Lorenzo Nigli
About Lorenzo
Lorenzo Nigli is the Head Striking Coach and co-owner of Northern Mixed Martial Arts, bringing over 27 years of martial arts experience to the club. Holding a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Ryukyu Ocho Sui-Di Bujutsu (Okinawan Karate) under Hanshi Koichi Nakasone (10th Dan), Lorenzo has dedicated his life to the pursuit of martial arts excellence, training across multiple disciplines and continuously expanding his skill set.
Lorenzo’s martial arts journey began in 1997, and since then, he has accumulated a wealth of experience in Full Contact Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and Kickboxing, with accolades spanning decades. In 2002, he took his training to the next level by spending a year in Japan, where he lived and trained in Full Contact Karate at Nakayama Dojo in Fukuoka. He also trained at the prestigious Naha Dojo, Hanshi Nakasone’s Full Contact Karate Headquarters in Okinawa. Since then, Lorenzo has returned to Okinawa and Japan nearly every year, attending extended Full Contact Karate training camps under the watchful eye of Hanshi Nakasone.
Lorenzo’s competitive career is highlighted by his participation in the World Ryukyu (Okinawan) Full Contact Karate Championships, where he has consistently performed at an elite level. His most notable achievements include 3rd place finishes in both 2018 and 2019, a testament to his dedication and skill in the world of Full Contact Karate.
In addition to his Okinawan Karate background, Lorenzo holds a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, graded by Ninos Dammo of Australian Elite Team (3rd Degree Black Belt). He has also trained extensively in Boxing under Coach John Sfyris and the late great Louie Korica. His versatility across martial arts reflects his commitment to blending traditional techniques with modern training methods, ensuring his students benefit from a comprehensive and dynamic approach.
Lorenzo is also a well-rounded athlete with a strong background in strength and conditioning. He co-founded CrossFit Merciless, the first CrossFit affiliate in Melbourne’s western suburbs, where he trained athletes and fighters for five years. Additionally, Lorenzo co-founded and successfully ran another MMA gym in Melbourne’s west from 2014 until he sold it in 2022. His training under Olympic Gold Medalist Weightlifter Sevdalin Marinov and Olympian Weightlifting Coach Nick Ciancio further enhanced his expertise in functional fitness, Olympic weightlifting, and strength training. His experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach, combined with his work as a massage therapist (Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Massage), makes Lorenzo a versatile and multi-dimensional coach, capable of preparing his students for the physical demands of high-level martial arts.
At Northern MMA, Lorenzo’s passion for martial arts extends beyond personal accolades. His focus is on developing the next generation of martial artists by offering a structured and supportive learning environment. Together with his team of highly skilled coaches, Lorenzo ensures that every student at Northern MMA receives comprehensive training that builds confidence, discipline, and real-world self-defence skills.