About us

Liam Resnekov

Liam is a black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Professor Bruno Panno from the legendary Royler Gracie Academy and is also highly trained in both judo and wrestling. He is the co-head coach and owner of VT1 MMA Academy. He started Martial Arts when he was five years old and he has never stopped since.

In 1994, he saw Royce Gracie win the UFC using Gracie Jiu Jitsu and since that day he was hooked. As Jiu Jitsu wasn’t available in NSW he continued his other martial arts study until he found an academy in 1998. His first training was under Mario Sperry, from the legendary Carlson Gracie Academy. They were famed for their Vale Tudo (no holds barred) Champions and being a dominant force in the World Gi and No Gi Circuit.

In 2001, the academy was taken over by Professor Bruno Panno and Liam began to train in the Helio Gracie style of Jiu Jitsu, providing him with a well rounded exposure to the art.

He continues to travel the world, training with the top teams to bring back the cutting edge Jiu Jitsu and MMA to VT1 Academy every year. He also studies the art of coaching from the masters in other competitive sports.

“The best never rest” is his motto.

Achievements include:

#1 Contender in the Xtreme Fighting Championships
1st at Multiple State and National Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Titles
1st Rio Sul Open Brazil
2nd at ADCC Australia and New Zealand Trials
1st at Multiple Eastern Conference and Australia University Judo Championships

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What Our Students Say

Probably the best gym I've ever been to. Amazing staff who really take care of their students and are both passionate and educated about their martial art, great facilities and kick ass uniforms! I love coming here and I love the friendly, welcoming and supportive atmosphere, with their no-attitude on the mats belief.

Jessica Zhang

A top class gym, very professional. I've trained in different places over the world and by far this is the most organised and well run/structured gym I have trained at. Something for everyone be it kids programs, beginners or fighters. Can't recommend highly enough.

Ollie Hale

The best academy I have ever trained at .
Awesome staff, instructors and atmosphere .
It's a great community and culture.
Highly recommend trying martial arts for fitness, self defence and fun!

I started at VT1 when I was a teen and had the pleasure of being with the gym for over 10 years .

Richard Walsh (Ex UFC fighter)

VT1 has not just one or two, but a stack of awesome coaches. The atmosphere and facilities suit families all the way through to professional fighters, with a timetable so jam packed full of great classes that it is hard to choose between them all!

Jordan Crew

Best gym, very motivated coaches who take care of all their students at a personal level and help everyone develop individually and as a team, gym promotes a very humble aura with no judgements. I would and also have recommended the gym to all my friends.

Mario Vey

My 10 yr old daughter did jiujitsu at VT1 and loved it. Learned some serious self defence skills as well and unfortunately did a lot of practice on me! Teens classes highly recommended.

Mark de Kock

Brilliant classes, gorgeous staff and stand-out coaches, for all ages, kids, and those kids at heart! A place to be. If you just want to learn new skills or get fit and meet new friends at the same time!

Janise Huckerby

I have been to VT1 almost a year now. It is clean which is the MOST important. Coaches are great, staff are super friendly and helpful, students are kind to each other. The poster I love most at VT1 is"Leave your shoes and ego outside." We have world class UFC, Jiu jitsu and Muay Thai fighters training in the gym, we also have normal clumsy people like myself. We also have special needs kids and Parkinson patients. Coaches are very serious but also very funny, I always look forward to coming to the gym after a long work day.

Ada Lo

I've been training at VT1 for quite awhile now and over the years taken part in most of the classes the gym has to offer.
There is something special about this place. I met some of my best friends at VT1. While the gym has expanded greatly since I first started, it still has the same friendly, fun and supportive atmosphere.

The gym caters to many demographics all the way from the highest level of competition to the casual person just wanting to get fit.

I would highly recommend this gym to anyone interested in taking up training for any reason.

Glen Ratcliff

VT1 is hands down the best Martial Arts training centre in Sydney. The coaches are experts across various MA disciplines and are extremely good at training across all levels - from newbie to advanced. Kids & adults are all welcome. The gym itself is brilliant, several levels with all the equipment you need.

Katya D'entremont

I've trained BJJ here for several years and I love this gym because it combines a fun, relaxed atmosphere with professionalism and an excellent learning structure.

Head BJJ coach, Liam Resnekov, regularly travels and trains with top BJJ practitioners; bringing back, teaching and adapting the techniques and principles he acquires along the way. In this way our training is always evolving and always interesting.

Joining VT1 did wonders for my personal development and I began to see powerful changes not only in my fitness but in other areas of my life also. I've made lifelong friends at VT1 and always feel at home when I step through the door.

David Sleet

Love this gym. I started as a complete beginner and was afraid to join a class, but as soon as I stepped into the gym I felt at home straight away. The friendly coaches, receptionists and members make you feel so welcomed and comfortable. I also told my friend's kids to join their kids classes and they have been enjoying the classes a lot! Highly recommend this place, it really doesn't matter if you are just looking to get fit, find a new hobby or compete, they cater to all goals very well!

Alyssa Mak

I have trained at VT1 for many years and can't get enough. The coaches are always friendly and helpful. They helped me progress from being totally new to Muay Thai to eventually having 5 Amateur fights. The head coaches have designed the programs to suit all levels, whether you want to train towards competing, get fit or just try something new.
Can't recommend highly enough!!

Ben Schafer

One of the best Martial Arts gym in Australia! They offer adults and kids classes, with a wide variety of classes such as boxing, Muay Thai, women's kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and karate. The coaches are so knowledgeable and genuinely have a deep love for Martial arts, coupled with expertise and experience. Coaches are also friendly and nice.

I have trained at a few gyms in Sydney, Singapore and Thailand, but the systems and techniques you learn in VT1 are incomparable. Well thought out syllabus and differentiated classes to cater for all!

Rachel Pan