and shop the sale:
www.veteransgrappling.org.au/shop-new

What an incredible Saturday morning in the Hunter Valley!

Thank you to everyone who came to train, donate, and support our mission to help veterans and first responders through the grappling arts.

Huge gratitude to the legends who made it all possible:

Avis – The Brewski Bean Espresso
Donating your entire day’s takings was unbelievably generous. Your support means the world.

Tim & Ernest –
Thank you for hosting the fundraiser and creating such an inclusive, positive gym culture.

Dr Luis –
Thanks for being my uke and jumping in to teach the self-defence session. Always appreciate your support.

Richard & family –
Your generosity and ongoing support for our mission is inspiring. Great to see you again and meet your beautiful family.

To everyone who trained, grabbed a coffee, donated, or simply showed up — thank you.
You’re helping us change lives.

One throw, one roll, one connection at a time. 🤝🥋