BJJ Gyms in Auckland, 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.

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.