Alumni Spotlight - Alex Torres 

From Lumen Christi College to Strength Coach and Martial Arts Mentor 

Alex Torres, graduated from Lumen Christi College in 2009, has carved a remarkable path from military service to martial arts coaching. Today, he leads the Iron Octopus School of Physical Culture, a strength and martial arts gym dedicated to empowering men through physical training and combat sports. 

A Journey of Learning and Growth 

After graduation, Alex explored various roles in construction and mining before enlisting in the Royal Australian Infantry in May 2012. Over the following 11 years, including reserve service, he participated in international exercises and deployments, including warlike service in Iraq. In 2017, he was named Champion Soldier of the 6th Battalion. 

Alex later established the Combat Behaviours Centre within the 7th Brigade in Western Australia, where he trained reservists in combat shooting and close-quarters combat skills. His transition into civilian life led him to found Iron Octopus, where he now serves as head coach and principal. A brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Alex has competed internationally in submission wrestling, boxing, and MMA, with an amateur record of 4–3 and a professional debut on the horizon. 

Career Highlights 

Among Alex's proudest moments is travelling to Las Vegas with UFC lightweight Quillan Salkilld for his victorious Dana White Contender Series fight. Alex continues to coach elite athletes, including Salkilld and professional Muay Thai fighter Cian Lougheed, providing strength and conditioning support for their careers. 

He also competed in Western Australia's first sanctioned combat jiu-jitsu match and supports the veterans' charity “Veterans MMA,” including a 24-hour grappling fundraiser. 

Alex's website is www.schoolofphysicalculture.au 

Community Involvement 

Alex remains affiliated with the Royal Australian Regiment and actively contributes to veterans’ wellbeing through martial arts. 

From soldier to coach, Alex Torres continues to inspire through discipline, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others grow values rooted in his journey from Lumen Christi College. 

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