John Will's RedCat Academy
Martial Arts Geelong - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA & Kids Grappling
About Red Cat Academy
John Will's Redcat Academy is the home of one of Australia's premier Martial Arts coaches. John Will is known throughout Australasia and the world as the coaches coach. Prolific blogger, writer and seminar coach, John Will is on the cutting edge of the martial arts world. And his home academy is right here in Geelong. We are NOT a traditional martial arts school! We DO NOT teach forms, martial dances or other ancient practices. What we do offer are cutting edge training methods that allow you to make maximum gains in the shortest possible time. We provide you with real skills that work in the real world – and we do so via a proven method in a safe and fun environment. Whether you are looking to learn personal safety skills, take up a combat sport hobby or simply widen your social circle, we are here for you. Have you ever thought how great it would be to have the confidence of a World champion Black Belt?
Our Core Values
World-class instruction from Australia's premier martial arts coach
Cutting edge training methods for maximum results
Safe, professional environment for all ages and skill levels
Real-world self-defense skills that actually work
Meet Our Instructors
Learn from the best in the industry

John Will
Head Instructor & Founder
One of the most influential Martial Artists of the past two decades, John Will's accomplishments within the industry are prolific. In the seventies and early eighties he trained extensively throughout Indonesia, Thailand, India and Japan. He was a multi-style Black Belt back when such things just did not happen. In the 80's he founded Blitz, Australia's Leading Martial Arts Magazine. After several training trips to Brazil and numerous more to LA training with World Kickboxing Champion Benny 'the Jet' Urquidez, Gene LeBell and the Machado brothers, he introduced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to Australian shores. The 1st Australian to be awarded his Black Belt in BJJ, he founded BJJ Australia, the largest single BJJ organization outside of Brazil. Mr Will conducts more than 80 seminars a year both here and overseas. He is contracted by various military and law enforcement groups including the Australian Defence Forces Academy in Canberra, police academies throughout Australia and New Zealand, and even at Quantico (headquarters for FBI and Marines) in Virginia. Three time winner of the prestigious 'Martial Arts – Instructor of the Year' award.
Melissa Will
Kids Program Instructor
Melissa Will leads our Future Leaders kids program with dedication and expertise. Known for her ability to explain techniques clearly and make learning fun, she helps children develop not just martial arts skills but also confidence, discipline, and respect. Parents consistently praise her teaching style and the positive impact she has on their children's development both on and off the mats.
Our Training Programs
Choose from our comprehensive training programs
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)
Learn the art of ground fighting and submission grappling. Our BJJ program teaches you how to control and submit opponents using leverage and technique rather than strength. Classes available for all skill levels from beginners to advanced practitioners.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Comprehensive training combining striking, grappling, and ground fighting techniques. Our MMA program prepares you for real-world self-defense situations and competitive fighting.
Shootfighting
A hybrid martial art combining wrestling, kickboxing, and submission grappling. Perfect for those wanting practical self-defense skills that work in real situations.
Mat Rats Kids Grappling
Our Future Leaders program for children aged 4-15 years. We teach grappling and control skills, street awareness, body language games, and life-relevant skills. Focus on building confidence, discipline, and problem-solving abilities rather than just punching and kicking.
Introductory Classes
New to martial arts? Start here! Our intro classes provide a broad-spectrum curriculum designed to teach fundamental self-defense skills. This 3-month program prepares you for entry into our specialized classes.
Class Schedule
**Friday** 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - ALL RANKS REDCAT COMBATIVES **Monday** 8:00 AM - Morning BJJ Class (All Ranks) 4:15 PM - Kids Age 9-15 years (Beginner Level) 5:00 PM - Kids Age 9-15 years (Colored Belts) 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Novice BJJ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Intermediate BJJ 8:00 PM - All Ranks BJJ Class **Sunday** Closed **Tuesday** 4:15 PM - Kids Age 4-8 years (Beginner Level) 4:45 PM - Kids Age 4-8 years (Colored Belts) 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM - INTRO CLASS 6:45 PM - 8:15 PM - ADVANCED BJJ **Saturday** 3:00 PM - OPEN MAT (All Ranks) **Thursday** 4:15 PM - Kids Age 4-8 years (Beginner Level) 4:45 PM - Kids Age 4-8 years (Colored Belts) 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM - INTRO CLASS 6:45 PM - 8:15 PM - ADVANCED BJJ **Wednesday** 8:00 AM - Morning BJJ Class (All Ranks) 4:15 PM - Kids Age 9-15 years (Beginner Level) 5:00 PM - Kids Age 9-15 years (Colored Belts) 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Novice BJJ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Intermediate BJJ 8:00 PM - All Ranks BJJ Class
What Our Students Say
"Everyone has to travel a little to get to training, but if you're like me and live hundreds of kilometres from the nearest BJJ / MMA school you will be wanting to make sure that travel is well worth it! The mat culture coupled with the quality of instruction available at RedCat Academy is why I hit the road for fifteen hours several times each year just to train there. I never want to leave!" — Sam Broughton (5/5 stars) "To this day, I still haven't experienced the level of coaching excellence that Professor John Will delivers at his Redcat academy. Be it kids classes, MMA or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, this club stands at the top of the martial arts landscape. That is why I always ensure I make time 3 times per year to drive the 9 hours to Redcat even if it is just for a night or 2 of training. If you are looking for the best coach, the best techniques or just a crazy high level of martial artists with positive attitudes on one mat, Redcat is the place to visit." — Tom Davey (5/5 stars) "My three Boys have been training at Red Cat Academy now for 2 years. Just the other day Noah mentioned to me 'you know dad, I'm not that good at sports, I can't really run that fast and can't play football that good but you know what I'm really good at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and my coach Melissa is really great she explains everything really well and is very helpful, it makes Jiu Jitsu a lot of Fun and makes me want to get better and better.'" — Grant Hustler (5/5 stars) "I have been training at John Wills Red Cat Martial Arts Academy since January 2008; studying both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Shoot Fighting. In my opinion the instruction and club culture is second to none; absolutely world class. When I started in 2008 I was 42 and hadn't been involved in any type of structured exercise for many years. I'm now fifty and love training more than ever! If you are thinking about training martial arts, I cannot recommend John Wills Red Cat Martial Arts Academy enough, it's such a great place to be." — Craig Moorfoot (5/5 stars) "I attended a seminar taught by John Will in New Zealand in 2006, this was one of the best decisions of my life and I have not looked back since. John is a world-class coach with the ability to breakdown techniques making them uncomplicated to practice. John and Melissa have created a welcoming mat culture at REDCAT Academy, this school will change your life for the better, I guarantee it." — Inger Craven (5/5 stars)
Get in Touch
We'd love to hear from you
Visit Us
159A Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
Call Us
522 33 666Email Us
Contact via form on websiteBusiness Hours
Monday: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Contact Hours)
Tuesday: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Contact Hours)
Wednesday: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Contact Hours)
Thursday: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Contact Hours)
Friday: Contact for schedule
Saturday: 3:00 PM (Open Mat)
Sunday: Closed