Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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At Northern Mixed Martial Arts (NMMA), we are proud to be affiliated with the Australian Elite Team (AET), one of the most respected and successful Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teams in the country. Led by Head Coach Ninos Dammo, AET has dominated the competition scene, securing victories at the Victorian State Championships and Pan Pacific Championships for the past nine years.
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program is spearheaded by Head Instructor Matt Tonkin, a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Professor Ninos. With over 20 years of experience in the art and as the very first affiliate of the Australian Elite Team, Matt brings unparalleled expertise and a deep commitment to developing students at every level. Alongside him, our team of skilled black belt instructors, including Goran, offer a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching.
At NMMA, we are dedicated to providing a top-tier training environment where students can thrive. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn self-defense, improve fitness, or a competitor aiming for gold, our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program offers a supportive and challenging space to achieve your goals. Training with us means you’ll have access to world-class instruction, high-quality training partners, and the opportunity to be part of a championship-winning team.
Join us and discover why Northern Mixed Martial Arts has been a pillar of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the Northern Suburbs for over two decades. We welcome all students—from those just starting their martial arts journey to experienced practitioners looking to take their skills to the next level. Come train with us and experience the power of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a friendly, welcoming, and competitive environment.
History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is much more than a martial art; it is a transformative practice that empowers individuals through its unique focus on grappling and ground fighting. Its origins can be traced back to Kodokan Judo, specifically the Ne-Waza (ground techniques) taught to Carlos Gracie by master Mitsuyo Maeda. From there, the Gracie family—particularly Carlos and Hélio Gracie—further developed and refined the techniques, ultimately creating a distinct martial art that would change the world of combat sports forever.
At the heart of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the revolutionary concept that size and strength are not the most important factors in a fight. Instead, BJJ teaches that a smaller, weaker person can overcome a larger, stronger opponent by using leverage, technique, and strategy. This is most evident in BJJ’s emphasis on taking the fight to the ground, where joint locks, chokeholds, and positional dominance enable practitioners to neutralize or defeat opponents, regardless of their size.
What makes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu especially compelling is its adaptability. Whether for self-defence, sport grappling (in both gi and no-gi formats), or mixed martial arts (MMA) competition, BJJ provides a versatile system that is grounded in practical, real-world application. Central to its training philosophy is the practice of live sparring, or “rolling,” where students put their techniques to the test in dynamic and realistic scenarios. This emphasis on practical experience fosters both technical proficiency and personal growth, making BJJ not just a martial art but also a journey of self-improvement.
Since its inception in 1914, BJJ has evolved into a global phenomenon, setting itself apart from its parent art of Judo by its emphasis on continuous, live training and its holistic approach to life. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not merely about fighting—it is about building character, promoting physical and mental fitness, and cultivating resilience. For many, it becomes a way of life, a practice that extends far beyond the mat, shaping the way they approach challenges and growth in every area of life.
By embracing BJJ, students are not just learning to defend themselves—they are stepping into a tradition that fosters discipline, confidence, and an unshakeable mindset. It’s a journey that empowers individuals to not only fight but to face life’s obstacles with strength and humility.