Whāingaroa
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Raglan Rollers

Learn the art that builds confidence, strength, and community right here in Whāingaroa - Raglan. Come train with us.

Mon & ThuTraining Nights
Raglan Bowling Club19 James St
Ages 5+All Levels Welcome

Training Times & Cost

Classes

We train Monday and Thursday nights at Raglan Bowling Club. Gi training year-round, with no-gi rolling added through the summer months.

Kids Class

Ages 5+

5:30pm – 6:30pm

Monday & Thursday

$50 / term

A fun, safe intro to jiu-jitsu that builds confidence, discipline and coordination, alongside real technique and new friends.

Adults Class

All Levels

6:30pm – 8:30pm

Monday & Thursday

$50 / month

Technique, drilling and live rolling for complete beginners through to experienced grapplers. Gi training, with no-gi through summer.

Open mat: we also run occasional open mat sessions off-site. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook, or get in touch, to find out when the next one's on.

New to Jiu-Jitsu?

What to Expect

Everyone on the mat started exactly where you are now. Turn up, say hi, and a coach will look after you.

01

Before your first class

Come in comfortable clothing: a t-shirt and shorts or leggings is fine. You don't need a gi straight away; ask a coach about gear once you're settled in.

02

Turn up early

Arrive 5–10 minutes before class so you can say hello and get sorted before things get underway.

03

What we cover

Kids classes mix movement, respect and discipline with age-appropriate technique. Adults classes cover technique, positional drilling and live rolling.

04

Bring along

A water bottle, and a mouthguard is a good idea for adults once you're rolling. That's it.

Find Us

Location

We train at Raglan Bowling Club.

Raglan Bowling Club
19 James Street
Raglan 3225

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Led By

Coaches

Travis Browne

Travis Browne

Head Coach · 2nd Degree Black Belt

Phillip Beale

Phillip Beale

Coach · 2nd Degree Black Belt

Whāingaroa BJJ is proudly affiliated with Will-Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Australasia, established 1987.

Our Story

The Long Pursuit

Whāingaroa is the Māori name for Raglan, meaning "the long pursuit" (after the legendary waka that searched far and wide before finding its final resting place). It felt like the right name for a jiu-jitsu journey too: one that never really ends.

What's now Whāingaroa BJJ, started as informal garage training back in 2016, when Rakai Rewherawha and Dr. Nate Marshall began rolling together as the "Raglan Rollers." Travis Browne, Andrew Higgins and Dai Jenkins joined the mix soon after, and by February 2017 the group had found a permanent home and Whāingaroa BJJ was officially born.

"There is no ego at our gym. Everyone trains with everyone, and rolls with everyone, with no expectations other than having fun and learning from each other."

Travis Browne, Head Coach

Good to Know

FAQ

Do I need experience to start?

Not at all. Most people who walk in have never trained before. Classes are structured to bring beginners up to speed alongside more experienced training partners.

Do I need a gi?

We train in the gi, with no-gi rolling added through the summer months. You don't need one for your first class: come in comfortable clothing and ask a coach about gear once you're settled in.

What age can kids start?

Kids are welcome from age 5. The kids class runs Monday and Thursday, 5:30pm–6:30pm.

How much does it cost?

Kids classes are $50 per school term. Adult classes are $50 per month. Payment is by bank transfer. Details are provided once you get in touch.

Can I try a class first?

Of course! Get in touch before you come along so we know to expect you, then head down and see how you find it.

Where do you train?

Raglan Bowling Club, 19 James Street, Raglan. We also run occasional open mat sessions at another location. Follow us on social media or get in touch for details.

Are you affiliated with a wider team?

Yes. Whāingaroa BJJ trains under Will-Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Australasia, established 1987.

Get in Touch

Come Roll With Us

Questions about classes, cost, or want to try a session? Send us a message and we'll get back to you.