Higher Jiu Jitsu

I was studying abroad in Sydney from California and wanted to find a place to train. Higher Jiu Jitsu and John were extremely nice and welcoming to the gym even though I would only be there for a few months. They were extremely helpful and the gym has an amazing group of people with a great atmosphere. The classes were super informative and I learned something new every class. There is a great range of skill level throughout the gym and the mats and facility are very nicely set up as well. If you are interested in BJJ or want to continue your training in a new gym I would highly recommend this place to anyone of any level.

Enjoy my classes, with an emphasise on technique, safety and elements of play to recap what I’ve learned so far.

I was initially recommended Higher Jiu Jitsu when I first moved back to Sydney from an old training partner (a brown belt – who is NOT affiliated with the gym whatsoever.)

I’ll be honest I was initially a bit reluctant because I expected the usual sports jiu jitsu coaching and mat culture. This is not the case with HJJ and I’m glad to say I was proved wrong.

The gist of this place is that it’s an academy (not a gym) that focuses on the original Gracie Jiu jitsu philosophy and methods with an added twist towards bio-mechanics and wellness. It is NOT fighter/MMA gym. This is a place you go to really interrogate, learn, and develop your understanding of your body through jiu jitsu.

Coaching
John (Head Coach, Black belt) is a really warm, friendly and relatable person who’s also a real bio-mechanics nerd which gels with how structures his classes and instructs. He really takes time to explain ‘how’ to move your body and guides you to understanding ‘why. ’ Its one of the main points that differentiates him as a coach in the world of jiu jitsu.

How he begins his classes and threads the material right through is explained with clarity and in absolute detailed. So, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned practitioner who's either a visual learner, verbal or physical (kinesthetic) learner you’re going to learn a lot more than you might anticipate.

Culture
This is an academy with lots of different people from all walks of life – its not a “fighter gym” – it’s a place with a really safe mat culture where ‘responsibility’ with how you act/ behave on the mats and interact with your fellow training partners is held in the highest regard.

There’s also a very healthy learning culture that advocates ‘intelligence at play’ – check out their “lab” class for lots of questioning and exploring the mechanics.

Another thing I found interesting about this place is there is quite a big community aspect to this school where you’ll often find them engaging in giving back to the local community. There’s also plenty of travelling practitioners from all over who tend to drop-in and are welcomed regardless of their origin association.

The culture that is nurtured within the school is one that filters down to everyone there (head coach, assistant coaches and students alike.) I’ve found this to be a really rare thing within any martial arts school

I move here, not only convenient to my time and work. They focus more to their student, and Coach John's fundamental are Phenomenal. You should do it. I recommend this Gym if your in the city. What a training!

- What do you love most about Higher Jiu Jitsu classes?

They Focus on every angle of mistakes. Very detailed!

- How has jiu jitsu helped other parts of your life?

Stress free, You can have more focus on everything. Because you learn to be patient, Your temper is control, more humble and organize, every aspect of it. It will help you.

- Anything else you think is special about our class.

You Learn from each other. Its not about the belt. On the level.no one is stronger or weaker. They Just help each other.as a team!

Higher JJ is a one of a kind martial arts school. Its got a unique welcoming culture that makes all the difference for new students. I have dabbled abit with BJJ in the past at various schools and never stuck around - it was always a chore to go to training (sheer will power). This week, I trained at HJJ 3 times (maxed out my membership attendance) and it was effortless.

John is personable, welcoming, technical, and a very talented teacher. One of the best - if not THE best - martial arts teacher I've ever met. There is a strong emphasis on self defence, safety, keeping it playful, and camaraderie.

I'm glad I found HJJ, and have a feeling I will be staying for a long time:)

Great group of people, and John is a great instructor. He really breaks the movements down well and cultivates a great learning culture within the school.

Awesome academy! As a beginner I felt super comfortable from Day 1. John is a great teacher and very welcoming and all the members are super friendly and always willing to help you improve your technique. I'm hooked, can't wait to see how much I can learn!

John kindly hosted me when I was visiting Sydney. While I am a fairly new white belt I have trained at a number of places during my travels and people in Sydney are very lucky to have a gym of this caliber.

John's classes really stand out for the level of attention he gives to teaching, from the way he tailors the warm up to the day's techniques, and his on point advice based on close observation of your weak spots.

Clear curriculum and he balances realistic self defense focus with staying safe and healthy, and very friendly professor.

Great, friendly place where you will learn heaps and have fun at the same time.

I've joined HJJ late in 2019 because I was curious about Jujitsu and how it will help with my self-defence. Found the place very friendly and welcoming. John's style of teaching is focused on defence & safety first, with a strong emphasis on technique & bio-mechanics. Whilst my brain is constantly challenged in every session, I'm seeing visible progress & I'm getting stronger as I go.

Recommend this to both absolutely beginners & people with experience.

Very nice and friendly place where learn jiu jitsu. John good person and teacher inside and outside the gym, you will enjoy this gym

Marco from Italy

Great vibes and amazing place to learn the gentle art of Higher Gracie Jiu Jitsu in the Sydney CBD. Only been a short time but John and his team are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet always willing to help you on your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey.

Awesome teacher, philosophy and style. Friendly training partners. Spotless mats in a relaxed, knowledge-sharing environment. A life changing experience!

I was very lucky to be able to train at HJJ. It was an amazing experience, very technical sparring partners and everyone was really friendly. Their instructors are welcoming, make you feel at home and readily share their knowledge. Overall a great experience, and highly recommend visiting and training if you live in or are visiting Sydney. Thanks again so much for having me:)