About Us
"...RESPECT, HUMILITY,
BALANCE & LOYALTY ..."

THE FACILITY
Located in the Ballina Industrial area we boast a spacious training area and take pride in ensuring the mats are regularly cleaned and sanitised. Our training area has a sub-floor, which assists in absorbing impact from falling. Additional features of the space include:
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Mens and Womens changerooms
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Shower facilities
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Strength and Conditioning equipment
In addition to the physical attributes of the facility, our space is ego-free and fosters a nurturing learning environment. We are a family friendly school and as such are inclusive of all.
OUR STORY
Portal Jiu Jitsu was founded in 2012 in Joao Pessoa – PB, Brazil by Professor David Moreira.
Portal is named after the suburb Portal Do Sol; the most easterly point of Brazil and the location of the first school. Portal is based on the principles Prof. David has learned during his experience in jiu jitsu with a methodology targeted at teaching technical development as well as instilling the moral values of respect, humility, balance and loyalty.
In 2016 after building a strong and solid team, Prof. David brought his teachings and philosophy to the most easterly point of Australia; Byron Bay, NSW.
Today, Portal has grown with classes taught in Ballina NSW. Portal is taught with a philosophy grounded in traditional jiu jitsu where respect and discipline are always shown on the mats and any ego quickly forgotten. Portal is family run and driven by the genuine desire to impart teachings and to guide and be part of students’ jiu jitsu journeys.
Portal promotes a safe and nurturing learning environment with new students welcomed and made to feel part of the family. Portal teaches students organically by instructing on the roots of jiu jitsu by providing knowledge and ensuring understanding of the fundamental principles. This conceptual awareness then leads to a greater command of the techniques while also allowing students to develop their own game based on their size, shape, strengths and weaknesses.
It is the philosophy of Portal Jiu Jitsu that everything learnt on the mats is then realised in daily life. As students begin to train they experience an increase in energy and physicality which enforces a healthy lifestyle such as eating and sleeping habits as well as dissuades adverse lifestyle choices. Through perseverance on the mats students increase mental toughness as well as improve problem solving skills. By cultivating these habits, it can be seen how jiu jitsu affects life as a whole. This understanding is embodied by the Portal logo which symbolises the ongoing connection between mind, body and spirit.
PROF. DAVID MOREIRA SOARES
With over 30 years’ experience and athletic accomplishments including but not limited to Brazilian Champion, South American Champion, Australian Champion and two times Worlds Finalist, Prof. David's jiu jitsu is first-class. Not only is he a skilled practitioner but his coaching ability is much-admired with a strength in easily connecting with and teaching students of all ages and abilities. Through personal experience Prof. David holds the strong belief that everything you learn on the mat will be positively transferred to any area of life.
MEET THE TEAM

PROF. DAVID MOREIRA
FOUNDER / DIRECTOR
HEAD COACH
3ND DEGREE BLACK BELT

PROF. PEDRO DA SILVA
BLACK BELT
1st DEGREE BLACK BELT

COACH WADE
PURPLE BELT
COACH

AMBER
BLUE BELT

HOLLY MCLEAN
DIRECTOR
BLUE BELT

PROF. ZAREENA MAY
BLACK BELT
1st DEGREE BLACK BELT

COACH NATHAN SCHEMBRI
PURPLE BELT
COACH