APEX MMA: About Us
The Apex MMA Story
APEX MMA COACHING TEAM
MEET THE COACHES
The Apex MMA Coaching Team are multi-discipline martial artists who have competed professionally and now devote themselves to building a team on the Northern Beaches. With decades of experience now focused on helping you get the most out of your training, pursue excellence in your art and become a valuable team member.
THE APEX MMA STORY
HISTORY OF APEX
Apex MMA’s roots reach back to 1994 when pioneer Anthony Lange opened Sydney’s first MMA and BJJ academy in a Manly school hall. Trained under John B Will of the famed “Dirty Dozen”, Lange embraced Will’s cross‑training ethos and hybrid Shoot fighting system, later coaching Australia’s first UFC winner.
Among his students were Sonny Brown, Nick Pudney and Chad Lumley: Sonny became a three‑time national MMA champion and BJJ black belt, Nick earned his BJJ black belt and competed in MMA. Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu, while Chad both competed and coached, cornering Sonny, Nick and their teammates to victories.
After nearly three decades, Lange retired in 2022; Sonny, Nick and Chad launched Apex MMA to carry forward an inclusive, multi‑disciplinary legacy, pushing students to grow and realise their potential.
APEX MMA
The Art Of APEX MMA
Decades of high-level mixed martial arts competitions have proven that four ranges are needed to succeed in a hand-to-hand combat situation: striking, clinching, wrestling, and grappling. Apex MMA teaches a martial arts system that incorporates the most effective techniques from Muay Thai for striking/clinching and Jiu-Jitsu for wrestling/grappling, creating a unified self-defence and combat sports system.
We offer three different types of classes:
Muay Thai classes incorporate striking, clinching and Muay Thai skills.
Jiu-Jitsu classes incorporate of wrestling, grappling and Jiu-Jitsu skills
MMA classes blend striking, clinching, wrestling and grappling skills.
The beginner classes of these three programs combine seamlessly to produce our total self-defence program, which covers all ranges of combat.
Our classes are divided by experience:
Beginner classes introduce you to the core concepts of art and help you build skills from no experience.
Intermediate classes expand on concepts and techniques, enhancing skill sets and promoting strategic application.
Advanced classes build on your foundations to accelerate your learning using our systematic teaching methods.
Our expertly designed programs are simple and sequential and teach effective self-defence and combat sports skills. No prior experience or fitness level is necessary to get started.
APEX MMA
COMMUNITY POLICIES
FOUR CORE VALUES
We show up with intent, stay focused on the task, and move forward together. Our culture is built on effort, accountability and honest training. We hold ourselves to the standard we expect from our team.
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HYGIENE & CLEANING
Clean training gear and bodies help keep our mats safe and healthy for everyone. Good hygiene is part of showing respect to your training partners. It’s simple, and it matters.
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ACADEMY ETIQUETTE
Be on time, listen closely, and train with purpose. Respect your coaches, your training partners, and the room. What we build works best when everyone plays their part.
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CLASS PROGRESS
We offer clear pathways from beginner to advanced across all disciplines. If you show up consistently and apply yourself, you will grow. Ask questions, trust the process, and back yourself.
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MEMBERSHIP CHANGES
Life changes, and your membership can too. Whether it’s a break, an upgrade or a cancellation, we’ve made it easy to manage. If you’re unsure about your options, speak with the team and we’ll help you sort it out.
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PRIVACY POLICY
We respect your data just as we respect the mat. Your information stays private, secure, is used only for the purpose of supporting your training. We don’t share your details, and we won’t spam your inbox.