South Island BJJ was born under the ​undeniable passions of Henry Panek who first discovered the art through Marcus Soares in 1999. From Marcus the lineage stems deeper to Carlson Gracie himself. (The oldest son of Carlos Gracie, who founded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro during the 1920s).

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Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is a fundamental art that should be part of everyone's physical education. From ages 3 and up! Learning self defence is the obvious benefit of the sport but it is just the tip of the iceberg. BJJ brings a level of confidence, self sufficiency, and calmness in uncomfortable situations. It is mentally, physically and emotionally beneficial.

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At SIBJJ we are a family. All of our coaches have been carefully selected to teach and assist in our classes. All coaches share at least these common denominators:

1) They are parents themselves.

 2) They have passion & knowledge for the art. 

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To learn more about the professors, our coaches and the art click here: