Our Story: The Birth of Grappling HQ

In 2022, Stuart, Chris, Josh, and Kale were all searching for the perfect place to train. Each of us trained at different gyms, but once a week, we would gather to train together in Stuart's garage. We were united by our passion for jiu-jitsu, particularly no-gi grappling, and a thirst for knowledge that pushed us to want to train seven days a week. However, no single gym catered to all our needs, so we decided to create our own—Grappling HQ.

Our vision was to build a space that could keep pace with the ever-evolving sport, offering high-level coaching while supporting everyone from beginners to dedicated athletes. We started in a small basement that, to put it simply, resembled an underground fight club—perfect for our grassroots beginning! One of the first to join us was Dan, a close friend who shared our dedication and passion for the sport. He became an integral part of our team and played a huge role in our growth. Over the first two years, many friends joined us, contributing to the growth of Grappling HQ. We welcomed guest coaches and saw our own students rise to become coaches themselves, including Meshach, Garry, and our kids' assistant coach Navjeet Singh.

Fast forward to today, and Grappling HQ now boasts one of the largest training spaces in the Bay of Plenty. We offer a wide range of classes seven days a week, including wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and even MMA. It has been an incredible journey, filled with amazing like-minded individuals who have become close friends. A huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of this amazing project—we couldn't have done it without you!