About Us

Jose was born and raised in Curitiba, Brazil where he started his Jiu Jitsu journey in 1996 under Rodrigo Zanon. 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.

Originally from Vittoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil, Fabio started his Jiujitsu career after his friend convinced him to come to his academy with him. Fabio now coaches a variety of classes from the fundamental classes, beginners, advanced, women’s and kid’s classes too.

Renan started his BJJ career in 2004 in his home town of Caxias do Sul. He brings a high level of technical expertise and talent to the Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu New Zealand Team, and is a key instructor at the academy. Renan teaches the Advanced Gi and No Gi Adult Classes.

Ash started training Jiu Jitsu in 2010 after watching his friend compete in his first MMA fight. With two years of boxing experience prior to starting Jiu Jitsu, Ash gave up his gloves for a Gi and got fully into the sport. He has trained with Jose Gomes under Carlson Gracie NZ since the end of 2011.

Jordan is originally from Oxford, England and started training Judo at the age of 4 with a heavy influence from many of her family members including her dad, mom, uncles and aunties who also trained in the sport. She holds a 3rd Dan black belt in Judo.

Emi has been training at Carlson Gracie New Zealand since 2017. Her husband is also heavily into the sport while her two sons also train and compete in Jiu Jitsu as well. With her continued passion and continuous leadership as an example to the sport, Emi brings a lot of value to the team.