Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Cairns
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Cairns
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little champs

Experience the Difference With a 10-Day Free Jiu-jitsu Trial

Most Jiu-Jitsu schools offer just one free trial class—we take it further. New students receive 10 full days of unlimited access to all beginner group classes. We are confident that our curriculum, supportive community, and world-class instruction will exceed your expectations. If, for any reason, you feel otherwise, just let us know, and you’ll never be charged for the classes you attended.

Empowering Kids with Confidence: The Gracie Bullyproof Program

Bullying can have lasting effects on a child's confidence and well-being. Our Gracie Bullyproof program equips children with essential skills to navigate and neutralise bullying situations safely and effectively.

children's martial arts class

Non-Violent Self-Defence

Rather than teaching punches or kicks—which can escalate conflicts—we focus on verbal assertiveness and leverage-based control holds to neutralise threats without aggression. These techniques empower children to defend themselves while promoting self-discipline and respect.


Many school districts recognise the defensive nature of Gracie Bullyproof and even host classes on campus. Our mission is to prepare your child to stand up to bullies—without becoming one.


If you're looking for a way to instil unshakeable confidence in your child while reinforcing positive values, this program is the perfect fit. Even if your child has had a negative experience with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the past, we assure you they will thrive in Gracie Bullyproof!

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Cairns

Building Critical Confidence

Studies suggest that bullying is a leading cause of low self-esteem in children, yet fewer than 15% report it. Many victims fear standing up to bullies due to physical intimidation, even though they want to.


Our approach is simple: give children the tools to defend themselves physically, and their confidence will follow. When they no longer fear an attack, they naturally develop the courage to stand their ground.

Fighting Fire With Water

Most martial arts programs focus on striking—we take a different approach. Gracie Bullyproof techniques are:


  • Purely defensive, with no punches, kicks, knees, or elbows.
  • Designed to de-escalate confrontations with words before resorting to self-defence.
  • Focused on non-violent control to neutralise threats until help arrives.


By fighting fire with water, we ensure that children learn to defend themselves without ever becoming bullies.

junior grapplers

A Three-Pronged Approach to Bullyproofing

Our program is built on three key pillars:


  1. Increased Awareness
    Bullying comes in many forms—physical, verbal, and psychological. Some children struggle to differentiate between harmless teasing and harmful harassment. We teach them to recognise the difference and respond accordingly.
  2. Unshakable Confidence
    Bullies prey on those who seem like easy targets. We equip children with the tools to stand their ground, ensuring they project confidence that deters bullies before a confrontation even begins.
  3. Total Responsibility
    Self-defence is a responsibility, not a weapon. We reinforce discipline, respect, and restraint by teaching the Five Rules of Engagement, ensuring students only use their skills when absolutely necessary.

The Rules of Engagement

Teaching a child Jiu-Jitsu without teaching them when to use it is like giving someone a powerful tool without proper guidance. Gracie Bullyproof is the only kids' Jiu-Jitsu program that not only teaches self-defense techniques but also emphasises when and how to use them responsibly.


Our Five Rules of Engagement are regularly reinforced in class to ensure children never misuse their skills—while also empowering them to stand up against bullying when necessary.


  • Avoid the fight at all costs.
  • If physically attacked, defend yourself.
  • If verbally attacked, follow the Three T-steps (Talk, Tell, Tackle).
  • Never punch or kick the bully—establish control and negotiate.
  • When applying submissions, use minimal force and always negotiate.


While we cover these rules in class, we strongly encourage parents to discuss them at home. This reinforces your child's confidence in making the right decisions and assures them of your support should they need to stand up against bullying.

Verbal Jiu-Jitsu Training

One of the most harmful forms of bullying is verbal harassment. Unlike physical confrontations, words can be persistent and deeply damaging. Gracie Bullyproof is the only kids' Jiu-Jitsu program that incorporates Verbal Assertiveness Training, or as we like to call it, "Verbal Jiu-Jitsu."


Through structured role-playing exercises, students learn to:


  • Differentiate between joking and bullying.
  • Speak assertively when necessary.
  • Use direct eye contact and confident posture to deter bullies before conflicts escalate.


By mastering these techniques, children develop the ability to diffuse conflicts with words before physical action is ever needed.

Perfect Programs for Every Age

Most Jiu-Jitsu schools group all youth students into one class, and only a handful separate them by age. The Gracie Bullyproof program goes further by dividing students based on both age and experience level. This ensures every child receives the perfect balance of fun, challenge, and skill development at their own pace.

Designed for kids aged 3-7, the Little Champs program uses engaging and interactive "Gracie Games" to introduce basic self-defence techniques, leverage, and control.


The secret to our success? We make learning so much fun that kids beg for more! Once they master the ten core Gracie Games, they are ready to advance to the Jr. Grapplers program.

The Jr. Grapplers program focuses on 33 non-violent self-defence techniques designed to teach children how to "neutralise and negotiate" with bullies. A major component of this curriculum is verbal assertiveness training, equipping kids with the confidence and communication skills necessary to stand up for themselves. No prior experience is needed to start, and we guarantee a noticeable boost in confidence within just a few weeks!

For students who excel in the Jr. Grapplers program, we offer an invitation to the Black Belt Club—our most advanced youth Jiu-Jitsu program. Membership in the Black Belt Club is the highest honour a young Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner can achieve. Students in this program embody the key traits necessary for success on the path to black belt:


  • Discipline
  • Respect
  • Courage
  • Leadership
  • Loyalty
  • Compassion

The teaching methodologies in Gracie Bullyproof are unlike anything else in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We introduce entry-level techniques through engaging Jiu-Jitsu games, keeping kids excited and eager to learn.


Instead of focusing on mistakes, we use "push teaching"—highlighting the correctly executed aspects of a move while providing positive reinforcement. This approach allows kids to progress with confidence, maximizing their potential while maintaining their love for the art.

Our instructors develop strong connections with their students, especially our younger practitioners. We use this bond to instil life skills that go beyond the mat.


The Gracie Character Development Program is structured around six key values:


  • Responsibility
  • Health
  • Respect
  • Citizenship
  • Manners
  • Caring


Each value is explored over a two-month period. In every class, we dedicate 10-15 minutes to discussing the featured trait and simple ways kids can apply it in their daily lives.


To reinforce these lessons, we use a point-based reward system tied to Gracie Game Day—a special two-hour event filled with fun games led by instructors. Only students who earn enough points during the two-month cycle qualify to attend, making it a powerful incentive for positive behaviour at home and school.


(Parents love Gracie Game Day so much that they often put on a uniform just to join in!)

Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults, designed to teach the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a safe, fun, and cooperative environment.


Each one-hour class covers:


  • One standing self-defence technique
  • One ground self-defence technique
  • Simplified drills ("slices") to break down movements for easy learning


You can start anytime—no experience is required! And because safety is our top priority, there is no competitive sparring in this program.


Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives, you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt, qualifying you for advancement into the Master Cycle Program.

While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu consists of over 600 techniques, research conducted by the Gracie Family on real-life self-defence situations has identified 36 techniques that have been used with the greatest success.


Originally developed for the U.S. Army, Gracie Combatives is the only program dedicated entirely to mastering these essential techniques.


No prior experience? No problem! Our cooperative training environment ensures that students of all ages, genders, and athletic abilities have an informative, enjoyable, and empowering experience from day one.


Step 1: Learn the Techniques
We have divided the 36 Gracie Combatives techniques into 23 one-hour classes, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Each lesson is designed to be accessible from any point in the course, so you can complete them in any order without feeling overwhelmed. Upon enrolment, you will receive a Gracie Combatives attendance card to track your progress every step of the way.


Step 2: Develop Your Reflexes

Once you have completed each of the 23 lessons twice, you qualify for the Reflex Development (RD) Classes. These sessions teach you how to seamlessly combine the 36 techniques to respond effectively to real-world self-defence situations.


Step 3: Earn Your Gracie Combatives Belt
To qualify for your Gracie Combatives Belt, you must:


✔ Complete each of the 23 lessons three times
✔ Attend at least 12 Reflex Development Classes
✔ Pass a 25-minute evaluation demonstrating your ability to execute the 36 essential techniques individually and in combination.


If your performance meets Gracie University standards, you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt and be ready to advance into the Master Cycle program!

When you enrol at any Certified Training Centre, you receive free access to Gracie University Online, where you can study detailed video lessons 24/7 from any computer or mobile device.

Additionally, active students can train for free at any other Certified Training Centre worldwide for up to 30 consecutive days per year. Since all centres follow the same curriculum, your attendance will be credited no matter where you train!

For most classes, you will need to bring comfortable workout clothes and athletic shoes. Some classes may require additional equipment, which will be provided by Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Cairns. In ALL lessons, you required to bring your own water bottle!

Women’s-Only Self-Defence Program

You can begin training at any time—no prior experience required! Unlike most self-defence systems that rely on strength, speed, and coordination, this program emphasises leverage, technique, and timing, making it effective for women of all ages and athletic abilities.

Many women hesitate to try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu due to concerns about injury, intimidation, or discomfort in a mixed-gender setting. If you’ve had a negative experience at another school, give this program a try—we guarantee a safe, supportive, and empowering environment that will bring you back to the mat!

With input from law enforcement officers and sexual assault survivors, we identified the 20 most common attacks used by assailants against women. This program teaches defences against threats such as:


✔ Hair grabs
✔ Chokeholds
✔ Bear hugs
✔ Weapon attacks

Beyond the physical techniques, this program reinforces awareness, risk assessment, and verbal boundary-setting skills. We emphasise the importance of mental preparedness and teach strategies to deter potential threats—even from acquaintances. At the core of this training is the belief that you are worth defending!

A Gracie Jiu-Jitsu private lesson is a one-on-one training session with a certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor, designed to provide personalised instruction tailored to your skill level and goals. This focused training allows for faster progress compared to group classes, ensuring individual attention to refine techniques and address specific weaknesses.


Key Benefits of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Private Lessons:


  • Personalised Instruction: Your instructor will focus on your specific areas of improvement, whether it's mastering foundational techniques, refining advanced moves, or preparing for competition.
  • Accelerated Learning: One-on-one coaching allows for a faster grasp of techniques and concepts compared to group settings.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Private lessons can be scheduled at your convenience, making it easier to fit training into your lifestyle.
  • Confidence Building: Direct feedback and corrections from an expert instructor help boost confidence in your abilities.
  • Private or Group Settings Available: Lessons can be conducted in a one-on-one format or in small groups for those who prefer to train with friends or family.

Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Centres (CTCs) are authorised martial arts schools dedicated to teaching Gracie University’s proprietary self-defense programs. While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has become one of the fastest-growing martial arts worldwide, the quality of your training experience depends on the culture and teaching methods of your chosen school.


Each CTC is independently owned and operated, but all certified instructors undergo extensive training directly under the Gracie Family, ensuring you receive the highest quality instruction on your journey to Jiu-Jitsu mastery.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is designed for everyone—but only if taught correctly. Unlike traditional BJJ schools that take a "one-size-fits-all" approach, Gracie University has developed specific programs for different demographics:


✅ Gracie Bullyproof – Designed for kids (ages 3-12)
✅ Women Empowered – A self-defence program tailored for women
✅ Gracie Combatives – A beginner-friendly adult program
✅ Master Cycle – Advanced training for experienced practitioners


Each program follows a structured curriculum, ensuring students know exactly what to expect in each class. Students receive an attendance card to track progress, so they can see their achievements and understand the path to their next level.


In an art where confusion and frustration are common, our structured approach ensures a clear, enjoyable, and rewarding learning experience—exclusive to Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Centres.

Safety is our number one priority. Many BJJ schools structure their classes around elite students, often leaving beginners to serve as “grappling dummies” for advanced practitioners. At our CTCs, we take the opposite approach:


❌ No Competitive Sparring for Beginners – In our beginner programs, there is no sparring, ensuring you learn techniques in a cooperative environment with supportive training partners.
✅ Progressive Learning – You’ll train in a fully structured, safe setting for 8-12 months before moving into sparring-based advanced programs.
✅ Supportive Culture – Even in advanced training, our culture emphasises mutual benefit—partners work with you, not against you.


This collaborative training environment is rare in Jiu-Jitsu, and we go to great lengths to ensure it remains the standard at all Certified Training Centres.

When Grand Masters Carlos and Helio Gracie founded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the early 1900s, it was designed purely for self-defense in real fights. However, as sportive BJJ competitions gained popularity, many schools shifted away from real-world self-defense training.


At Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Centres, street readiness remains our top priority. Every technique taught from day one has been chosen for its effectiveness in real-life combat situations. Only after students develop essential self-defense skills do they explore the sportive side of Jiu-Jitsu.

Upon enrolling in a Certified Training Centre, you’ll receive free access to Gracie University Online, where you can:


✔️ Study detailed video lessons for every technique taught in class.
✔️ Access training materials 24/7 from any computer or mobile device.
✔️ Train at any Certified Training Centre worldwide for free for up to 30 consecutive days per year.


Since all CTCs follow the same curriculum, your attendance credits transfer seamlessly when you return home.

10-Day Free Trial – Start Today!

Enough talking—it’s time to experience Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for yourself!


📞 Contact your local Certified Training Centre to start your 10-day free trial. You’ll have the chance to:
✔️ Speak with a certified instructor or team member to answer any questions.
✔️ Schedule your introductory class.
✔️ Enjoy unlimited access to all beginner group classes for 10 consecutive days.


We’re confident you’ll love our program—get in touch and experience it for yourself!

Let’s Connect

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