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Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Eastside Grapplers Aotearoa. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
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Sime is a high level black belt with so much great quality knowledge, played a massive role in my mma career, Highly recommended..High level grapplers and friendly environment. No egos just pure fun and happiness.
Dropped in for a few open mats and have had nothing but great experiences. Great vibes, super high standard, always happy to send my students their way too!
Making the decision to switch to Eastside was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. In my first year here I progressed faster than I did training for 2 years at another gym and I’m approaching 2 years here at Eastside Grapplers. Training under Sime has been great and I felt very welcomed from my first day and I’ve grown a lot as a person due to this place. If you want to learn jiu-jitsu, no better person to learn it from than Sime
Eastside Grapplers Aotearoa is very welcoming, the Comp & Conditioning Tabatas classes was the appeal for me, my mobility improved a lot, being in this Brazilian Jujitsu/MMA atmosphere with Coach Sime & the team constantly helps to keep me in check. Thanks Eastside, with Gratitude.
Choosing to train BJJ at EastSide Grapplers was easily one of the best decisions I’ve made. Even after nearly three years, I still look forward to each session. Sime has a wealth of grappling knowledge and really knows how to adjust his teaching to fit each student’s skill level, so everyone—from beginners to advanced belts—gets something out of every class. The fact that there are so many long-term members is a testament to the quality of his classes and how much he genuinely cares about each person, no matter where they are in their journey. He’s selfless with his time and completely invested in helping his students reach their goals, whether it’s competing or just personal improvement. The people here are what really make the gym though—some of the friendliest, most down to earth people you'll ever meet! Honestly, the list of positives goes on, but in short, I couldn’t recommend this place more! 🙌🏽👍🏽
I had the pleasure to train at this gym whilst being on a 6 month work trip in New Zealand. I started jiu jitsu in Europe and have trained in many different countries but this is by far the best gym I ever got to experience. Sime (the head coach) managed to create an extremely welcoming community within the gym. Everyone there is friendly and respectful, creating a safe and comfortable training environment. The best thing about it is that there is a big variety of people, providing you with some good sparring/training options for both women and men. There are some bigger guys, a more athletic and younger group, and people in their mid 40s/50s. The level in the gym is quite high making it a great learning environment for people starting out.
There is also the added benefit of having one of the best if not the best coach in New Zealand. You won’t find a more dedicated person then him out there. He is in the gym 7 days a week, stays behind after classes to train some more with people that want to compete and coaches you through every competition. Furthermore, he also incorporates techniques for MMA into the jiu jitsu classes making it much more applicable for self defense. He is very patient and knows exactly what advice to give and never overloads you with information.
Last but not least Sime very big on cleanliness, meaning that the mats are always carefully cleaned after every training session protecting you from skin infections you often find in other gyms.
I had nothing but positive experiences whilst training there. I can highly recommend ;)
I’ve trained here almost 9 months now, walking in as an absolute beginner with no previous martial arts or combat sport experience. My body has changed significantly, and I have definition in my muscles for the first time in my life. My cardio has improved significantly.
Sime is an excellent coach, and so patient with myself (slow learner) and my roudy kids. I highly commend him for that. He definitely knows what he’s doing. I feel safe and supported in this learning environment and confident to go at my own pace.
I’ve witnessed many of the fighters compete and win Golds multiple times, thanks to Sime and his coaching.
The community at Eastside Grapplers has become like family to my kids and I due to the family friendly vibes. My kids enjoy training here as well and have made so many friends!
The gym itself is clean and hygienic. Close to home, and affordable for my family and I.
I’ve introduced this gym to my friends and cousins and would absolutely recommend to trial a class to others.
If Sime ran kids classes 7 days a week my girls would end up living there, they absolutely love it. Sime & Karin have built an inclusive environment to build self confidence, respect and most of all "Fun" for all ages and abilities.
