Scott Cowper - Black Belt #16, From 11-Year-Old White Belt to Black Belt

Scott Cowper was promoted to black belt on 22 October 2026 — sixteen years after he first stepped on the mats at Southern Cross Jiu-Jitsu Academy as an 11-year-old.

Over 1,200 classes later, across kids, teens and adults, Scott’s earned the highest rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the hard way. He’s never been one to duck a hard roll — he competes at lightweight (under 73kg), but he’ll just as happily roll with the heavyweights in class.

Scott was set to compete at the Pan Pacific Championships last weekend, but picked up an injury in training two weeks out. He still came down to support his teammates anyway. He also helps teach the kids classes whenever he can.

This is what sixteen years of showing up looks like.

Southern Cross Jiu-Jitsu Academy is based in Caringbah, Sutherland Shire, led by 5th-degree black belt and 2x Pan Pacific Champion Rodney Ellis. If you’ve been thinking about starting BJJ yourself, your first week is free — no contracts, no pressure: https://trial.scjja.com/