Sport
16 December, 2025
Coast’s fighting fit machine
LOCAL mixed martial arts talent Jonathan Kuhn capped off a stellar year when he recently returned home triumphant with gold in the purple belt lightweight division after dominating three major competitions in Brisbane and Melbourne.
At this year’s prestigious Pan Pacific Championship run by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Foundation (IBJJF) at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Mr Kuhn had submissions in his two fights and won gold in the purple belt Gi lightweight division. In the no Gi division, he also brought home gold after winning all three of his bouts via submissions.
The premier Australian Jiu-Jitsu Championship run by the Australian Federation of Brasilian Jiu-Jitsu (AFBJJ) took place in mid-August at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. In his bronze match, Mr Kuhn faced James Dickinson and won via submission 7-0.
In the final, he went on and defeated Jamie Rawlings via submission 8-2 and claimed gold in the male Gi purple belt/master 1 (30+) -76kg (lightweight) division.
At the Queensland Jiu-Jitsu championship held at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Mr Kuhn won the quarter final against Daniel Banaghan via submission.
Then he defeated James Fisher via submission in the semi-final and then claimed gold in the male/no-Gi/purple/adult lightweight division (-73.50kg), with a win over Kelton Tabor via submission in the final.
Mr Kuhn also collected gold in the male absolute no-Gi/purple/master one/open weight division after a walk-over against Gwen Lescutier in the bronze match and a win in the final via submission over Te Wera Hauraki Mihaere.
Mr Kuhn strives to live by the philosophy of consistency creates confidence and commitment builds champions.
“Every time you show up, even on the tough days, you are sharpening your mind, strengthening your spirit and inspiring those around you. With enough dedication, your competition results will speak for themselves.”
Previously, Mr Kuhn trained at Fusion Fight and Fitness Innisfail, alongside the world class Mayocchi brothers, Kyle and Brodie, where he gained invaluable knowledge and experience.
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and striking coach, who has been immersed in martial arts for close to a decade, now runs Fusion Fight and Fitness Tully, a gym which offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and mixed martial arts (MMA) classes for children and adults.
Classes cater for all levels, from beginners who are looking to learn the basics to the more experienced athletes aiming to hone your skills, Fusion Fight and Fitness Tully provides a comprehensive training experience with an emphasis on techniques, fitness and the martial arts philosophy.
For further details on timetables and gym news, follow the Fusion Fight and Fitness Tully Facebook page.