More than a gym
About Us
Two gyms, one community. Beginners train alongside seasoned competitors, kids build discipline and confidence, and every member is treated like family.
More than a gym
The M A Connection is a martial arts community with two locations in Far North Queensland: Cairns and Innisfail on the Cassowary Coast. We teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai to members from age 5 and up, and it was built by co-founders Garrett and Jeska Maunder around a simple idea: a gym where beginners train alongside experienced competitors, where kids develop discipline and confidence, and where everyone is treated like family.
Formerly Fusion Fight & Fitness
We opened in 2011 as Fusion Fight & Fitness, and in 2025 became The M A Connection. Same gyms, same community, same mats. If you trained with us under the old name, or you’re searching for Fusion Fight & Fitness in Cairns or Innisfail, welcome. You’re in the right place.
What we stand for
Respect. On and off the mats, we treat everyone with respect. Our gym is a safe space where people of all backgrounds come together.
Discipline. Training builds consistent habits that carry over into work, school and relationships.
Community. Members support each other, on and off the mats. Parents tell us their kids have grown in self-confidence and character.
Award winning
The M A Connection was recognised as Best Martial Arts Studio in the Cassowary Coast Region at the Quality Business Awards 2026. Our Cairns gym won Best Martial Arts Studio in Cairns at the 2025 Quality Business Awards, under our former name, Fusion Fight & Fitness.
Giving back
We hold two annual scholarships.
The Sonny Dare Scholarship (junior) is an annual award in memory of Sonny, who passed away in early 2018, supporting a junior member’s martial arts journey.
The Dylan Owen Scholarship (adult) is an annual award in memory of Senior Constable Dylan Owen, a police officer and BJJ purple belt who passed away in 2018 aged 44.
We have also been monthly supporters of WWF Australia since 2019, and previously supported Mission Australia from 2016 to 2019.
The team
Meet our coaches
-
Garrett Maunder
Head Coach & Owner
Co-founder of The M A Connection and head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach. Garrett oversees both gyms and works with athletes preparing for competition.
-
Jeska Maunder
Owner & Junior Muay Thai Coach
Co-founder and BJJ brown belt. Jeska holds a Graduate Diploma of Education, has taught for more than 18 years from kindergarten to adults, and is the first point of contact for member enquiries.
-
Pedro Vasquez
BJJ Coach
Coaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids and adults.
-
James Richardson
Muay Thai Coach
Coaches adult Muay Thai classes, building technique and fight-ready skills.
-
Tristan Picton
Muay Thai Coach
Tristan coaches Muay Thai at our Stratford gym, including the Intermediate classes.
-
Martin Bogner
BJJ Coach
Coaches beginners and the afternoon classes. Promoted to BJJ black belt at the June 2026 grading after more than a decade on the mats.
-
Todd Gill
BJJ Black Belt & Coach
Coaches adult BJJ at our Stratford gym.
-
Dan Hannagan
Strength Coach
Strength and conditioning at our Stratford gym.
-
Kiri Bradley
Muay Thai Coach
Muay Thai fighter with 30+ fights.
-
Konrad Borowiecki
Muay Thai & Boxing Coach
Coaches Muay Thai and boxing, with a focus on competitive athletes.
-
Adrian Pancirov
Junior BJJ Coach
Leads the junior Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program. BJJ brown belt.
-
Harrison Carter-Brown
Front Desk
Your first contact for new sign-ups and day-to-day questions.
-
Daryl Mayocchi
Innisfail Founder & Mentor
Daryl built the academy our Innisfail gym grew from, and remains part of the club. A long-time mentor to the coaches and fighters who train at Michael Street.
-
Kyle Mayocchi
Professional Fighter
Professional fighter, currently in New Zealand training at City Kickboxing with his brother Brodie. Kyle fights Yoshino Hikaru at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on 19 October, on the Lemino SHOOTO 9 card. Back at Michael Street later in the year.
-
Brodie Mayocchi
Coach, Innisfail
Professional fighter, currently training at City Kickboxing in New Zealand.
-
John Boettcher
Muay Thai & Boxing Coach
Coaches Boxing and Muay Thai at our Innisfail gym, from the junior Cubs and Lions classes through to adults, and runs Saturday morning sparring.
-
Jack Mills
Muay Thai Coach
Coaches the Tuesday and Thursday evening Muay Thai classes at our Innisfail gym.
Recognition
Award winning
Cairns 2025 Best Martial Arts Studio Ranked #1 among Cairns martial arts studios. Awarded under our former name, Fusion Fight & Fitness. 
Innisfail 2026 Best Martial Arts Studio Rated 5.0 from 200+ Google reviews
No experience needed
Ready to start?
No experience needed, at either gym. Four weeks to find your feet: the first two completely free, then two more at the intro rate, and your membership carries on from there unless you tell us otherwise. Pick your gym below and you can start online in a couple of minutes.