Our Champions
The best SAMBO athletes in Australia
Kyle Torney — SAMBO Leader & Community Champion
President of the SAMBO Federation of Victoria.
Awarded Citizen of the Year (2023) by the Northern Grampians Shire Council for his outstanding contribution to the community, youth development and the growth of SAMBO in regional Australia.
He was recognised for coaching athletes who have become multiple medalists at National SAMBO Championships.
​
Kyle also runs a local sports club in St Arnaud, making SAMBO accessible to many, including disadvantaged youth.
Artist & Cultural Contributor
Kyle is a fine artist and muralist whose artworks are displayed locally and internationally, including in New York art galleries.
His large-scale murals around St Arnaud celebrate local history and culture.
Sebastian Temesi
Silver medallist Sebastian Temesi from the 2024 Asia–Oceania Championships, FIAS-accredited coach, and a multiple-time national champion in Sport SAMBO, Beach SAMBO, and Combat SAMBO.​
Asia & Oceania SAMBO Championships — Silver medallist
(Combat SAMBO, 88 kg)
National “Athlete of the Year” in Cairns (2023)
Judo 3rd Dan & BJJ Black Belt
Mark Trompp — SAMBO Athlete & Advocate
Mark Trompp is an accomplished Australian SAMBO competitor and martial artist who competes in the Visually Impaired (SVI-1) category.
Silver medallist from the Asia & Oceania SAMBO Championships in Tashkent.
​​​
​25 years of martial arts experience.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 2nd degree black belt.
​
Mark continues to promote and develop Blind SAMBO in Australia, actively encouraging athletes of all abilities to participate in the sport.
​​Tayla Ford
NZL Olympian #1559, Paris 2024 Olympic Games Athlete
3x Commonwealth Games NZL Wrestling athlete
2x Medalist
2x History Maker
Australia’s National Development Coach, CombatAUS
Bayarsaikhan Saruulgerel -
SAMBO Leader, Coach & Sports Developer
President of the SAMBO Federation of Victoria (since 2025)
National Coach of Australia, and Founder & Head Coach of Melbourne Sambo Academy.
​
International Master of Sport in SAMBO, Mongolian traditional wrestling athlete, and Judo 1st Dan Black Belt with accredited coaching qualifications.
​
Represented Australia as a coach at the 2025 World SAMBO Championships. Multiple medallist at Australian National, Continental, and international competitions (2024–2025).
