Family focused owners, dedicated to your growth!

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Cairns is built on a shared long-term vision: clear instruction, strong character, and a safe place for you and your family to grow. Our three partners bring different backgrounds, one philosophy, and a deep respect for the traditions of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu—done properly and taught with care.

Andre Schokman
Co-Owner & Head Instructor

Andre moved to Tropical North Queensland with a love for the natural world and a curiosity that’s always pushed him to learn more. Martial arts has been part of his life since childhood, beginning with Karate and expanding into a lifelong pursuit of effective, practical self-defence.
Discovered Gracie Jiu-Jitsu through Professors Ryron Gracie and Rener Gracie, drawn to their structured teaching and proven techniques
Dedicated himself to the Gracie University Instructor Certification Program
Travelled to Los Angeles in July 2023 to train, certify, and connect with the Gracie family
Passionate about passing on not just techniques, but a pathway to discipline, confidence, and personal growth
Andre’s focus is simple: help you learn how to protect yourself and others, while becoming a stronger, calmer, more capable version of yourself.

Luke Conroy
Co-Owner & Instructor in Training

Luke is a former Australian Defence Force Sergeant who served 13 years before discharging in 2022. His service included operational deployments recognised by the Afghanistan Medal and the Australian Active Service Medal (ICAT), reflecting his commitment to duty, discipline, and team.

His introduction to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu came through his daughter’s enrolment in Gracie Bullyproof® program at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Cairns. Watching her confidence rise, her resilience strengthen, and her focus sharpen made the value of the program unmistakable.

He soon joined Gracie Combatives®️ himself, initially to stay fit and sharpen his mindset. What began as a personal development chapter quickly grew into a deep respect for the structure, discipline, and philosophy behind the system—particularly the legacy of Hélio Gracie and the standards upheld by Gracie University.

Luke commits himself to continual learning, technical refinement, and instructor development. As co-owner, he works to create a safe, structured, and welcoming academy where you feel supported from your first class through to your long-term goals.

Terri Conroy
Co-Owner

After travelling Australia with her family, Terri now calls Cairns home. She is a dedicated home educator to her two children and brings a strong background in business management and customer service.
Passionate about supporting others through education and lived experience
An active student of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Committed to empowering women through self-defence and resilience
Working towards introducing the Women’s Empowered program
Actively involved in supporting children within the Bullyproof® program
Terri’s focus is growth—within herself, her family, and every student who walks through the door. She believes confidence is built through consistency, encouragement, and the right guidance.

Together, our team is here to give you more than classes.
You’ll find structure, accountability, and a community that genuinely wants to see you succeed—on and off the mats.