GZ Culture

Ground Zero is the only specialist Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in Melbourne's CBD, and we are also reaching out into the city's suburbs and beyond. We love teaching and learning BJJ skills and that's reflected in our enthusiasm on the mat. We strive to be a fun, friendly and professional place to train for people at all skill and fitness levels.

At Ground Zero we have a long term vision for each student: a commitment to quality teaching and training.  We know that a student who is taught well learns faster and performs better.  Our training sessions are intelligent, challenging and thought provoking.  We seek to teach a skill and then test it in a grappling situation.  While people wear their belts with pride, we don't seek to enforce a hierarchy - it's the skills and knowledge that are important.


Over a period of 12 weeks, we will cycle through the major competencies of BJJ, including:

   ·  Back Mount
   ·  Mount
   ·  Knee Ride
   ·  Cross Side and Side Control
   ·  Top Control and North/South
   ·  Side and Back Control
   ·  Guard
   ·  Half Guard
   ·  Chokes, Arm Bars and Joint Locks

Following Gracie Jiu Jitsu tradition, students first learn to train wearing a kimono/gi, allowing the student to master the correct sequences in a controlled, more technical environment.  After this, students then progress to training without it, which requires the application of the previously learnt sequences at a faster pace with less to grip in the absence of a gi.  Finally, if the student so wishes they can go on to learn to add striking, both standing and on the ground.

If you're interested in getting fit, defending yourself, learning new skills and meeting new friends, you will feel right at home at Ground Zero. Just pop in, watch a class or jump on the mat if you want, we'll look  after you!

Ground Zero is honoured to be associated with the Gracie Family, the originators of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and is able to use the Gracie name here in Melbourne.  Ground Zero’s relationship with the Gracie family highlights a dedication to quality and the principles that have made BJJ great (see history of BJJ on the home page for more information).