The gentle art
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids, women and adults at our Cairns and Innisfail gyms. Whether you want to get fit, learn self-defence or compete, there's a class for you.
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art and combat sport built on leverage, timing and technique rather than strength. It’s often called “the gentle art” because a smaller, well-trained person can control a bigger, stronger opponent. That makes it one of the most practical forms of self-defence, and a superb workout.
You’ll learn to control positions, escape from bad ones and finish with submissions. Training also builds problem-solving, mental toughness and a real understanding of how your body moves. Sparring is where confidence is built and skills are tested in a safe, controlled way.
Adult classes
Adult classes are open to ages 16 and up and run in two styles. Gi classes use the traditional jiu-jitsu uniform and lean on grips, technique and belt progression. No-Gi classes are faster and more athletic, without the kimono. Most members do a mix of both. Beginners are always welcome, and our beginner-friendly classes are a good place to start.
Women in BJJ
BJJ is one of the most effective forms of self-defence for women, and women train at every belt level here in the regular classes. Co-owner Jeska Maunder is a female brown belt who coaches regularly, and the environment is welcoming, supportive and built on mutual respect. Innisfail also runs women’s-only classes.
Kids BJJ
Kids start in Little Ninjas (ages 5–7) and move up to Junior Warriors (ages 8–12). Both are designed to build coordination, confidence and discipline through play, technique and positive coaching. Some juniors are invited into the Junior Elite Team. See our kids martial arts page for more.
Competition and grading
There’s no pressure to compete, but there’s a pathway if you want one. Our athletes compete at regional, state, national and international level. Gradings are held every four months, and the belt is only a milestone: it’s a celebration of the character built along the way.
Your coaches
BJJ is led by head coaches Garrett and Jeska Maunder, together with an experienced team that includes several black belts. Our black belt roll runs to thirteen names, the earliest graded back in 2012, and a number of them coach on our mats today.
Classes & levels
Find the right class
Little Ninjas
Ages 5–7 · 40 minutes, twice a week
A fun, structured first step into jiu-jitsu, building coordination, listening skills and confidence.
Junior Warriors
Ages 8–12 · 1 hour, twice a week
Technique, games and positional sparring that build skill, resilience and good habits.
Junior Elite Team (JET)
By invitation · Friday afternoons
For juniors with competition potential who want to train and compete at a higher level.
Adult Gi
Ages 16+ · Traditional kimono-based training
Technique instruction, partner drilling, positional sparring and belt progression.
Adult No-Gi
Ages 16+ · Rash guard and grappling shorts
Faster-paced grappling without the kimono.
Your coaches
Meet the coaches
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Garrett Maunder
Head Coach & Owner
Co-founder of The M A Connection and head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach. Garrett oversees both gyms and works with athletes preparing for competition.
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Jeska Maunder
Owner & Junior Muay Thai Coach
Co-founder and BJJ brown belt. Jeska holds a Graduate Diploma of Education, has taught for more than 18 years from kindergarten to adults, and is the first point of contact for member enquiries.
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Pedro Vasquez
BJJ Coach
Coaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids and adults.
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Martin Bogner
BJJ Coach
Coaches beginners and the afternoon classes. Promoted to BJJ black belt at the June 2026 grading after more than a decade on the mats.
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Todd Gill
BJJ Black Belt & Coach
Coaches adult BJJ at our Stratford gym.
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Adrian Pancirov
Junior BJJ Coach
Leads the junior Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program. BJJ brown belt.
Good to know
Questions, answered
How does grading work?
We grade every four months. With good attendance (around 39 classes) you can earn stripes, and four stripes puts you in line for belt consideration. Training three times a week typically brings a new belt about every two years.
What are the belt levels?
There are five adult belts: white, blue, purple, brown and black. Reaching black belt typically takes a minimum of 10 years training three times a week.
How often should I train?
Twice a week is the minimum to make progress and three times a week is ideal. Champions train five or six times a week.
Do you compete?
Yes, if you want to. We run in-house competitions in a low-pressure setting, and there are two regional competitions a year. Our athletes also compete at state, national and international level. Competing is always optional.
What should I wear?
For Gi classes, a BJJ Gi (you can rent one to start). For No-Gi, a rash guard and grappling shorts. Wear undergarments, and women should wear a sports crop top underneath.
Do I need to be fit or flexible?
No. You'll build fitness, flexibility and confidence as you train. Everyone starts as a beginner.
No experience needed
Ready to start?
No experience needed, at either gym. Four weeks to find your feet: the first two completely free, then two more at the intro rate, and your membership carries on from there unless you tell us otherwise. Pick your gym below and you can start online in a couple of minutes.