If you’re in Wellington, New Zealand, and looking to dive into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, let me introduce you to GSW—hands down the best BJJ gym in town. I had the privilege of training here for over a decade, and let me tell you, it’s not just a gym; it’s a home.
GSW isn’t just any BJJ school—it’s Wellington’s original BJJ academy, proudly serving the community since 1995. With nearly three decades of experience, GSW has been at the forefront of growing the sport in New Zealand, and it shows in the quality of its instruction and the vibrant training environment.
Let’s start with the legend himself—Geoff Grant, the owner and head coach. Who has been training and teaching martial arts since 1985. Geoff is a black belt under the iconic John Will and Rigan Machado, so you know you’re learning from someone with deep roots in the art. Now, he may come off as intimidating at first glance (think stern BJJ master vibes), but don’t be fooled! Beneath that exterior lies a hilarious guy with the driest, most sarcastic sense of humor you’ll ever encounter. Every class feels like a stand-up comedy special peppered with armbars and sweeps. Seriously, you’ll laugh as much as you’ll tap.
GSW is proudly a “No OSS” environment, which baffled me initially. But now, I totally get it—it’s part of what makes the vibe so authentic and welcoming. No forced formalities, just real, down-to-earth training with a sprinkle of Geoff’s iconic banter.
The facilities at GSW are top-notch. The gym and mats are cleaned every single day, ensuring a hygienic and safe environment for everyone. There are male and female changing rooms, complete with showers, so you can freshen up after training. And if you forgot your gear or just feel like treating yourself, there’s a store right at the front where you can pick up a new Gi, rashguard, or other BJJ essentials.
The mats are huge, the camaraderie is unmatched, and the team is a melting pot of skilled black belts and welcoming practitioners. Everyone here is eager to help you grow, whether you’re new to the sport or preparing for your next competition. The energy? Always friendly, always fun, and always focused on learning.
GSW has classes every day, so there’s always an opportunity to train, and on weekends, they run an amazing kids’ program. It’s perfect for getting the little ones involved in the sport while building their confidence and discipline.
For me, GSW is more than just a place to train—it’s my BJJ home in New Zealand. Many of my best friends are people I met on these mats, and the friendships I’ve made here have been just as valuable as the skills I’ve learned. Whenever I’m back in the country, visiting GSW is a top priority. It’s like coming back to family every time.
Oh, and finding GSW is a breeze—it’s right in the heart of Wellington. So, if you’re looking for a gym where the technique is sharp, the jokes are sharper, and the environment is the friendliest in town, stop by GSW. If you visiting Wellington contact Geoff on Facebook or Instagram You won’t regret it.😉
Train hard, laugh harder, and enjoy every roll. GSW, thank you for 10+ incredible years! 🥋
For more information see:
https://www.facebook.com/bjjwellington/
This is the ranks and articles page of GSW check it out: https://www.bjj.co.nz/pages/ranks
Related Posts
