About Gather Jiu Jitsu Academy in Brisbane
One academy, learning together
Gather is an academy based in Stafford Heights, offering a welcoming home for all Jiu Jitsu Brisbane students. We provide a structured curriculum underpinned by a genuine, close-knit community.
We help everyone - from complete beginners to competitive athletes - feel at home and reach their personal and sporting potential through jiu jitsu. Whether you have never set foot on a mat or you are preparing for your next competition, we provide a welcoming home for all ages and abilities.
We measure our success by our students' growth and the strength of our community.
What is Brazilian jiu jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport focused entirely on grappling, ground fighting and submissions.
Unlike striking arts like boxing, muay thai or karate, BJJ contains no punches or kicks. Instead, it centres on the principle that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger opponent by using effective grappling underpinned by leverage and precise technique.
BJJ exploded in global popularity in the early 1990s after proving dominant in early mixed martial arts events. It is now the fastest growing martial art in the world and is proven as one of the most effective fighting systems at the highest levels of competitive combat sports.
Our Philosophy
Our curriculum is built to develop a deep, instinctive understanding of jiu jitsu principles - not a memorised list of techniques. Here is how it works and why it makes us different.
One academy, one focus: While the detail is tailored to each class and age group, the whole club explores the same core positions together each week. It keeps everyone connected and moving in the same direction - and it means a parent and child can train the same concepts in their own classes, then talk about it at home.
We go deep, not wide: Rather than rushing through random techniques, we revisit and layer the fundamentals until they become second nature under pressure. Every member of the academy, kids and adults alike, builds on lessons iteratively. Over time this breeds a genuine, instinctive understanding of the sport.
Progress you can see: Our curriculum runs in learning blocks. You always know where you are and where you are heading. Each week we share the focus and the thinking behind it with members by email and through our app. You can prepare, review and bring questions to class so every session counts.
Great for families: Because the whole academy is on the same page, families train the same concepts side by side. It turns jiu jitsu into something you share rather than something you do separately.
Our Story
How Gather Came tO Be
IT STARTED WITH FAMILY
In 2023, Alex brought his son Cassidy to train with Marcio Marinho. Marcio’s incredible care, patience and coaching didn't just transform the kids - it sparked a close friendship with Alex, who was attending Marcio's adults classes in parallel.
The Morning Crew
At the same time, long-time mates Alex, Nick and Rhett were training together each morning with Marcio. Their friendship deepened immeasurably through jiu jitsu. There, they met and befriended Ben Holding - an extraordinary coach and training partner whose talent, intelligence and passion made everyone around him want to train harder and grow.
The Spark
Marcio invited Alex to assist with the kids' program each afternoon. Sharing laughs and watching young athletes grow became the highlight of every week. What started as a hobby began feeling like a calling.
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A Shared Vision
In time, Gather Jiu Jitsu Academy became reality - a place built on community, connection and growth, underpinned by a structured approach to learning. Gather is a space for everyone to share their passion for grappling, feel a sense of belonging and grow on and off the mats.
Connected by purpose
Our VALUES
Character
Life lessons through jiu jitsu
Beginners, returners, competitors, parents and kids all train side by side and are valued equally. The true measure of our success is our students’ personal development - not medals alone.
Growth
Whether you want to compete, get fit, build confidence or simply find a place to belong, we meet you where you are and help you move forward.
Our Goals are your goals
CULTURE
Real connection
Ours is a deliberately close-knit environment. Coaches know each student personally and our community stays connected off the mat as well as on it.
Safety
Respect for everyone
Respect is the standard. Ego-driven behaviour, bullying and unsafe conduct have no place here.
Discipline
Effort and Improvement
We celebrate effort and the way our students care for the club and each other. Students are challenged appropriately and corrected constructively.