Your coaches
We’ve got a deep bench of black belts and high belts, with more coming through every year. For a beginner, that’s the best news going. The higher the belt, the safer and more helpful the roll, and the more you’ve got to aim at.
The coaching standard
Rank alone doesn’t get you on the whiteboard. To coach here you need real knowledge, a proper welcome for every new face, and the ability to hold the culture and keep the mats safe. That is how the room stays the room.
Real knowledge, taught from the things you actually use.
Every new face gets a proper welcome and a safe place to learn.
Keep the mats safe and the room stays the room.
“Part of the jiu-jitsu journey is helping the people underneath you. That’s the sharing.”
Jose Gomes Head professorThe roster
Meet the people who will guide you on the mats.
Head professor · 4th degree black belt
Found jiu-jitsu at sixteen in Brazil, brought it to Queenstown, and built the academy from fifteen members to over two hundred.
Fundamentals, women’s & kids’ · Black belt
Originally from Espírito Santo, Brazil, Professor Fabio began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey under Professor Jamelão. After training at Nova União, he moved to Queenstown in 2014, where he continued his journey with Carlson Gracie New Zealand, earning his black belt in 2019.
With extensive experience teaching beginners, advanced students, women and kids, Fabio brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the mats, helping students of all ages develop their skills and confidence.
Advanced gi & no-gi · 1st degree black belt
Training since 2004. Teaches the advanced adult classes.
No-gi & advanced · Black belt
Kadu started Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil in 2013 and has been hooked ever since. He earned his blue and purple belts at Barreto Academy before moving to Queenstown in 2018 to join Carlson Gracie under Professor José Gomes, who awarded him his black belt in 2025. Today he trains, studies and teaches, passing on Jiu-Jitsu as a martial art while offering a professional, competition-focused path for students who want to compete.
Adults · Black belt
Originally from the UK, Ashley began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2010 before moving to New Zealand and joining Carlson Gracie under Professor José Gomes in 2011, where he progressed to black belt.
With extensive training and competition experience, Ashley brings a practical approach to coaching, helping students of all levels develop their skills in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Fundamentals Coach
Maranda teaches our Fundamentals class, helping new students build strong foundations in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from day one. Her coaching focuses on clear technique, practical movement and creating a welcoming environment where beginners can learn, ask questions and build confidence on the mats.
Bio to confirm
Black belt
Bio to confirm
Women’s & kids’ · Brown belt
Gillian Boyd is a second-degree brown belt with experience coaching adult fundamentals, women’s classes and kids’ classes. A Queenstown local for over 40 years, she has competed internationally across several belt levels and brings that experience to her coaching.
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