Episode 40 - 32 Martial Arts Black Belts

Geordie Lavers-McBain is a true powerhouse in the world of martial arts and combat training. As the founder and full-time instructor of Black Dragon Kai, with clubs and dedicated training centres across Australia, Geordie has built a legacy of excellence, teaching individuals from all walks of life. His two full-time training hubs in Beaudesert and Jimboomba are the heart of his thriving martial arts empire, where he continues to inspire and train students of all levels.

A relentless learner and educator, Geordie’s qualifications are unparalleled. He holds multiple diplomas from the International College of Martial Arts, including a Diploma in Sports Coaching and an Advanced Diploma in Sports Coaching, specializing in martial arts. His highest qualification to date is a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership, further solidifying his status as a true leader in the martial arts community.

But Geordie's impact goes far beyond the training mats. With a passion for community engagement, he’s worked closely with local councils and schools to promote self-defence techniques, teaching at Beaudesert State High School, The Kooralbyn International School, Emmaus College, and McAuley College as part of their sports curriculum. In recognition of his contribution to the community, he was awarded the Australia Day Award for Senior Sports Person within the Beaudesert Shire in 2002.

In addition to his work in the civilian martial arts world, Geordie is a respected contractor with the Australian Defence Force, teaching Close Quarter Combative and Tactics at the Australian Army Combative Centre at Gallipoli Barracks. He is the only civilian ever qualified in the Army Combative Program at all levels (1, 2, and 3) and has earned the prestigious title of Combative Master Trainer. As a partner in Kinetic Fighting, he also works alongside Paul Cale, teaching specialized courses that blend martial arts with real-world combat scenarios.

Geordie’s influence stretches far beyond individual coaching. As the Queensland State Wrestling Coach, he is a driving force in the development of wrestling in Australia.

Previously, he served two terms as the General Director on the board for Wrestling Australia, as well as National Female Coordinator and National Head Coach for Women's Wrestling. His expertise even took him to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, where he served as a National Technical Official for Wrestling.

Geordie’s dedication to women's wrestling is evident in his role as co-founder of Girls into Wrestling, a series of competitions and camps aimed at growing and developing female wrestling across the country with his wife, Jessica Lavers-McBain.

From 2010 to 2023, Geordie served as the Co-director and Event Coordinator for the Queensland Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Circuit (QBJJC), organizing over 20 BJJ competitions annually across Queensland. As part of the state organization under the Australian Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (AFBJJ) and the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), he helped elevate BJJ in Australia to new heights.

Geordie’s martial arts journey began at just eight years old, and over the years, he has amassed an impressive 32 Black Belts and multiple instructor qualifications in systems that don’t even use a belt system. This deep, diverse experience has shaped him into one of the most highly respected and versatile martial artists in the country.

Whether coaching elite athletes, working with the Australian Defence Force, or championing female participation in wrestling, Geordie Lavers-McBain continues to break new ground in the martial arts world, inspiring the next generation of fighters, leaders, and champions.