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Ben Turnbull began his Martial Art training at around the age of five under the tutelage of his Father, renowned Aikido Master John Turnbull.
Ben was groomed from an early age to become an instructor in this tradition and holds the rank of third degree black belt in Aikido.
John Turnbull sensei teaches a balance between the internal aspects of Aikido and the combat realities of the Art, and realising the need to teach from experience rather than theory,
Ben spent three years working in the often violent arena of nightclub doorwork in some of Canberra's more popular clubs. There he separated fact from fiction regarding self-defence for real-world application. This in-valuable experience would shape his approach to training methodolgy for years to come and
lead him into a career in fedral Law Enforcement.
As a Operational Safety Trainer (Use of Force Instructor), Ben has had the opportunity to assist in the training and skills enhancement of fellow officers and further refine his teaching style.
In 2005 he spent four months in the troubled Solomon Islands working in Protection and High-risk Prisoner transport where he received a certificate of merit for the de-escalation of a potentially violent encounter with Honiara's most notorious high-risk prisoner and former Militia leader.
Like the rest of the World's Martial Art community, Ben's attention was captured when a skinny Brazilian Guy choked-out all comers in the first Ultimate fighting Championship. Years later Ben would have the change to attend a few days training with the legendary Royce Gracie. The Gracie's style was so similar to many of the skills that Ben father has taught him in early childhood, (which he had utilized time and again as a doorman) he knew he had to learn this superb Art.
After training briefly with a couple of different groups, he was introduced to Professor Paulo Guimaraes at his Bondi Academy by a close friend and knew he had found his BJJ teacher.
Paulo's High standards and passion for his art were proof that the ROOTS team was the the team to join.
Ben's personal philosophy is of strivng for personal growth, of learning from others and passing on those lessons. He firmly believes in the "unity of all Martial Artists for the good of society."
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