Our People | Owners & Administration

Eugene Hynson (BJJ) (KICKBOXING) (MMA)

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt (2nd Degree)

Head Instructor and Owner - Eugene Hynson received his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in 2014 from Professor Steve Oliver Black Belt (3rd Degree).

Eugene has been training, studying and coaching Martials Arts for over 40 years.

His introduction to combat sports started at the age of 8 years when he competed and won multiple New Zealand Championship titles (Olympic Freestyle Wrestling). Then moving through to his teenage years, Eugene competed in Amateur Boxing where he was undefeated.

In his early 20’s Eugene was completing his apprenticeship as a Carpenter and successfully transitioned into competitive Kickboxing where he achieved a WKA New Zealand Kickboxing tile (1998).

In his mid-20’s Eugene was a full-time personal trainer in his family business (Don Oliver Health & Fitness). Having achieved New Zealand titles in both grappling and striking Eugene then advanced into the evolving world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Following Eugene’s 1999 debut in Vale Tudo (no holds barred) he continued to compete in Professional Shooto (MMA) in both Australia and Japan.

Over the next 5 years Eugene competed Internationally at ADCC Oceania World Championship Trails, World Pankration Championship, and World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship “Mundials”.

In the years following Eugene’s overseas competition career he continued to compete, coach, judge and referee within New Zealand in a variety of Martial Arts shows and competitions including Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA. He has also continued developing and growing the sport of BJJ in New Zealand through the NZ Grappler competition circuit.

Over the last 10 years as well as operating a construction company Eugene has continued as a Professional Instructor training and teaching Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA. Investing hundreds of hours in formal instructional training & coaching seminars with some of the World’s best coaches and former World Champions: Ricardo Laborio, Henry Atkins, Dave Camarillo, Jonny Faria, Bruno Malfacini, Bruno Alves & Steve Oliver.

Off the mats Eugene enjoys building, spending quality time with his wife Cathy and their families, friends & George (the family dog).

Cathy Hynson (Reception / Memberships / Admin / Accounts)

Cathy is co-owner of Oliver MMA Kapiti Coast with her husband Eugene Hynson, and is the Office Manager extraordinaire.  She is your go-to person for all Reception, Membership, Accounts & Administration needs.  

Cathy has a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  During the day Cathy is an Executive Assistant in Wellington, and when she’s not working she loves pottering around the house, garden and spending time with Eugene and their families, friends & George (the family dog).