Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes in Melbourne

Gi BJJ Classes in Thornbury

Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is BJJ trained in the traditional uniform, the gi: a heavy cotton jacket, pants and a belt. Our Gi classes run on Monday at 7:15pm and Saturday at 12:45pm at our full-time dojo at 272 Dundas St, Thornbury, close to Preston, Northcote and Reservoir. Classes are 90 minutes and open to students aged 16 and over, including complete beginners.

Why Train BJJ in the Gi?

Grips on the jacket, sleeves and collar change the game. Positions are easier to hold and harder to escape, so everything slows down and becomes more technical. That is why many people find the gi the best place to learn the fundamentals.

• Technique over strength: the grips reward leverage and good positioning, which is ideal for beginners and smaller people.
• More control options: collar chokes, sleeve grips and lapel controls that don't exist in No-Gi.
• Escapes under pressure: because a gi opponent can hold you tighter, you learn to escape properly rather than slipping out.
• A solid base for No-Gi: the patience and precision you build in the gi carry straight into faster No-Gi grappling.

What You'll Learn in Gi Classes

• Positions and control: guard, mount, side control and back control, using grips and leverage rather than strength.
• Collar and lapel chokes: gi-specific submissions, taught step by step with safety first.
• Escapes: how to get out from underneath a bigger, stronger person.
• Sweeps and guard work: using sleeve and collar grips to turn a bad position into a good one.
• Takedowns and grip fighting: getting the fight to the ground on your terms.
• Drilling and rolling: repetition with a partner, then controlled sparring (rolling).

Your First Few Weeks

Beginners spar very lightly for the first few weeks, and spend time watching the higher ranks and how they conduct themselves in class. You roll more as your skills and confidence grow. Stripes are awarded after a few months of consistent training once you can show a good range of techniques, and belts come after a few years of training.

Your Gi

One of the biggest hurdles to starting BJJ is the cost of a gi. Our trial includes a brand new BJJ uniform that's yours to keep, so you aren't borrowing a sweaty second-hand one or paying full price before you know if BJJ is for you.

Your Instructor: Daniel Bacon

Daniel Bacon is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which he has trained in Melbourne since 2010, and a 5th Dan Black Belt in Japanese Jujutsu. In BJJ, Daniel trains under Ninos Dammo, head instructor of Australian Elite Team. He has medalled at Grappling Industries, the Pan Pacific Championships and the Victorian State Championships, and has taught full time at Guest's Martial Arts for over 15 years.

Gi Class Times

• Monday 7:15pm – Gi
• Saturday 12:45pm – Gi
• Wednesday 7:15pm – No-Gi

Want to train both? Our Wednesday class is No-Gi BJJ, and the trial covers every BJJ class. See all BJJ classes in Melbourne.

Gi BJJ Trial: $99 for Up to 12 Classes + a New Gi

For $99 you get up to 12 beginner classes over 4 weeks, plus a brand new BJJ uniform that's yours to keep. Simply pay at reception when you arrive.