Progression's Coaching Team

Known in fight circles as 'The Duke of Canberra' Duke is the head coach of Progression MMA and is Canberra's most successful and experienced mixed martial artist. 

With nearly 30 years of high level martial arts experience Duke has a wealth of knowledge to share with his students. 

Holding black belts in both BJJ and Judo, Duke has competed on every continent in the world with the exception of Antartica - but isn't ruling out a fight there either! 

In addition to his role as head coach at Progression MMA, Duke is also signed to international fight promotion ONE FC with a professional record of 8-2. 

in 2017 Duke captured the BRACE Australian Light Heavyweight MMA Champion in the main event at the AIS Arena.

His achievements in grappling  include winning the 2022 IBJJF Pan Pacific No Gi Black Belt Absolute Open and the ADCC National Champion. 

On top of the MMA and BJJ, during Duke's judo career he represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games and was an alternate for the Rio 2016 Olympic team. 

In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Duke has also served as head MMA coaches at Complete MMA, Renegade MMA & Hill Sports Academy along with coaching various workshops and sessions at 10th Planet South Melbourne, Control BJJ, Resilience Training Centre and Combat1 MMA. 

Duke was also a cornerman for Jimmy Crute at UFC 261 in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Callum is the head Strength and Fitness Coach at Progression MMA. Callum will be building the program and running the majority of the group fitness classes. 

He holds a Bachelors Degree of Exercise Science and Sports Coaching from the University of Canberra and has been a personal trainer for 6 years. 

Callum has previously worked for Peak Performance Personal Trainers and currently has his own PT business. He was also the head trainer at F45 Barton for 5 years. 

Callum is passionate about helping people of all fitness levels reach their health and fitness goals, and he creates a fun and motivating environment for his clients. He places a strong emphasis on perfect technique to safely maximise results. 

In addition to his fitness experience, Callum is also a highly accomplished athlete. He played Rugby Union for 18 years, representing the Tuggeranong Vikings, Brumbies City South team, Brumbies under 20s and also the Australian Barbarians at the under 20s level. He has played over 125 games for the Vikings and has won two John I Dent Cups. 

Beau "Mumma's Boy" Hartas is  one Canberra's most popular boxers with a wealth of experience in the boxing world. 

He began fighting in 2006 at Erindale PCYC, and since then he has travelled around Australia competing and attending Aussie titles. 

Beau has multiple amateur state championship titles under his belt and has helped the Commonwealth and Olympic teams spar and train at AIS before they head abroad. In 2017, Beau turned professional and won the NSW state title in his first three fights. He has fought, sparred, and helped numerous Australian fighters, including Aussie champions and world title challengers. 

Beau's professional record stands at 7-2, and he has also competed in modified kickboxing, with a record of 1-1. 

Currently, Beau is running the boxing program at Progression MMA and is dedicated to helping his students succeed and reach their full potential as fighters.

Robin brings nearly 30 years of experience and a rich background in striking martial arts to our team. 

His martial arts journey began at the age of 5 at his father Wim Vlieger’s renowned gym, Thanigul Gym, in Holland. Starting with Taekwondo, Robin achieved a 3rd degree black belt and won the Dutch Open in ITF Taekwondo as a junior.

At 10 years old, Robin ventured into kickboxing and had his first professional fight at 18, compiling an impressive 14-7 record. He has competed under both Muay Thai and K-1 rules, showcasing his versatility in the sport.

Robin's extensive experience includes teaching and coaching fighters of all levels, from children to professionals. His commitment to helping each student reach their full potential makes him an invaluable addition to our team.

In addition to his martial arts expertise, Robin holds a PhD in Computer Science, specializing in diagnostic machine learning models for neurological conditions.

Steve ‘Tough Love’ Lovett is an accomplished boxer with experience at the highest amateur and professional levels.

A multiple ACT Champion, he became the Australian Amateur Boxing Champion in 2008 and represented Australia internationally in 2009 against world class opposition.

Turning professional, Steve compiled an impressive 18–3 record with 14 knockouts, earning a reputation for power, durability, and discipline. He trained in the United States under Hall of Fame coach Ronnie Shields and was signed by renowned boxing advisor Al Haymon, competing on major fight cards across the USA.

Known for his toughness, work ethic, and technical knowledge, Steve brings elite experience to our boxing program and is passionate about building strong fundamentals for athletes of all levels.

Patrick Hill is a professional MMA fighter, Judo Black Belt and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt who brings extensive grappling and competition experience to the Progression MMA coaching team.

Patrick has built an extensive professional MMA record and regularly competes across Australia in all the major promotions.

In 2026, Patrick reached the international stage, representing Australia at ONE Friday Fights 167 at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

An active professional fighter, Patrick brings current competition experience and a strong background in Judo, BJJ, takedowns and MMA grappling directly into his coaching at Progression.

 Tom Pratt is a professional MMA fighter, professional boxer and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt who brings extensive competition experience and technical knowledge to the Progression MMA coaching team.

A dedicated athlete and coach, Tom has competed professionally in both MMA and boxing, developing a strong background in striking, grappling, fight preparation and combat sports performance.

Tom’s practical experience inside the cage and the boxing ring allows him to provide clear, effective coaching for athletes of all levels, from beginners developing their fundamentals to experienced fighters preparing for competition.

At Progression MMA, Tom brings a professional approach, strong technical understanding and a passion for helping students build confidence, fitness and personal development.