Our Story
At Rio Grappling Club West Coast, we are more than just a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy—we are a family, a community, and a place where passion meets purpose. Founded and led by dedicated practitioners
Rudi Viljoen and Hanneke Viljoen, our academy has grown into a powerhouse of talent, teamwork, and personal transformation.
With deep roots in martial arts and a shared commitment to growth, Rudi and Hanneke have built Rio Grappling Club West Coast into a space where students of all ages and backgrounds can thrive. Whether you're stepping onto the mats for the first time or training to compete at the highest levels, our academy welcomes you into a culture of respect, perseverance, and excellence.
Meet the Team
Rudi
Known as "Rudedawg" on the mats, has lived a life defined by relentless drive and physical passion, starting with wrestling at age 5, where he first tasted the thrill of competition, before exploring karate’s discipline and tearing up motocross tracks in his youth. From age 7, he dominated rugby fields through high school and beyond, earning selection to the Northern Sub Union team for three consecutive years, and later traded tackles for pedals with cycling in his 20s. In 2016, he found his true calling in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and, in 2019, celebrated a proud family milestone when he, his wife Hanneke, and their son Hanru all received WP provincial colors together a symbol of their shared dedication.
As co-owner and coach of Rio Grappling Club West Coast, Rudi transformed a small crew of friends into a powerhouse, securing podium finishes against international talent, while also founding Groundgame, a South African martial arts apparel brand born from his innovative spark. His mission to make BJJ accessible to all powers his work, from a life-changing community project inspired by German friend Julian Zisler, uplifting kids, seniors, and club members physically, mentally, and socially, to coaching elite athletes weekly in Jiu-Jitsu for rugby at the International Rugby Institute in Saldanha under world-renowned coach Danie de Villiers. When he’s not leading with heart and hustle, "Rudedawg" escapes to nature, spearfishing, camping, or treasure-hunting with his metal detector, capturing it all with his drone and camera, a reflection of the boundless energy he brings to every roll and every class as a purple belt, chasing his black belt with grit, even if they drag him across the mats, knowing the journey shapes him but the destination is the ultimate reward.
Hanneke
A dedicated jiu jitsu practitioner from Langebaan, has been a proud member of the Rio Grappling family since 2017. Over the past eight years, she has remained fiercely loyal to her affiliation, finding a true home at Rio Grappling West Coast,an academy that has become her jiu jitsu family and a cornerstone of her life. Hanneke’s passion for the sport extends beyond her own training; she has a deep love for working with children and has witnessed firsthand the profound impact jiu jitsu can have on a child’s confidence and moral values, especially through her own son, Hanru Viljoen, who remains her pride and joy.
Hanneke has also played a pivotal role in the growth of her community, helping to propel the NPO project Rio Grappling Paternoster into full swing. This initiative, born from the vision of her dear friend Julian Zisler, reflects her commitment to giving back and fostering the values of jiu jitsu in others. Her dedication on and off the mats showcases her belief in the transformative power of the sport.
Before fully immersing herself in jiu jitsu, Hanneke ran a successful coffee shop for 13 years, a venture that thrived under her care until she decided to part ways with the hospitality industry in March 2023. Now, she channels her energy into her training and aspirations within jiu jitsu, with her sights firmly set on achieving her black belt one day, a goal she pursues with unwavering determination.
Outside of her jiu jitsu journey, Hanneke finds solace in nature and the companionship of her beloved bull terrier, whom she affectionately calls her “bull terrier child.” Above all, her close-knit circle of family and friends means the world to her. Her son Hanru inspires her daily, while her husband provides the rock-solid stability she relies on. When seeking comfort, she turns to her father and sister, who remain her pillars of support.
Hanneke Viljoen’s journey in jiu jitsu is not just about personal achievement, it’s about family, community, and the relentless pursuit of growth, both for herself and those around her. With every roll on the mats, she edges closer to her black belt dream, embodying the spirit of Rio Grappling every step of the way.
Nick Bio
Christopher Nicolas Olivier, affectionately known as Kanon by my fellow Rio Grappling classmates.
My journey with combat sport began in 2016 when I attended the SANDF's Hand to Hand combat instructors course as a prerequisite for being a military instructor at the Army Battle School and later at the South African Military Academy. I started practicing Brazilain jiu jitsu in 2020 at the Gorilla Fighters club and switched to Rio Grappling in 2021. Upon arrival, it was like walking into your family home. Warm and welcoming with an air of excitement to learn. The stage was set, the environment was accommodating, and my journey with Rio Grappling Langebaan began. Being an instructor in the Army, I understood the dedication it takes from the coaches to make a success of club and the club members. Being an instructor at heart, I quickly grew close with my coaches and after some trial and error and guidance from my coaches, I was on my way to assist with coaching and later being offered the privilege and trust of my coaches to take my own classes. Jiu jitsu has been an exciting journey. As a soldier, I enjoy the physicality and the mental challenge each class and competition presents. Jiu jitsu provides me with a break away from reality. The rat race and the demands of everyday life. It affords me an opportunity to express myself as a person. Most importantly, while you are rolling with a friend/opponent trying to secure position and land a submission, you are required to maintain focus in the moment, no distractions and no wondering off into a daydream. That could mean serious injury if you move in the wrong direction. My journey with Rio Grappling Langebaan has been amazing. The growth I have experienced as a person, husband, and father thanks to jiu jitsu has been great. What is even more amazing is seeing the growth of the youngsters coming into class. Shy, awkward, angry young people arrive, and within a few months, they are excited and motivated for life and the challenges that life presents them. Because the core principle of jiu jitsu is to overcome the challenge in front of you, and the way this relates to life is practical and amazing.
