Wanaka Martial Arts Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

WHY BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) offers a myriad of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that make it a highly rewarding martial art and sport. From a physical perspective, BJJ provides an excellent full-body workout, promoting strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Practitioners develop improved coordination and balance through the constant use of techniques that involve grappling, takedowns, and submissions. Additionally, BJJ fosters mental discipline and problem-solving skills as practitioners strategize and adapt their moves in real-time during sparring sessions. The art’s emphasis on controlled techniques and leverage rather than relying solely on physical strength allows individuals of all ages and body types to participate and excel. Moreover, BJJ fosters a strong sense of camaraderie within its tight-knit community, promoting friendship and support among practitioners. Overall, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a holistic approach to self-improvement and well-being, making it a highly beneficial activity for anyone seeking to enhance their physical fitness, mental acuity, and personal growth.

BENEFITS OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

Self-Defense

BJJ is one of the most effective self-defense martial arts. Its emphasis on technique and leverage over brute strength allows individuals of all sizes and physical abilities to defend themselves successfully. BJJ’s strategy involves taking an opponent to the ground and employing various techniques to control and submit them, providing a practical approach to real-life self-defense scenarios.

Physical Fitness

BJJ is a whole-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination. It engages both the mind and body, offering a unique alternative to traditional fitness routines. Regular training helps improve cardiovascular health, promotes weight loss, and builds lean muscle, making it a great addition to any fitness regimen.

Community

Joining a BJJ gym means becoming part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Training, learning, and growing together fosters a unique camaraderie. The bonds formed on the mat often extend beyond the gym, providing a valuable network of friends and supporters.

Personal Development

BJJ is a lifelong journey of personal growth. The gentle art teaches humility, patience, discipline, and respect. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks. Every step of the way, you learn more about your capabilities, pushing your boundaries, and continuously striving for improvement.

Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu New Zealand was officially founded by Jose Gomes in 2014. Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu is well known for its commitment to teaching high levels of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and training some of the best competitors and fighters around the world. Carlson Gracie Wānaka is one of four academies for Carlson Gracie New Zealand, all located in the South Island.

brazilian jiu-jitsu programs

Fundamentals Course

Our Fundamentals Course offers an introduction to Jiu Jitsu. Classes run twice a week for a 6 week period and focus on basic techniques for those with no experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or who want to refine their knowledge of fundamental movements and concepts. During the course we teach self-defence skills and movements. Everyone is welcome – the course is suitable for adults of all ages and fitness.

Adult Gi

Our Adult Gi classes suit adults of any skill level. Whether you are just beginning the sport, have completed the Fundamentals Course or are looking to take your skill to the next level, our classes help develop your skills and Jiu Jitsu techniques.

Our classes focus on breaking down the movements and more in-depth exploration of advanced techniques and movements for those who already have the basics in place.

Adult No Gi

The Adult No Gi Classes consist of multiple variations of techniques more specific to submission grappling. “No-Gi” grappling is done

without the gi – the traditional uniform. Our classes include warming up, technical instruction, and rolling and sparring. Whether you are just beginning the sport or are looking to take your skill to the next level, our classes help develop your skills and No Gi grappling techniques.

BJJ KIDS

We run a popular BJJ kids programme during school terms. Our programme started in 2018 with just 6 kids of all ages and three classes per week. It has grown to ten classes per week covering three age groups starting at 6 years of age through to teens. We believe strongly in the benefits of BJJ for self-confidence, teaching respect and anti-bullying.

BJJ TEENS

For teens that either train Muay Thai or are ready to train in the adult BJJ classes (or both!), our teens membership provides access to all Wānaka Martial Arts regular adult classes. Unlike the kids programs, members in the teens program have access to classes year around. Please contact us if you or your teen have questions about training in the adult classes.

why choose us?

what makes wanaka martial arts the best

community

Welcoming and inclusive community. Flexible class schedules to suit your lifestyle. Join a community of positive, fun, and caring individuals all working towards a similar goal.

goals

Your objectives are our top priority. We design our programs to assist you or your child in achieving those goals. We can help you with confidence, focus, fitness, and weight loss.

instructors

Maintain a high level of professionalism, continually seeking to enhance their knowledge and teaching skills, while fostering a positive, supportive, and safe learning environment for all members.

safe facility

Well-maintained, secure, and organized space designed to accommodate different forms of martial arts training. The facility encourages a culture of respect and safety.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructors

JOSE

Jose was born and raised in Curitiba, Brazil where he started his Jiu Jitsu journey in 1996 under Rodrigo Zanon. In 2005, Jose decided to move to New Zealand where he finally settled in Queenstown. There he started to build and attract people to the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He opened Fight Science in 2010 building more and more interest in BJJ which was new to New Zealand. In 2012 Jose received his black belt under Carlson Gracie Curitiba. It was at that time when Alexandre Penao asked if he wanted to represent Carlson Gracie New Zealand. In 2014, Jose opened its doors to Carlson Gracie New Zealand Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Queenstown, where the club grew from 15 people to over 200 members. The success has allowed Jose to open affiliate academies including Carlson Gracie Wānaka, Carlson Gracie Invercargill and most recently in 2020, Carlson Gracie South Canterbury.

We have a broad team of coaches that cover our kids and adult classes. Brown belt Rich Jeans primarily coaches our no gi classes while brown belt Barna Szocs can be found across the realm, teaching no gi, gi, and MMA/Muay Thai classes. Both are seasoned competitors and enjoy the challenge of competition.

Brown belt Luke McCarthy is a passionate jiu jitsu practitioner and primary coach for our fundamentals classes but can often be found helping in the kids programme or regular classes. If he isn’t coaching, then he will be training! In addition to Professor Jose, our kids programmes are taught by brown belt Delwyn Moller, and blue belts Lena and Baxter Pollard. Lena and Baxter started their jiu jitsu journey at just 4 years of age and were orange belts before transitioning into the adult belt system as blue belts. Both have competed throughout their years of training in the US and more recently in New Zealand.