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Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at DS TEAM JIUJITSU NEW ZEALAND. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
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If you’re looking for more than just a place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, DS Team Jiu-Jitsu school is exactly that.
From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re welcomed into a community that genuinely cares about every student. If you commit to them, they’ll commit to you. Sensei Douglas and Patricia are an incredible team who invest much more than just their time. They teach exceptional Jiu-Jitsu, but more importantly, they help build respectful, resilient, confident young people. They cultivate dedication, self-discipline and self-control, encouraging students to carry those qualities with them both on and off the mats.
One thing I particularly admire is that every stripe and belt is truly earned. I believe their standards are high because they genuinely care about their students and want them to develop the skills, confidence and character to progress when they’re truly ready. There are no shortcuts - I have enormous respect for that philosophy.
As a parent, I’ve experienced firsthand the kindness and support they extend well beyond the dojo. They have gone above and beyond for our family on more than one occasion, and I will always be grateful for that.
The school itself is absolutely beautiful. It’s modern, exceptionally clean, immaculately presented, and the attention to hygiene and detail is second to none. You can immediately see the pride and care that’s gone into creating such a welcoming, professional environment.
Anything worthwhile takes time, and DS Team Jiu-Jitsu reflects that philosophy in every aspect of what they do. We’re incredibly grateful to be part of such a special community and couldn’t recommend them more highly.
This Jiu Jitsu school is the best.
In July 2026 it has doubled in size and had a renovation. It’s now twice as big and twice as good.
Sensei Douglas Santos is extremely knowledgeable and his team of black belts are always ready to share their insights.
No two nights are the same on these mats.
The school is always perfectly clean and Sensei vigilantly upholds the values and traditions of Brazilian jiu jitsu.
This is the top jiu jitsu school in New Zealand.
I've been training with Sensei Douglas Santos for the past year, and the experience has been outstanding. The DS Team provides a fantastic environment to develop both the physical and mental aspects of BJJ.
I started as a complete beginner and felt welcomed and part of the team from day one. The coaching is exceptional, the atmosphere is supportive, and everyone is encouraged to learn and improve at their own pace.
I'd highly recommend this gym to anyone interested in starting or advancing their BJJ journey. A special shout-out to Patricia, Wolf, and Hamish who are also incredible instructors and have played a huge role in making training both enjoyable and rewarding.
I attended the women's self-defence class here and also took a few personal lessons with Patricia. She is incredibly warm, patient and supportive. Even though it was my very first time learning anything related to Jiu-Jitsu, she made me feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. She guided and motivated me throughout the sessions, and I learned so much. I am really looking forward to coming back for more classes. Highly recommend!
An excellent, truly world-class Jiu Jitsu school. The quality of coaching is outstanding, with a great mix of experience levels that creates an environment where everyone can learn and improve, regardless of where they’re starting from.
What really stands out is the strong focus on fundamentals. There’s a real emphasis on mastering the core principles exceptionally well, which builds a solid foundation and allows you to progress with confidence.
Sensei Douglas Santos and Patricia make the classes engaging, fun, and challenging. Their teaching style keeps you motivated while ensuring you’re constantly learning and improving.
Beyond the techniques, the benefits of training here extend well outside the school. Jiu Jitsu develops discipline, resilience, and mental clarity, and this school embodies those values. It’s a place that not only improves your skill on the mats but also has a positive impact on your everyday life.
Highly recommend to anyone considering starting or continuing their Jiu Jitsu training.
Neville Cook
After being part of the team for more than four years, it’s time for us to say goodbye as we move to Australia. Looking back, enrolling our son at DS Team Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best decisions we’ve ever made for him.
Not only has he improved physically, but we’ve seen incredible growth in him mentally and emotionally. He’s learned how to manage his emotions, be more caring, think about others, and live by values that are not easy for parents to teach alone.
Patricia and Sensei Douglas have given him so much more than martial arts. They’ve helped shape his character and confidence, and he has built wonderful friendships along the way.
One of the hardest parts of moving will be saying goodbye to this amazing team. Patricia and Douglas, we can’t thank you enough. We will truly miss you. We will continue Jiu-Jitsu in Australia, but we know the experience we had here will always be special and impossible to replace.
Thank you for everything you pour into these kids’ lives.
Its an awesome place to learn not only jiujitsu, also about life. Sensei Douglas and all team are pretty nice. The environment is safety and it’s a place where you can meet amazing people. I completely recommend you this place
DS Team is undoubtably the best Jiu Jitsu school in the country and I feel very lucky to be able to train there. I have been doing Jiu Jitsu at this school for 18 months and it has made a significant improvement to my life. If you trust in the instructors and keep showing up you will see massive improvements in not just physical fitness, but mental resilience also. It goes with out saying the school is exceptionally well run and the people there are awesome. If you are considering starting BJJ or looking for a Jiu Jitsu school I couldn't recommend DS Team enough.
For anyone who truly wants to learn jujutsu, this is the place to be. It's not just about mastering the techniques; it's a place that also nurtures your spirit. The facility is always clean, and the loving staff warmly welcomes everyone. My children and I absolutely love it here.
Been training here for 9 months and love it. The whole space especially the mat is always clean. The instructors are solid and there is never any ego. I trust Douglas and Patricia, Wolf and the others enough to bring my son to train here too. The environment has a real welcoming and traditional vibe. It’s also a serious Jiu Jitsu school where you can smarten up, toughen up and humble yourself in a single session. My only regret is not joining years ago.
Highly recommend DS jiu Jitsu.
As a newbie who had no martial arts experience but who had an interest in ju jitsu for a while, I was a little nervous attending my first session on the trial. However I was quickly met by super friendly and welcoming instructors and students who showed me the ropes with not even a small hint of judging on not knowing the basics (how tie the belt, mat etiquette etc).
Since then I’ve been training for a few months and the vibe hasn’t changed. Fantastically skilled instructors who are patient, funny, inspiring and helpful.
I would absolutely recommend someone in my shoes try the trial and go from there.
