John Donehue Jiu Jitsu & MMA

As a longtime now ex student here, my honest opinion is that if you're here to develop your striking you won't go very far, the jiu jitsu and wrestling classes are fine, although i don't think anyone showers, prepare to go home smelling like cheese. I won't say much more than that in the 2 years or so training here not once did we ever practice a head kick. Not the kickboxing coaches fault but all levels of fighter are put into one class and tacked on to the grappling side as an afterthought by management. Boxing is atrocious with the one class I did attend turn out to be some sort of hazing event where one of the students was almost encouraged to try and knock everyone out, and there are a few younger students who have some big egos, often enabled by the coaches. It was good for the sparring practice but if you want to learn any boxing or kickboxing skills other than the basics you would be better off teaching yourself like i did. Also, not as many classes on offer as some other places and forget about drinking water during any bjj class.

As a teenage girl I feel so safe and comfortable. It’s a very nurturing environment with a lot of other females there. All the coaches are patient and super nice. Every single session I learn new stuff.

Have been training here for about a month now and it has been a fantastic experience. The coaches are outstanding; personable and attentive and the other members have really made me feel welcome. Further, I am already starting to get fitter. I couldn't recommend this gym more!

Went to 3 classes. Got injured, had a fractured elbow and tried to cancel. Didn't have much money because I couldn't work due to my injury. When I tried to cancel John Donehue said I have to give 2 weeks notice. I even sent a medical certificate from my physio that my elbow wasn't healing. They still proceed to get 2 weeks of payment out of my account.

My son, is nine and has been going to John Donehue Jiu jitsu MMA kids classes for slightly more than 2 years. Through this, he has increased discipline and has gained a heightened sense of self-confidence and self-worth! Not to mention increased fitness! The coaches treat the “kids” as individuals (as opposed to babying them) and the kids in turn gain maturity through the experience. It is all-inclusive and tailors to individual needs (including different levels of physical and cognitive abilities). We love JD Jiu jitsu MMA and highly recommended it to all of our friends.
Mel

Since joining John Donehue Jiu Jitsu my son has undergone a fantastic transformation.

His confidence has improved in all areas of life, yet through the teaching and discipline and attention provided by the instructors in the weekly classes, Caleb has become more focused and balanced.

This has flowed into to his school life and he is performing better and enjoying school more than ever.

We can not recommend this club highly enough for children to train in a safe an enjoyable environment, and have the support from everyone involved in the club from the time you walk through the door is great.

Do your self a favour and enroll your children, they will be healthier, more confident and learning a great life skill along the way.

Trained here for almost a year now and couldn’t be happier. All the coaches make it easy for beginners to start and learn quickly, and to progress more advanced students skills. If your thinking of a gym to start for the first time or to continue your training somewhere different this is the place to be!

Iv known coach john donehue for as long as iv been in the sport of jiu jitsu and mma.a more knowledgable, understanding and caring coach ud be hard presses to find.that shows in the family friendly club culture. Great coaching staff and students, friendly front of house and a high standard of fitness and technique. 100% recomend to come down.

Just recently started my training here and have been loving it! My confidence and fitness have really improved in the short amount of time I’ve been training here. The staff are lovely and the coaches are very helpful and experienced. I’ve already learnt so much and can not recommend this place enough!

I’ve been training in this dojo for 2 months now. So far it has exceeded my expectations in all aspect. Clean, complete facilities and a high quality teaching from the 20-year black belt John Donehue himself! Every classes I’ve been to seems like a world class seminar. The whole community within is of good morals and values, respect and understanding is practiced on and off the mat at all times. It’s so much fun learning the sport efficiently and surprisingly, discovering my true potential. By and large, it’s an honour to be in John Donehue dojo. Highly recommended!

This gym is amazing, never realised i would enjoy bjj so much.
The coaches and members are very welcoming.
Would highly recommend to anybody interested in martial arts.

Started BJJ training here in this gym a few months ago and I love every bit of time I spend here. I love the way coaches pay attention to small details when they explain every move. All colleagues are welcoming regardless of whether you are new or a veteran.

John Donehue’s has some of the best coaching with traditionalistic values of hard work and sportsmanship that I have come across in a long time. JD offers so much regardless of the skill level you come in as. Couldn’t recommend more!

I started training BJJ at this gym immediately after the COVID-19 lockdowns and couldn't have felt more welcomed training at this gym. Always plenty of smiles with across the gym and such a great culture. Definitely a great place to train mixed martial arts, with the lunch time sessions which works really well especially for work/life balance and working from home arrangements!

Couldnt recommend this gym enough, great place to train if your skill level is anywhere from beginner to advanced. Great atmosphere and great coaches. Definitely a lifetime gym

Training under Coach Donehue for for over 20 years has been one of my life's greatest honours and privileges. I couldn't possibly ask for or have a better Coach or mentor. In my time there I've also gained a 2nd family for which I'll always be truly grateful!

Joined with the intention of trying something new for just a month, next I know I am there 6-7days. A year I still train here every opportunity I get.
Highly recommend; great coaches, great training partners, lovely staff and extremely welcoming and friendly culture.

My daughter and I started training at this gym nearly 5 years ago, and we look forward to many more years here. Whether it’s for self-defence, fitness or sport/ competition, this is the place to train. There’s a good atmosphere in the club, with friendly staff and members, and the level of instruction is incredible. This holds true for both the kids’ classes - where they break techniques down, demonstrate and provide real-time feedback on the kids’ practice- or the adult BJJ classes, where Head Coach Jonn Donehue brings his vast wealth of knowledge and experience to the mats. The boxing and Muay Thai coaches bring high-level experience to the striking classes too, and if you want to really push yourself, there are wrestling and MMA classes on the timetable too, which can add to your striking and grappling development, and the Gene LeBell competition focussed class on Friday nights will take you out of your comfort zone (if you’re up for it!). There are also lots of open mat sessions for BJJ, which aren’t on the timetable, where you can get some extra practice and ask questions from the more experienced practitioners. The mats are clean and there’s a weights room with a good selection of equipment for strength training; it’s admittedly small, but usually free, since most people spend their time in the mats. The only downside is that the men’s’ changing room can get a little crowded at times (because the gym is so popular!) I highly recommend this gym for anyone considering trying out these martial arts.

Professional. Have various disciples and have a boxing ring!
Bit expensive but has a small gym inside which can be used for free for members

Great place to train. The people are friendly and are extremely helpful. Everytime I have question the students or the coach take their time to give me tips and advice.

I highly recommend this place to train. You will not be disappointed.