06/08/2025
To the wonderful Far North - Kaitaia community,
As I close this chapter after three incredible years of running my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy here, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Thank you for the trust, support, and encouragement you have shown me throughout this journey.
Together, we built more than just a gym — we built a strong community, empowered individuals, and achieved things we can all be proud of. Watching our students grow, succeed, and even achieve national titles has been truly humbling. You've helped put Kaitaia on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu map, and that’s something we can all celebrate!
A heartfelt thank you to Isaac Lloyd and Lloyd Logging for believing in our mission and generously sponsoring our team. Your support in providing a space for our members and the wider community to train has made a huge difference — without you, much of what we achieved wouldn't have been possible.
I also want to give a special thank you to Louise Anaru, Principal of Kaitaia College, and her husband and teacher Matua Tangira, for the incredible opportunity to teach Physics and Maths at the school. It was a privilege to be part of the kura, learn more about the culture, and build relationships with such inspiring rangatahi. The experience enriched my life in more ways than I can express.
The good news is that the journey doesn’t end here. Our BJJ school and the values we built together will continue in the Far North, as our dedicated purple belt students and instructors:
1 - Sean Thomas will be taking over and continuing to run BJJ classes for all age groups and training goals.
2 - Sieanna Lloyd will be starting a brand-new project exploring new opportunities in another town of the Far North she has grown very fond of.
I have full confidence that they will carry the kaupapa forward with the same passion, integrity, and commitment to the communities. They are continuing the legacy we began as they carry forward what was planted three years ago. I know they’ll both give in their all.
Thank you, Kaitaia — for the memories, the manaakitanga, and the aroha. I will always carry this community in my heart.
Ngā mihi nui,
Fabio Machado
HEAD PROFESSOR TORQUE SCHOOL OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
