Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Queenstown | Carlson Gracie BJJ New Zealand

Word on the mats

Don’t take our word for it

A 5.0 average across 161 Google reviews. And 69 of them call out the same thing: the welcome.

The whole class watching a demonstration, white belts through to black belts

★★★★★

“A brilliant gym with a great community. Made to feel welcome from the moment I walked in.”

Callum MackinnonDropped in while travelling

★★★★★

“No matter your age, gender, body shape or fitness level, there is nothing but encouragement from everyone.”

NatashaStarted in 2026, now trains 6 days a week

69

reviews mention the welcoming atmosphere. It is not an accident.

Google review topics

★★★★★

“A completely safe space for women to train. Jose and his team are masters at drawing out the very best in everyone. I wouldn’t train anywhere else.”

Vicky JenkinsWomen’s classes

★★★★★

“The team has become like my family. One of the best decisions in my life!”

Victoria Carling9 years in, both kids on the mats

★★★★★

“Super chilled crew, good mix of belts and good, solid rolls.”

Matt “Donut” BowdenVisiting professor, SHED12 BJJ Brisbane

★★★★★

“It’s my happy place.”

Amanda Berryman10 years in

Come feel it yourself Read all 161 on Google ↗

Training

Start where you are

Fundamentals Course6-week introduction

6-week introduction

Two members practising a standing no-gi drill

A structured introduction to the basics of jiu-jitsu, with time to build confidence before joining regular classes.

Beginnerswhite belts & new starters

white belts & new starters

A coach guiding a student through a jiu-jitsu drill

Learn the core positions and movements at a pace made for people starting out.

All-levelsall belts welcome

all belts welcome

Gi class training at the Queenstown academy

Technique, drilling and live training with room for every level of experience.

Advancedhigher-level technique

higher-level technique

Build on your foundations with more detailed technique and live training.

Women’sdedicated women’s class

dedicated women’s class

Two women practising jiu-jitsu on the mats

A dedicated space for women to learn, train and find their place on the mats.

Kidsages 5–12

ages 5–12

Two children practising jiu-jitsu together on the mats

Games, movement and technique that build focus and confidence in a safe class.

The legacy

Why Carlson Gracie

Carlson Gracie is one of the most important names in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We brought it to the South Island, and training here puts you in one of the best places to learn authentic Jiu-Jitsu.

Coaches, senior belts and their kids sitting along the wall watching a class — Everyone has a hand in someone else’s journey.

01

The lineage

Our lineage runs from Carlos Gracie to Carlson Gracie, Alexandre Penão, Rogério Leite and José Gomes. That unbroken line of teachers continues on our mats, with you.

02

The standard

Plenty of gyms teach jiu-jitsu. Few carry this much rank. With more than 11 black belts training regularly at our dojo, alongside a deep bench of high belts, you’ll be hard pressed to find deeper skill and knowledge anywhere in the country.

03

The culture

Carlson opened his mats to everyone and built teams instead of guarding secrets. That is the culture we keep: higher belts lift the newer ones, and everyone has a hand in someone else’s journey. Family-first and everyone-welcome, every single day.

Opened in Queenstown in 2014. From 15 people to over 200 members, one of the largest jiu-jitsu academies in New Zealand.

A family of academies across the South Island Queenstown · Wānaka · Cromwell · Invercargill · South Canterbury

Your coaches

No matter your level, someone here has your back

A deep roster of black belts and high belts with decades of combined mat time, guiding everyone from day-one white belts to competition regulars, with dedicated women’s and kids’ classes.

The Carlson Gracie New Zealand coaching team in front of the club banner

Jose Gomes

Head professor · 4th degree black belt

Jose began training in Brazil in 1996 and founded Carlson Gracie New Zealand in Queenstown in 2014. He built the Queenstown academy from 15 to more than 200 members, helping establish affiliated academies across the South Island.

Fabio De Carvalho

Fundamentals, women’s & kids’ · Black belt

Originally from Espírito Santo, Brazil, Fabio moved to Queenstown in 2014 and earned his black belt in 2019. He teaches beginners, advanced students, women and kids, helping people of all ages build their skills and confidence.

Renan Secco

Advanced gi & no-gi · 1st degree black belt

Renan began training in Brazil in 2004 and earned his black belt in 2015. He teaches advanced adult gi and no-gi classes at the Queenstown academy, drawing on years of coaching and international competition experience.

Ashley Smith

Adults · Black belt

Originally from the UK, Ashley began jiu-jitsu in 2010 and joined Jose Gomes in Queenstown in 2011. Now a black belt, he brings training and competition experience to practical coaching in a welcoming environment for all levels.

Kadu

Black belt

Kadu began jiu-jitsu in Brazil in 2013 and joined Carlson Gracie in Queenstown in 2018. Awarded his black belt by Jose Gomes in 2025, he teaches the martial art while offering structured support for students who want to compete.

Maranda Mitchell

Fundamentals Coach

Maranda teaches the Fundamentals class, helping beginners build strong foundations in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Her coaching focuses on clear technique and practical movement, creating a welcoming space to learn, ask questions and build confidence.

Gillian Boyd

Women’s & kids’ · Brown belt

A Queenstown local for over 40 years, Gillian is a second-degree brown belt with international competition experience. She coaches adult fundamentals, women’s classes and kids, supporting students at different stages of their jiu-jitsu training.

On and off the mats

Every day is a school day

Every membership comes with our full tutorial Learn something new or review what you drilled in class whenever you have ten minutes. Filmed by our coaches, on our mats.

Sample from the members’ libraryBerimbolo · 0:15

Timetable

Find your next class

Choose your academy to see adult, kids and teens classes. Use the live Gymdesk timetable where available to check the latest changes.

GymClass

Academy timetable

Queenstown

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View live timetable ↗

Adults & open classes

Mon Today

12:00–1:00 pmGi All Levels

6:00–7:30 pmGi All Levels

7:30–8:30 pmFundamentals Course*Only runs during active six-week blocks

Tue Today

6:00–7:00 amNo-Gi All Levels

12:00–1:00 pmGi All Levels

6:00–7:00 pmGi Basics

7:00–8:00 pmGi All Levels / Advanced

Wed Today

6:15–7:15 amPilates & Stretch

12:00–1:00 pmNo-Gi All Levels

6:00–7:30 pmNo-Gi All Levels

7:30–8:30 pmFundamentals Course*Only runs during active six-week blocks

Thu Today

6:00–7:00 amGi All Levels

12:00–1:00 pmGi All Levels

6:00–7:00 pmGi Basics

7:00–8:00 pmGi All Levels / Advanced

Fri Today

12:00–1:00 pmGi All Levels

5:30–6:30 pmOpen Mat

Sat Today

9:30–10:30 amWomen’s Only Class

10:30–11:30 amGi All Levels

11:30 am–12:30 pmOpen Mat

Sun Today

10:00–11:00 amOpen Mat

Kids & teens

Mon Today

3:30–4:15 pmJunior Gi

4:15–5:00 pmYouth Gi

5:00–5:45 pmTeens Gi

Tue Today

3:45–4:30 pmJunior Gi

4:30–5:15 pmYouth Gi

5:15–6:00 pmTeens Gi

Wed Today

3:30–4:15 pmJunior Fundamentals

4:15–5:00 pmYouth No-Gi

5:00–5:45 pmTeens No-Gi

Thu Today

3:45–4:30 pmJunior Gi

4:30–5:15 pmYouth Gi

Fri Today

3:45–4:30 pmJunior Guerreiros

Invitation-only training

Fri Today

4:30–5:30 pmGuerreiros (invitation only)

* Fundamentals Course runs in blocks of 6 weeks. Classes only run while a block is active. Check with the academy for current block dates. Times may change for holidays, events and gradings. Check with the academy before your first visit.

Academy timetable

Wānaka

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View live timetable ↗

Adults & open classes

Mon Today

6:30–7:30 amAdult BJJ Gi All Levels

1:00–2:00 pmBJJ Foundations / All Levels

5:45–6:45 pmMuay Thai

7:00–8:00 pmAdult BJJ No-Gi Advanced

Tue Today

7:00–8:00 amWomen’s Muay Thai Boot Camp

1:00–2:00 pmAdult BJJ Gi All Levels

6:00–7:00 pmAdult BJJ Gi All Levels

7:15–8:15 pmBJJ Foundations

Wed Today

6:30–7:30 amAdult BJJ Gi All Levels

5:45–6:45 pmMuay Thai

7:00–8:15 pmAdult BJJ No-Gi Advanced

Thu Today

7:00–8:00 amWomen’s Muay Thai Boot Camp

1:00–2:00 pmAdult BJJ No-Gi Advanced

6:00–7:00 pmAdult BJJ Gi All Levels

7:15–8:15 pmBJJ Foundations

Sat Today

9:00–10:00 amBJJ Women’s Class

10:00–11:30 amBJJ Open Mat

Kids & teens

Mon Today

3:30–4:15 pmKids 6–8 BJJ Gi

4:15–5:00 pmKids 9+ BJJ

5:00–5:45 pmKids 9+ Muay Thai

Tue Today

3:30–4:15 pmKids 6–8 BJJ Gi

4:15–5:00 pmKids 9–11 BJJ Gi

5:00–5:45 pmKids 12+ BJJ Gi

Wed Today

3:30–4:15 pmKids BJJ Fundamentals

4:15–5:00 pmKids 9+ Advanced BJJ

5:00–5:45 pmKids 9+ Muay Thai

Thu Today

3:30–4:15 pmKids 6–8 BJJ Gi

4:15–5:00 pmKids 9–11 BJJ Gi

5:00–5:45 pmKids 12+ BJJ Gi

No scheduled classes on Friday. Times may change for holidays, events and gradings. Check with the academy before your first visit.

Academy timetable

Cromwell

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Adults & open classes

Mon Today

12:00–1:00 pmLunch Class

6:00–7:30 pmBJJ All Levels

7:30–8:30 pmBJJ Basics

Tue Today

6:15–7:15 amMorning Class

4:15–5:15 pmBJJ All Levels

6:00–7:00 pmWomen’s BJJ

7:00–8:00 pmNo-Gi All Levels

Wed Today

12:00–1:00 pmLunch Class

5:45–7:00 pmBJJ All Levels

7:00–8:15 pmWomen’s BJJ

Thu Today

6:15–7:15 amMorning Class

4:15–5:15 pmBJJ All Levels

6:00–7:00 pmBJJ Express

7:00–8:15 pmBJJ Basics

Fri Today

5:45–7:15 pmGi & No-Gi All Levels

Sun Today

9:30–10:30 amOpen Mat

Kids & teens

Mon Today

3:30–4:15 pmKids BJJ (5–12 years)

Wed Today

3:30–4:15 pmKids BJJ (5–12 years)

Times may change for holidays, events and gradings. Check with the academy before your first visit.

Academy timetable

Invercargill

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Adults & open classes

Mon Today

6:30 pmGi Class

Tue Today

6:00 amAM Class

5:30 pmFundamentals

6:30 pmOpen Mat

Wed Today

6:30 pmNo-Gi Class

Thu Today

6:00 amAM Class

5:30 pmFundamentals

7:00 pmPositional Rolling

Fri Today

6:30 pmLeg Locks

Sat Today

10:00 amAdults Open Mat

Kids & teens

Mon Today

5:15 pmKids BJJAges 8–15

Tue Today

5:15 pmKids BJJAges 4–7

Wed Today

5:15 pmKids BJJAges 8–15

Thu Today

5:15 pmKids BJJAges 4–7

Sat Today

9:00 amKids Open Mat

Times may change for holidays, events and gradings. Check with the academy before your first visit.

Academy timetable

South Canterbury

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Adults & open classes

Tue Today

5:30 pmNo-Gi Fundamentals

6:20 pmFundamentals rolls

6:35 pmNo-Gi adults

7:30 pmLive rounds

Thu Today

5:30 pmGi Fundamentals

6:20 pmFundamentals rolls

6:35 pmGi adults

7:30 pmLive rounds

Fri Today

5:45 pmWrestling

6:35 pmCompetition class

7:30 pmLive rounds

Sun Today

10:00 amOpen mat

Temporary timetable from the academy’s 2 February 2025 post. Times and classes may have changed.

Open full timetable →

Seminars & events

World-class jiu-jitsu, on our mats

Royce Gracie

UFC Hall of Famer

Carley Gracie

Gracie family red belt

Clark Gracie

IBJJF world champion

Craig Jones

ADCC medallist

Cole Abate

IBJJF world champion

A few of the athletes who have taught on our mats.

We’re lucky to have hosted some of the best grapplers on the planet right here in Queenstown. As a member, you’re in the room for it. Observe their techniques first-hand, drill under their eye, and learn from athletes you have only ever watched compete. That kind of access is rare, and it comes with the mat.

From the blog

News from the mats

Upcoming seminars, competition highlights and stories from our academies. Find out what’s on, learn from the team and stay connected with the Carlson Gracie community.

See all stories →

Good to know

Questions, answered

Still wondering about something? Call +64 21 0230 4516, or just turn up and ask at the door.

What should I bring to my first class?

Shorts and a t-shirt are fine. Bring water, a towel, and no ego.

What makes Carlson Gracie different?

It’s the combination of high-level Jiu-Jitsu and a genuinely welcoming culture. You’ll train under a direct Carlson Gracie lineage, alongside one of the strongest rosters of black belts in the region, with more than 11 across our academies. But just as importantly, you’ll find a friendly, supportive team with a positive attitude and no ego. From complete beginners to experienced competitors, everyone is here to learn, improve and help each other get better. With academies across Queenstown, Wānaka, Invercargill and South Canterbury, we’ve been growing Jiu-Jitsu in the South Island from the very beginning.

Do I need to be fit to start?

No. You get fit by training, not before it. Every class runs at the pace your body sets, and nobody in the room is watching you.

I have never done a martial art. Is that ok?

That describes most people’s first class here. The Fundamentals Course exists for exactly this: basic positions, submissions and escapes, and the habits that keep you safe before you join the regular classes.

How do I become a member?

Start with a free class, then have a chat with us on the mat. Membership covers your classes and the full tutorial library in the app.

What ages are the kids’ classes?

Ages 5 to 12, in gi and no-gi. Games first, technique always, and no striking, ever.

Gi or no-gi, which should I pick?

Either, and most members end up doing both. Gi is the traditional kimono and rewards patience and grips. No-gi is faster, closer to wrestling, and a little less to learn on day one.