BJJ Gyms in New Zealand

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Auckland

Sorriso BJJ (formerly Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Auckland) is a well-established Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Auckland, New Zealand, founded in 2006. With two locations in Mount Eden and St Johns, Sorriso BJJ has built a reputation as one of New Zealand's premier competition teams, earning numerous individual and team championships. The academy offers a structured belt grading system with attendance tracking and a comprehensive curriculum that progresses students according to their belt level. Training includes advanced techniques, self-defense moves, and competition preparation. Sorriso BJJ emphasizes that jiu-jitsu is a team sport where practitioners form strong bonds with training partners, pushing each other to overcome limits and achieve goals together. The academy's training philosophy focuses on emotional control, teaching students to manage stress, anxiety, fear, and anger while developing mental strength through both victories and losses. While competition is encouraged as a way to accelerate progress and develop self-discipline, it is not mandatory. The academy welcomes practitioners of all levels, from complete beginners to experienced competitors, offering programs for kids (Little Eagles and Eagle Warriors), adults (Fundamentals, Intermediate, Advanced), and specialized No-Gi classes. Students are carefully mentored by a team of highly-trained instructors who provide support and motivation for continuous improvement.

Auckland BJJ

Auckland BJJ is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club located in Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand, led by renowned IBJJF 3rd degree black belts Stuart Mitchell and Serge Morel. Founded in 2011, the club began in David Tua's Boxing gym in Onehunga before moving to Rick Littlewood's dojo in Epsom in 2012. In 2018, Auckland BJJ expanded with a new location in Sandringham, and in August 2020, consolidated both locations to a new and larger Onehunga dojo featuring 160 square meters of mats. The club has produced multiple champions in local and international events, establishing itself as a leader in New Zealand's BJJ community. The training philosophy at Auckland BJJ emphasizes high-quality instruction and a dedication to student development. The well-structured curriculum covers all aspects of BJJ including self-defense, sport, and competition, with classes offering a balance of drilling, sparring, and live training. The instructors foster a positive and inclusive training environment where students feel comfortable to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them, creating an atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to push themselves regardless of skill level. Stuart Mitchell, co-founder and 3rd degree black belt, began his BJJ journey in 2003 under Douglas Santos and achieved his black belt on December 1st, 2011. He also holds a 3rd dan in Judo and brings a Ph.D. in Engineering's dedication and focus to his martial arts training. Serge Morel, co-founder and 3rd degree IBJJF black belt (member since September 2013), serves as Head Professor and prioritizes teaching the fundamentals program to ensure beginners receive correct instruction. The club is also joined by black belts Luiz Henrique Machado (promoted in 2020) and Laurance Pene, who has won multiple New Zealand grappler events and served as a training partner for ADCC Silver Medalist Nicky Rod at the 2019 ADCC event in Los Angeles.

Choice Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Choice Jiu-Jitsu Academy, founded by 2nd-degree black belt Renato Silva, is a world-class BJJ training facility in Auckland, New Zealand. The academy is committed to offering innovative jiu-jitsu programs tailored to the needs, goals, and experience level of each student, with classes for both kids and adults, beginners and seasoned competitors. At Choice BJJ, martial arts training is viewed as a way to help every child and adult develop the mental and physical skills they need to succeed in life. The gym provides an environment where everyone can feel part of a big family and create a healthy lifestyle through Jiu-jitsu, regardless of their level of ability. The academy emphasizes that martial arts isn't just about self-defense—it's about self-confidence, focus, physical strength, positive social interaction, and love for the sport. Head instructor Renato Silva is a Brazilian-born black belt who started training BJJ in 2004 at age 17. He received his black belt from his coach and Southside BJJ team leader Vicente Cavalcanti in 2016. Currently a 3x New Zealand national champion and multiple-times IBJJF medalist, Renato brings over 20 years of training and competing experience worldwide, along with 10 years of coaching kids and adults of all levels. His methodical and detail-focused approach to teaching aims to deliver high-level Jiu-Jitsu classes in a friendly and safe environment while having a positive impact on people's lives, on and off the mat. The academy's goal is to establish itself as a reference for Jiu-Jitsu in New Zealand.

DS Team Jiu-Jitsu

DS Team Jiu-Jitsu is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in the heart of Auckland Central, New Zealand. Founded and led by Sensei Douglas Santos, a 5th degree black belt with 38 years of BJJ experience and 25 years teaching in New Zealand, DS Team has established itself as a "School of Excellence" dedicated to developing practitioners at all levels. Sensei Douglas Santos is recognized as one of New Zealand's most experienced and influential black belts, a true pioneer of Jiu-Jitsu in Aotearoa. His competitive achievements include medaling at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Championships, winning multiple Oceania Championship titles (including double gold), multiple Australian Championship titles, and recent North American international medals. Throughout his career, he has trained alongside world-class practitioners including Saulo Ribeiro, Xande Ribeiro, Rafael Lovato Jr, Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, and Felipe Pena. The academy's teaching philosophy extends beyond technical training to develop complete martial artists through the principles of "Flow. Pressure. Finish." The school emphasizes building confidence without arrogance, developing strength with humility, cultivating fearlessness with respect, and creating lasting positive change both on and off the mats. DS Team operates on a dynamic three-month curriculum cycle, covering their complete program four times yearly, ensuring students can review, refine, and master essential concepts throughout the year.

GroundControl

GroundControl Martial Arts has been proudly serving the East Auckland community since 2006, providing high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training for all ages and skill levels. The academy is dedicated to changing lives one person at a time through martial arts, education, and coaching in a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere. GroundControl offers a comprehensive BJJ program structure with classes designed for different experience levels. The Essentials program focuses on fundamental techniques for beginners, while the Intermediate and Advanced programs build on these foundations with more complex techniques and strategies. The academy also runs specialized programs including a Juniors BJJ program for children ages 7-14, open mat sparring sessions, and takedown-focused training. The training philosophy at GroundControl emphasizes that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience level. Students not only learn practical self-defense skills but also develop important life qualities such as perseverance, commitment, self-discipline, confidence, and respect. The academy maintains a family-friendly environment where parents are encouraged to watch or even participate, creating strong family bonds through shared martial arts training.

BJJ Dunedin

Kura of BJJ Ōtepoti Dunedin (formerly BJJ Dunedin) is an independent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy established as a charitable community of local martial artists. The school began when BJJ was still in its infancy in New Zealand, originally internationally associated with Mario Yokoyama. Since 2016, the academy has been led by Principal Professor Philip Lindsay, who earned his black belt in 2013 and is now on the 4th step of the black belt system. The gym's lineage has a clear path from the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Jigoro Kano > Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlos Gracie Jr > Ryan Gracie > Mario Yokoyama > Philip Lindsay. Professor Philip Lindsay was graded through to black belt by Professor Mario Yokoyama, with Professor Stuart Marks in attendance at the ceremony. BJJ Dunedin offers comprehensive training for all ages and skill levels, from children as young as 4 years old through adults and masters (over 30 years). The academy follows a structured curriculum system with both gi and no-gi classes, rondori (free rolling) sessions, and specialized programs including a women's empowerment class and competition team training for those pursuing the sport competitively.

Coast Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Coast Academy is a family-friendly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Kickboxing, and Wrestling academy serving the Hibiscus Coast region of New Zealand. With four convenient locations in Albany, Silverdale, Warkworth, and Wellsford, Coast Academy offers comprehensive martial arts training for both kids and adults. Coast Academy is the only Tukaha affiliated club on the Hibiscus Coast, Warkworth, and Wellsford, bringing world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction to the North Auckland region. The academy is led by Professor Matt O'Dea, who heads the programs at Albany, Silverdale, and Warkworth locations, with Head Coach Dino Isla leading the Wellsford location. The academy offers a diverse range of programs including Mini Martials (ages 4-6), Junior Jiu Jitsu (ages 6-10), Youth Jiu Jitsu (ages 10-16), adult BJJ, Kickboxing/MMA for both kids and adults, and Women's Only Self Defence classes. With flexible weekly memberships and a free one-week trial, Coast Academy provides accessible martial arts training focused on self-defense, fitness, mental toughness, and building confidence for the whole family.

Carlson Gracie New Zealand

Carlson Gracie New Zealand Queenstown is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy specializing in self-defense martial arts and combat sports based on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. Part of the renowned Carlson Gracie lineage, the academy offers top-notch BJJ classes for both beginners and experienced practitioners in a supportive environment. The academy provides comprehensive training programs including Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, women-only classes, fundamentals courses, and specialized kids programs for ages 5 and up. Their expert instructors focus on building strength, improving technique, and boosting confidence through high-quality training in world-class grappling. Led by head instructor Jose Gomes, the academy maintains the Carlson Gracie tradition of technical excellence and competitive spirit. The facility offers classes seven days a week, with programs tailored for different age groups and skill levels, from beginner fundamentals to advanced competition training.