Workshop Jiu Jitsu is a dynamic and inclusive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) school located in the vibrant city of Wellington, New Zealand. With a focus on innovative and science-backed teaching methods, Workshop Jiu Jitsu offers a fresh approach to learning this efficient grappling martial art.
The school is headed by Amy and Pat, both experienced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts and respected competitors with numerous regional, national, and international championships across various belt levels. They are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love for the sport with their students.
At Workshop Jiu Jitsu, they train collaboratively, using a workshop-style approach to enhance the learning experience. The belief is that people learn best through self-discovery, so they facilitate development through this process. They actively encourage questions and feedback during and after formal instruction, as it benefits the learning of everyone involved and helps them become better coaches.
Unlike traditional martial arts schools, Workshop Jiu Jitsu does not emphasise bowing, titles, or deference by rank. The belt ranks symbolise growth and vague ability rather than privilege. They offer training in both the traditional Gi (canvas uniform) and NoGi (rash top and shorts or leggings) styles, catering to different preferences and providing a safe and enjoyable environment for students to excel in their BJJ journey.
The team at Workshop Jiu Jitsu includes Amy, Pat, and Oli. Amy, a black belt awarded in 2019, is known for her technical jiu-jitsu and her passion for small-person techniques. Pat, a second-degree black belt awarded in 2014, is described as “the little engine that could” and has a keen interest in Sci-Fi. Oli, who was awarded his black belt in 2021, enjoys rock climbing and playing board games, in addition to his dedication to Jiu Jitsu.
Jiu Jitsu, as taught at Workshop Jiu Jitsu, is a highly effective combat sport that utilises leverage-based holds, body positioning, and joint locks and strangles to neutralise attackers. In contrast to striking arts, BJJ equips practitioners with a range of self-defence techniques suitable for various scenarios, from casual confrontations to professional fighting. The discipline is one of the core components of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), emphasising the importance of grappling skills in the competitive realm.
Beyond its efficacy, Jiu Jitsu is unbelievably fun to train. It demands full attention and focus, akin to meditation, as practitioners immerse themselves in the techniques and strategies. The adrenaline and mental engagement make each training session exhilarating and empowering.
Whether you are a beginner looking to start your Jiu Jitsu journey or an experienced practitioner seeking a fresh and inclusive training environment, look no further than Workshop Jiu Jitsu in Wellington. Join them now for two free classes to experience their unique teaching style and passion for the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.