Professor Troy Manning
4th Degree Black Belt – Catch Submission Wrestling
Professor Troy Manning has been involved in martial arts since the 1980s and began training seriously in the mid-1990s. After watching the early UFC events in the late 1990s, Troy developed a passion for grappling that would shape the rest of his martial arts journey.
Since then, he has immersed himself in the study of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Catch Submission Wrestling, and Luta Livre while continuing to train and study Boxing, Muay Thai, and Hapkido.
In 2006, Troy began coaching on the Gold Coast, primarily teaching Boxing and Security/Police Control Tactics. During this period, he coached at several gyms and trained numerous security personnel and nightclub door staff while also working as a nightclub security guard for many years.
In 2008, Troy relocated to Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, where he opened his first martial arts academy. There, he coached Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and Hapkido, helping develop students across multiple disciplines.
In 2013, Troy moved to Brisbane and became Head Coach of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and Muay Thai at a local gym. During this time, he coached multiple MMA champions. He later moved to Toowoomba and opened another successful academy, producing numerous MMA champions and title holders. His coaching success earned him an all-expenses-paid trip to the United States in recognition of developing successful cage-fighting champions in Australia.
Throughout his career, Troy has travelled extensively to continue his education. He made numerous trips to Thailand to further his knowledge of Muay Thai and combat sports coaching, earning coaching certifications and training with world-class instructors.
One of the biggest influences on Troy’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey has been his master and mentor, Joe Moreira. Over many years, Master Moreira travelled to Australia to personally train Troy, eventually awarding him the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Despite his achievements in BJJ, Troy’s greatest passion has always been no-gi grappling and submission wrestling.
Long before no-gi grappling became mainstream, Troy dedicated himself to training and teaching without the gi. While many questioned whether a structured no-gi ranking system was possible, he remained committed to developing athletes through practical, competition-tested grappling systems.
His dedication led him to achieve the ranks of:
4th Degree Black Belt in Catch Submission Wrestling
3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
1st Degree Black Belt in Luta Livre
Black Belt in Hapkido
Certified Muay Thai Coach
Troy later moved to Cairns, Queensland, where he operated a successful academy for seven years. During that time, he coached numerous North Queensland champions, state champions, and athletes who went on to achieve success across a variety of combat sports. He also sold thousands of submission wrestling instructional videos worldwide.
Due to ongoing health challenges, Troy has stepped back from full-time coaching. However, he remains active through seminars, workshops, training camps, instructor development programs, and online education.
Today, Troy’s mission is to help grow the sport of Submission Wrestling and preserve the practical roots of Catch Wrestling. He believes that politics and affiliations can sometimes distract from what truly matters—helping people learn effective grappling, improve their skills, and become better martial artists.
Troy credits many coaches, mentors, and training partners for helping shape his journey. He has also studied the systems and methodologies developed by John Danaher and Gordon Ryan, which have further influenced his coaching philosophy and modern approach to submission grappling.
Philosophy
“My goal is simple: to spread the art of grappling and submission wrestling to as many people as possible while providing practical, modern, and effective training that works both on the mats and in competition.”
Achievements & Qualifications
4th Degree Black Belt – Catch Submission Wrestling
3rd Degree Black Belt – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
1st Degree Black Belt – Luta Livre
Black Belt – Hapkido
Certified Muay Thai Coach
Over 30 Years of Martial Arts Experience
Over 20 Years of Coaching Experience
Former Head Coach of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Programs
Produced Multiple MMA Champions and Title Holders
Coached State and Regional Champions Across Australia
Seminar Instructor, Camp Coach, and Instructor Development Mentor
Sold Thousands of Submission Wrestling Instructional Videos Worldwide
Dedicated to the Development and Growth of Modern Submission Wrestling and Catch Wrestling
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