Read why our students have benefitted from training at our school.
Click on the pictures and read more.
David Conway Jiujitsu has helped to improve my resilience, self-confidence, fitness, breathing, and ability to remain comfortable when faced with uncertainty.
1. Why/how did you start jiujitsu?
My daughter Isobel and I were walking past Gracie Barra
Charlestown one afternoon and she asked me, "What's that Dad?" | explained that it was Jiu Jitsu. We walked inside and she liked what she saw. The next day we were back for Isobel's first lesson. I started because I was watching Isobel train three times a week and saw what a fun, warm environment Gracie Barra Charlestown is. All of the staff always smiled and said hello and made us feel like part of the family. Just under three months later, I finally overcame my nerves and started training as well.
2. How has jiujitsu impacted your life?
I am shy and introverted and find it really difficult to start new things in life. Jiu Jitsu has helped to improve my resilience, self-confidence, fitness, breathing, and ability to remain comfortable when faced with uncertainty.
3. Have you noticed any changes in Isobel since she started & has training together benefited your father daughter relationship?
Like me, Isobel is really shy too. Since beginning Jiu Jitsu, Isobel's self-confidence, discipline, fitness and social skills have improved dramatically. Some of the areas I have really noticed a change in Isobel are: helping her parents out more at home; she's more confident making friendships; she understands that girl's can be tough, strong and resilient, and she's participating in a lot more extra-curricular activities at school such as Dance, Spelling Bee, Public Speaking, Cross Country, and Athletics and swimming carnivals.
Since starting jiu jitsu I feel our father/ daughter relationship has really grown. Isobel loves that we share a passion for jiu jitsu and wrestling her dad on the bed at home and playing pin for three have quickly become her favourite games.
4. Do you have any goals for your future in jiujitsu?
My short term Jiu Jitsu goals are to enter my first competition, achieve my Blue Belt and to be a good training partner and teammate every time I roll. Long-term, it is my dream for Isobel and I to both receive our Black Belts, train together on the mats, and share our knowledge and passion for jiu jitsu with others.
5. What is your favourite part about training at GBC?
My favourite part about training jiu jitsu is the relationships I have forged with my professors, coaches and teammates. It doesn't matter what belt you are, what gender you are, how old you are, or what your limitations are, everyone is made to feel welcome. Most importantly, all of the skills I learn from jiu jitsu carry over into my everyday life. I am a better partner, dad, teacher and friend because of jiu jitsu.
Emily Barry I am able more effectively manage stress and the general ups and downs of life.
I started training at Gracie Barra Charlestown 8 months ago hoping to improve my fitness and better understand the martial art that had captivated my partner. What I have gained is so much more - I am in the best physical shape of my life but I have also found the most beautiful community here having met truly amazing people who have challenged my way of thinking and living for the better. Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu here has made me more confident as a women, a corporate professional and partner. I am able more effectively manage stress and the general ups and downs of life. I cannot thank the professors, coaches, staff and my training partners for everything and I would not hesitate to highly recommend stepping outside your comfort zone and giving it a go at Gracie Charlestown!
Daniel Sullivan If you're looking to unlock your potential and meet great people, this is the place for you.
I’ve been training at Gracie Barra Charlestown for 8 months now, and it has truly had a positive impact on my life. I’ve lost a noticeable amount of weight, gained previously undiscovered confidence in myself, and made connections that will last a lifetime. While training, I’ve met people from all walks of life who have been brought together through the common interest of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the community that has developed through it is incredible. If you're looking to unlock your potential and meet great people, this is the place for you.
Paul Forde Starting BJJ at 50's
I started jiu-jitsu at the age of 54 because the striking based martial art that I had trained for many years had little grappling in the curriculum. I planned to do 6 months training and learn some basic ground skills but that was almost 2 years ago and I am still learning the basics. This is an incredibly challenging and rewarding art, it is impossible to learn quickly because of the vast amount of moves and counter moves available. I will be learning this art until I die. It challenges my body, mind and spirit. I would encourage anyone to give it a shot.
Jess Snelson I wish I could’ve started this as a kid
Starting bjj has reshaped my life. It’s helped me form the habits we all aspire to have: - Eating healthier - Drinking lots of water - Getting enough sleep - Stretching The reason: “So my mind and body can perform at it’s best for bjj”. It’s also lowered my anxiety, helped me feel more confident in the usual every day and shows you a great community of like-minded people. I wish I could’ve started this as a kid.
Justin Davidson You feel welcome and a part of the family.
I can't recommend the instructors, guys, and girls at Gracie Barra Charlestown highly enough! From day one they make you feel welcome and a part of the family. They remember your name and greet you warmly each time they see you. Every member is supportive and encouraging and only too happy to offer you some advice and tips along the way. The atmosphere is very inclusive and family friendly. You'll often see partners feeding their bubs, and children playing while training is in session. The instructors and educators are great with children and make the kids classes feel fun and safe, whilst teaching some important fundamentals at the same time. Joining Gracie Barra Charlestown has been one of the best decisions I've made. I feel stronger, more fit, flexible and energetic, and learn something from each and every session I attend. Thanks GB Charlestown :)
Laura Heffernan Love training BJJ her
Love training BJJ here, Arnie and the team are super passionate, every person who walks in the door feels welcome. Not only do I have a new found love of jiu jitsu, it’s such a great community to be apart of. Coming to the first class is the hardest part, you’ll never look back!
Lucas Newitt The coaches, staff and students are friendly and helpful.
As a complete stranger to BJJ I was super nervous about starting up. I made and enquiry online, got a call that day and headed in the next night for a free session. I signed up on the spot. The coaches, staff and students are friendly and helpful. I’ll be learning and growing with this newfound family for years to come.
Khan Flett Credit to Arnie for being such a great coach and setting the culture.
If you are thinking of picking up a martial art I would highly recommend GB Charlestown. I found myself when looking into what martial art I wanted to train and what gym I wanted to become a part of, I trialed many different gyms but ultimately found that GB Charlestown had some of the best coaching and the best culture of any gym I have ever been a part of. Credit to Arnie for being such a great coach and setting the culture.
Robin A you'll want MORE!!!
Started learning Jiu Jitsu 2 years ago at GB Charlestown. Jiu Jitsu is an amazing martial art which is delivered to students in a fun and safe yet practical environment (i.e very useful). GB Charlestown is full of women and men of all ages, shapes, sizes and backgrounds. We all train, laugh and practice inflicting pain on each other. Come and check it out, give it a crack and you'll want MORE!!!!!!
Tim Hoskins I became addicted to training there immediately
The best thing I've ever done was walk through the doors of GB Charlestown, I became addicted to training there immediately. GB Charlestown provides me with a safe and welcoming environment in which to train in. Professor Arnie and all the coaches are really friendly and approachable, the gym itself has a very inclusive vibe about it aswell. Since I've started training there I've noticed my confidence, health and wellbeing have all skyrocketed. If you are looking for a place to work on your personal development and change your life look no further.
Duane Clifford Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a great workout
I’ve been training at GB Charlestown for almost a year now and I absolutely love it! Arnie and all the other Professors and Coaches are a great bunch, very friendly and knowledgeable. I remember feeling very nervous and intimidated while waiting for my first class to start... and I had a ball!! I signed up at the very next class! The people that train here are very welcoming and friendly. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a great workout, it’s fun, and it challenges your brain too, not just your body! If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go, and GB Charlestown is the place to try it out 🤙🏼
Peta Christian Great instructor
Arnaldo is really fabulous with the kids! He is very wise and is able to figure out each individual child to help them personally..My daughter Blayke absolutely loves coming to Jiu jitsu!
Nigel Docker Great Atmosphere
If you are considering taking up a martial art and live in the Newcastle area this place to go. It has a great atmosphere and culture. The instruction provided is excellent and delivered on an individual basis. The instructors, led by Arnaldo cater for all levels and age groups. It is a great learning environment!
Trent Eagle Awesome Atmosphere
I am so glad I started training Jiu-jitsu, me and my two kids Tyler and Ivy! We all felt very welcome from day one at this school and I can’t wait to learn more and more technique. My kids absolutely love coming to class and bug me to take them to training early every day! Great atmosphere and instructors!
Bridget Eagle Our kids love Jiu-Jitsu!
I seriously just want to say a big thank you for what you guys do for our family! Arnie, Tyler looks up to you like you wouldn't believe. He's got ants to get so much better at Jiu-Jitsu. He loves watching you roll and takes everything you do on board. He's even started eating more veggies at home which is awesome because he wants to be healthier. Both our kids love you guys. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.