What is BJJ NZ?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu New Zealand are clubs that are affiliated with John Will and the Will/Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Australia organisation. Information about John and the BJJ Australia organisation can be found at www.bjj.com.au
Each of the clubs in New Zealand are run by very different individuals, all of BJJ N.Z’s coaches have backgrounds in various stand up martial arts disciplines and have realised the effectiveness and relevance of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and incorporated it into their training regime. Our coach’s background’s and training history enables them to offer a wide range of Martial Arts skills and multi-range fight strategies that include
- Standing strikes and counters
- Clinches and takedowns
- Ground fighting
- Restraints and controls
- Unarmed self defence
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is essentially a grappling art. It uses joint manipulation, chokes, strangulations and positional controls to overwhelm and subdue opponents with out the need to kick or punch.
BJJ NZ is the only place to train Will/Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in New Zealand.
In real combat, versus any other fighting style, it is extremely effective. It involves joint manipulation, chokes, immobilization and attack and escape timing.
Do you have beginner’s classes?
BJJ is all about teaching self confidence and learning real life ground fighting and grappling strategies in a safe and controlled environment. Even if you are new to the BJJ environment, feel free to attend our trial program which specifically covers basic ground positioning and BJJ fundamentals.
BJJ Basics and Fundamentals class are held every Monday and Wed, please see your instructor for available dates and times. These class are designed to give beginners an introduction to the basics and fundamentals of BJJ in a fun and relaxed environment. Purely targeted for those hitting the mat for the first time, you will go through the basic concepts and drills in which to develop your solid BJJ foundation from.
From this point on, we will discuss specific training options with you and progressive development into the intermediate class.
Yes, a 4 week introductory course is held on a cycling bases. These classes focus on the first techniques you need to know to become competent. They are usually attended by a good mix of beginners and seniors – it always pays to brush up on the basics!
Is BJJ dangerous?
BJJ is a martial art, with the emphasis on martial. However we have a great mat culture at our clubs, where students will look to take care of their partners first and foremost. Injuries while not unheard of, are rare.
Do I need to be athletic or have previous experience?
Not remotely. BJJ is a very technical art which can be used by people of all levels of experience and athletic ability. You can be stepped through each technique point by point without the need for any special athletic talent (and we should know!).
What if I have done another martial art?
Great. Many of our members have senior black belt grades in other arts such as Ninjitsu, Karate and Aikido. We have all found that BJJ has added to our original arts just as those arts have added to our BJJ training.
What should I wear?
Loose fitting comfortable clothing. Nothing with zips or buckles as they can damage the mats. Eventually you will need a gi.
Is it suitable for children?
BJJ can be a great art for kids. However it has been our experience that children’s needs are best met by a dedicated children’s class, and currently we don’t run one of these. For that reason we do not as a rule enrol members under the age of 16. If you want to talk this over with us, please feel free.
Will I be able to learn and perform the technique?
Absolutely. The techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu were developed for small to medium sized people in order to defeat opponents of much greater size and strength. The Art has been continually revised and tested for decades in Brazil, which have made the techniques extremely simple, easy to learn, and efficient. Practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu need not be especially big, fast or strong.
So come and see for yourself what makes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a self-defence all its own!