About Our Instructor — Luke Hennessy

BJJ Black Belt

Lineage: Helio Gracie → Royler Gracie → Eddie Kone → Diccon Lynes → Luke Hennessy

​I began my journey in 2013 at Kingston BJJ. At the time, I was out of shape and had no real martial arts experience. I had my first “roll”, got submitted in about 15 seconds, and never looked back.

Jiu-Jitsu immediately became my primary vehicle for self-improvement. Within a year, I had dropped 19kg and developed a level of confidence that only comes from tested, functional skill.

In 2022, I was asked to start teaching at Kingston BJJ, where I remain a member to this day. In January 2024, I was honoured to receive my black belt from Diccon Lynes, having also received my blue, purple and brown belts from him in 2014, 2017 and 2020 respectively. ​​

Throughout 2014 and 2015, I received elite-level Wrestling coaching under 4x Bulgarian National Champion Lyubo Kumbarov. In 2021, I began formally cross-training in the art of Judo where I currently hold the rank of Brown Belt.​

I advocate for the idea that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone. Whether your goal is high-level competition, practical self-defence, or simply better health and community, my mission is to provide the technical structure and environment to ensure you achieve it. Our club strives to be a warm and welcoming team full of friendly faces with a shared goal of getting better, one class at a time. ​

Why Indalo?​

The Indalo is an ancient symbol discovered in Spain, depicting a figure holding an arch—or rainbow—over head. Historically, it is a totem of protection, health, and good fortune, representing the connection between humanity and the universe.​

These are the exact attributes I believe we cultivate when we train together at our club. Through the lifelong study of Jiu-Jitsu, we don’t just learn to fight; we build the protection, health, and resilience that improve every aspect of our lives off the mats. For these reasons I believe there is no better symbol to represent our academy than the Indalo.