El Matador Martial Arts Academy is a family friendly training facility based in Everton Hills, Brisbane. Take confidence in learning from our highly experienced coaches. El Matador is not just a gym, but a home for members of our community with a strong focus on individual and collective development. Our supportive and hard working team will assist in your progression all while showing you that your Martial Arts/Fitness journey can be fun.
We have classes specifically designed for everyone and we welcome anyone regardless of fitness and experience level. Our passionate coaches have a wealth of knowledge and will aid in helping you achieve your personal goals. Our classes are structured for those who want to have fun while getting fit, but also for those who want to take it more seriously and compete.
If you have particular fitness and training goals or need any advice, we’re here to help.
Free unrestricted on site and street parking available. Our premises is also conveniently located close to public transport. Private one on one training with any of our coaches is available at your request.
About Us
Head Coach
Antonio Cabrera (Blue Card Holder)
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Head Striking Coach at El Matador Martial Arts
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Striking coach at the ICC Brisbane (Australian Defence Force)
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Muay Thai, Karate, Boxing
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Kids Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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Certified Personal Trainer
​Antonio (Tony), has over 40 years of Martial Arts Experience. He has competed in Point fighting Karate, Full contact Karate, Kick Boxing and Muay Thai also achieving Black Belts and equivalents in these arts. He has been teaching Martial Arts and Combat Sports for over 30 years, his students have fought in Amateur and Professional shows in Europe, Australia and Thailand.
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1st Dan Karate black belt from the Royal Spanish Karate Federation (1st person to achieve a black at The Escuela Municipal de Karate de Fuengirola)
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1st Dan Black Belt K1 and Kick Boxing WKN Cataluña
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1st Dan Black Belt Jissen Budo
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10 Khan (Red Mongkong) Muay Thai I.A.M.T.F
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Certified Machida Karate Instructor (1st in Australia to become a Machida Karate Certified Instructor)
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Certified Instructor Australian Martial Arts Association
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P1 Kinetic Fighting
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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt
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Diploma Strength and Conditioning Coach (Orthos Barcelona)
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Diploma in Physical Culture, hypertrophy training and Bodybuilding (Orthos Barcelona)
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Certificate 3 in Fitness (Fitness Industry Training Brisbane)
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Certificate 4 in Fitness Personal Training (Fitness Industry Training Brisbane)
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Level 1 Power Lifting Coach (Power Lifting Australia)
Coach
Marissa Castro (Blue Card Holder)
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Striking coach at El Matador Martial Arts
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Assistant coach at ICC Brisbane (Australian Defence Force)
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Adult & Kids Muay Thai
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Certified Personal Trainer
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Yoga Instructor
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Remedial Massage Therapist
​Marissa began training Tae Kwon Do during high school and achieved her black belt before making the change to Muay Thai in her early 20s. She gained her Certificates 3 & 4 in Fitness and instructed Muay Thai and Strength & Conditioning classes prior to enlisting in the Australian Army. In 2018 she began training at El Matador Martial Arts and in 2023 became Assistant Coach. Marissa is also a qualified Yoga instructor and a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist. Marissa has recently re-enlisted and instructs Muay Thai classes with Tony at Gallipoli Barracks.
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Black Belt from Moon Lee Tae Kwon Do
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Certificate 3 in Fitness (Brisbane North Institute of TAFE)
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Certificate 4 in Fitness (Southbank Institute of Technology)
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Certified Instructor Australian Martial Arts Association
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200HR Yoga Teacher Training (Yoga Nisarga)
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Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy (Q Academy)
Assistant Coach
Michael La (Blue Card Holder)
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Assistant coach at El Matador Martial Arts
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Qualified MMA and Striking Instructor - Australian Army
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International MMA Competitor
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ACP Instructor Qualification - Level 3
Michael began his martial arts journey in 2009, training at the World Jujitsu Federation in Sydney, specialising in Japanese Jujitsu. In 2010, he began training at NX Generation, where he studied Muay Thai, Pankration, MMA, Boxing, Kickboxing, No-Gi Grappling, and Sambo. During this time, Michael became an assistant instructor, helping to run kids, teens, and adult classes, while also beginning his competitive career in MMA and Pankration.
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In 2011, Michael represented Australia as part of the Australian MMA Team, competing internationally in Iran, while continuing to compete throughout the year. He was graded to Purple Belt in Japanese Jujitsu, recognising his technical development and experience. In 2014, Michael again represented Australia, competing in Taiwan, where he fought in the MMA main event bout and secured the win. That same year, he completed the AMMASA MMA and Muay Thai Judge and Referee Qualification Course.
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In 2015, Michael represented Australia in Thailand, competing at the World Sports Jujitsu Competition, further expanding his international competition experience.
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Michael enlisted in the Australian Army in 2017, and in 2019, while based in Canberra, ACT, completed qualifications to teach MMA and Striking classes within the Australian Army.
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In 2023, Michael met Head Coach Antonio Cabrera at the Combative Centre at Gallipoli Barracks, where he began training under Tony’s guidance. In 2024, Michael and his family joined El Matador Martial Arts, where he now assists with kids classes alongside Tony and Marissa. That same year, he completed the ACP Instructor Qualification Level 3 and began training in Freestyle Wrestling.
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Michael is originally from Sydney, NSW. He is currently balancing his time between his passion for combat sports, serving his country as a soldier in the Australian Army and raising his family. Michael met his wife Cassandra while training and teaching at NX Generation in Sydney. Today, their two sons, Alistair and Dante, train at El Matador Martial Arts, following in their father’s footsteps.
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Purple belt - Japanese Jujitsu
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ACP Instructor Qualification - Level 3
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AMMASA MMA & Muay Thai Judge/Referee
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Qualified MMA & Striking Instructor - Australian Army
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International competition experience (Iran, Taiwan, Thailand)
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Freestyle Wrestling