4/5 Belconnen Cres, Brendale QLD 4500, Australia
International Submission Arts Wrestling Federation World Headquarters
Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at MMA ITO DOJO. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
I highly recommend the ITO MMA Dojo. Our Sensei, Toshiyuki Ito, came to Australia in 1993 to establish an MMA club after retiring from professional fighting in Japan, making him one of the early pioneers of MMA in Australia. Sensei Toshiyuki Ito is a highly respected authority on leg locks and submission grappling. His teacher, the late Hidetaka Aso, was a pioneer of submission wrestling, a World Sambo Champion, Japanese national wrestling champion, and highly ranked judoka. Aso also studied Catch Wrestling directly under the legendary Karl Gotch. This lineage and knowledge have been passed down through Sensei Ito and continue to form an important part of the training at ITO MMA Dojo. Sensei Toshiyuki Ito (9th Dan) is now the head of the International Submission Arts Wrestling Federation, with the organisation’s world headquarters having moved from Japan to Brisbane, Australia. One of the things I particularly value about ITO MMA Dojo is that the training can be adapted to different ages and abilities. Despite being over 60 years of age, I am still able to train within my capacity. With the support and guidance of Sensei Ito, I can continue developing my submission grappling skills in a way that respects my physical abilities while helping me maintain my fitness, mobility, strength, and confidence. There is an enormous depth of knowledge at the dojo, but the atmosphere remains supportive and welcoming. Whether you are interested in MMA, Submission Arts Wrestling, Catch Wrestling, leg locks, or submission grappling more generally, I would highly recommend training with Sensei Toshiyuki Ito at ITO MMA Dojo.
I have trained at MMA Dojo Ito for several years, first as supplement my grappling with striking and now as my full time gym. I can strongly recommend the dojo for a number of reasons: 1) It is the home of the S.A.W (Submission Arts Wrestling) system which is Japanese Catch Wrestling. This offers a unique opportunity to train a more unique form of grappling and in doing so preserve it for generations to come. The system is geared around takedowns, leglocks and aggressive submission attacks. It integrates well into mixed martial arts. 2) This integration into MMA gives it an emphasis on practicality and techniques that can be utilised both in sports and non sport scenarios. 3) The class structure is split in two, with the first part being a rotating striking class (ranging from light sparring to pad-work, kicking/knees, blocking and clinch work) and the second being focused on grappling. This gives students the chance to learn a broad range of skills. The lessons end with a short motivational speech and a breathing exercise. 4) The atmosphere is friendly and respectful and offers the ability to train with a variety of different people with varying skill- levels and backgrounds in safe environment. 5) Sensei Ito himself is a wealth of quietly understated knowledge accumulated through many years of experience. He carries himself with a quiet dignity, strength and humility and shows care and patience for his students and it is reflected back in their admiration for him. He does not demand respect, he earns it every day through his tireless efforts to be present and help his students better themselves. 6) Private classes are on offer if you require focus time on any particular skills you want to sharpen. I make use of these and have found them extremely beneficial for learning the nuances of striking and for being able to ask questions and gain additional details or insights that I might miss in a normal class setting. To sum up; MMA Dojo Ito is a unique gym, teaching an art that deserves to be preserved and carried on. If you are interested in martial arts and keen to learn in an environment with the practicality of modern MMA but with the humble respect that is common in eastern martial arts (think the difference in sportsmanship between ONE Championship vs UFC) the dojo would be an excellent fit for you.
Sensei Toshiyuki Ito is an absolute master of his discipline, every time I enter his Dojo I always receive expert level advice on my technique and form, ever since coming I have noticed I am leaps and bounds not only physically healthier but in mindset as well. I highly recommend this Dojo and Sensei Toshiyuki Ito to anyone interested in martial arts whether you are just starting out or are already experienced and are looking to take your skills to the next level!
Sensei Toshi is one of those incredible humans who have committed their entire life to attainment of excellence in Martial Arts. He is the highest ranked Submission Arts Wrestling teacher in the entire world , and we are privileged to have him teaching in Brisbane. Students who have trained in the Fighting Arts for decades, are still continually in awe of the the depth of Knowledge, skill, technical detail shown by Sensei Toshi. I am personally in amazement at his understanding of both the external hard elements of Martial Arts training and the more gentle internal arts of preserving the power and health of our body mind and Spirit. In this way he is a true Master and an inspiration ! Whether you are a beginner the the world of self defense, a budding fighter with aspirations of successfully competing or a Martial Arts "Old Timer", I highly recommend MMA ITO DOJO, You will be welcomed into a safe and respectful environment, where ego is left at the door . All levels of skill are catered to and all practitioners of other disciplines are welcomed. Don't let the opportunity to train with the worlds highest ranked Submission Arts Wrestling teacher pass you by! Sensei Toshiyuki Ito just continues to AMAZE me.
I have been training with Sensei Toshiyuki Ito at Ito Dojo now for over a year. I train for self defense and have trained BJJ for years but this is more applicable as it combines striking attack and defense with very effective grappling. Toshiyuki is also focused on a holistic approach which drives personal development. It is a small gym so its very personal and development is fast. I would recommend Ito Dojo to anyone of any age or physical stature who wishes to compete, defend themselves or simply get fit.
15 years training with Sensei Toshi Ito, and I still learn something new every session. What makes MMA ITO DOJO special isn't just the martial arts — it's Toshi himself. As a personal trainer, he takes a genuinely holistic approach, guiding my physical training, mindset, and overall wellbeing, always tailored to where I'm at. His decades of experience and real investment in his students' growth as whole people is what keeps me coming back. If you want a trainer who cares about more than just technique, I can't recommend Toshi highly enough.
I have had the privilege of training with Sensei Ito for almost 16 years, and the impact he has had on my martial arts journey and on me as a person has been immeasurable. What has always stood out is his exceptional depth of knowledge, patience, and genuine commitment to every student's development. Sensei has a remarkable ability to explain not only how to perform a technique, but why it works. He places great emphasis on building strong foundations through proper breathing, body mechanics, balance, and disciplined practice. Those fundamentals become the basis for performing more advanced techniques with effortless confidence and precision. Over the years, I have grown not only in technical ability, but also in discipline, perseverance, humility, and self-confidence. Every class provides an opportunity to learn something new, regardless of experience level, and Sensei's calm, encouraging teaching style creates an environment where everyone can continue to improve. One of the qualities I admire most is his commitment to teaching authentic martial arts with integrity and respect for tradition while ensuring every lesson remains practical and relevant. His dedication to his students and to preserving the art is evident in everything he does. Having trained under Sensei Ito for almost 16 years and witnessed firsthand his knowledge, dedication, and commitment to his students, I can fully appreciate why Shihan Hidetaka Aso, founder of Submission Arts Wrestling (SAW), appointed Daihyo Shihan Toshiyuki Ito to lead the official SAW dojo in Australia, which also serves as the SAW World Headquarters. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have trained under Sensei Ito for so many years. Whether you're stepping onto the mats for the first time or you're an experienced martial artist seeking to deepen your understanding, I cannot recommend him highly enough. Training under his guidance has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Keizoku wa chikara nari — Continuity is Strength. As Sensei reminds me: “Like a raindrop that becomes a stream, a creek, a river, and finally the ocean — progress comes through patience, dedication, and continuous practice.”
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