Nakama (仲間) is a Japanese term for friends, comrades, or team members bound by a deep camaraderie, often as close as family.

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training at Nakama BJJ in Melbourne

About Nakama BJJ

Since established in 2021, Nakama Brazilian Jiu Jitsu aims to create an inclusive environment for all students to learn and collaborate. We have programs for both children and adults of all levels of experience, whether you're stepping onto the mats for the very first time or you're a seasoned competitor looking for high-level training partners.

Nakama is more than just a place to train for a lot of people. It's a community built on kindness, respect, and equality. Our members come from all walks of life and range from complete beginners to black belts, yet everyone trains together with the same shared purpose: to grow on and off the mats.

Have a listen to what we roll to

Meet Our Team

Jess Smith

Head Coach

Jess has been training and competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2009 earning his black belt in 2021 under coaches Dean Liebenberg and Julio Cesar at GFTeam.

Chris

BJJ Coach

Chris Tran is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and dedicated coach at Nakama Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he works with both kids and adults to help them grow on and off the mats.

Raffa

Kids Coach

Raff has always had a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but sharing it with kids and watching them learn, grow, and have fun makes it even more special.

Burhan (Bill)

Wrestling Coach

Burhan, aka Bill, has been training wrestling since 2013, starting for basic self-defense that became a serious passion.

Mike (Mango)

Kids Coach

Mike a.k.a Mango has been hooked on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2019, and loves seeing kids grow in confidence, skill, and resilience through training.

Michael

Kids Coach

Michael began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2016 and is passionate about helping young students develop confidence, discipline, and strong minds through BJJ.

Jacob

BJJ Coach

Jacob started BJJ over 12 years ago and was awarded his black belt under coach Lachlan Giles in February 2025, after winning multiple titles at brown belt.

Andy

Kids Coach

Coach Andy began his journey in 2012 and is a purple belt who helps coach the kids at Nakama, focusing on building confidence and strong foundational skills.

Our Programs

Find the perfect fit for your martial arts journey, whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner. View our class timetable or check membership pricing to get started.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Kids

Our kids BJJ program introduces children aged 4 and up to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a fun, safe, and engaging way that builds coordination and valuable life skills.

Each session includes a warm-up, guided technique instruction, partner drilling, and situational sparring. Age-specific groups ensure younger children get a playful introduction while older kids work on competition preparation.

Learn anti-bullying techniques, self-control, and conflict resolution.
Build self-esteem, social skills, and resilience through teamwork.
Experienced and patient instructors who emphasise discipline and respect.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Adults

Our adult BJJ program caters to all skill levels, from absolute beginners through to competition-level athletes, covering both Gi and No-Gi grappling.

Black belt instructors break down complex techniques into clear, digestible steps so you can progress at your own pace. Morning, lunchtime, and evening sessions fit around work and family commitments. Beginners follow our fundamentals curriculum while advanced students sharpen their game through competition drilling and open mat sessions.

Learn effective self-defence and grappling techniques.
Improve functional strength, flexibility, and mental resilience.
Join a welcoming community of passionate BJJ practitioners.

Muay Thai

Discover the art of eight limbs with our Muay Thai program — one of the most effective striking martial arts in the world, using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.

Classes combine technical instruction with pad work, partner drills, and conditioning circuits. Whether you want to compete, cross-train alongside grappling, or enjoy an intense full-body workout, our coaches will help you build confidence on your feet.

Develop timing, distance management, and fight IQ.
Learn defensive tactics, clinch work, and ring strategy.
Enhance cardiovascular endurance and overall athleticism.

Wrestling

Our wrestling program builds foundational skills in takedowns, scrambles, and top control — developing explosive athleticism that translates across all combat sports.

Sessions cover stance and motion, single and double leg takedowns, throws, and defensive wrestling. Each class includes movement-based warm-ups, technique demonstration, partner drilling at progressive intensity, and live rounds.

Suitable as a standalone discipline or to complement your grappling game.
Learn pinning combinations, escapes, and chain wrestling.
Build mental toughness, competitive drive, and mat awareness.

Free BJJ Fundamentals Course

Check out our free BJJ Fundamentals course on YouTube.

Watch Full Course on YouTube

Membership Options

Choose the plan that best suits your training goals and schedule. We offer flexible options for all levels with no lock-in contracts.

POPULAR

Adults Unlimited

$55

Per Week

Unlimited Training
Access to All Adult Programs
Open Mat Access
Experienced Instructors

Grappling Only

$49

Per Week

BJJ & Wrestling Classes
Focused Grappling Training
Technical Development
Competition Preparation

Kids Program

$38

Per Week

For 1 Child
Age-Specific Classes
Fun & Engaging Curriculum
Safe Training Environment

7 - 8pm

Adults

Friday