All Levels, All Abilities
Akau BJJ
Māori owned and operated in the South Island of Aotearoa with a massive appreciation for all cultures. Nau mai, haere mai!
Not Just a Gym. Whānau.
Akau is Māori owned and operated — built on kaupapa Māori, where our tamariki and rangatahi are at the centre of everything we do. We teach Whātōtō/Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, fitness, and Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga. Here, you are not another number — you are whānau.
Years Experience
Students Trained
Competition Medals
Whānau Community
What We Offer
Whātōtō/Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, fitness, and strength & conditioning — plus personal training. Classes for tamariki, rangatahi, and adults. Parents and children train together.
Akau BJJ × Loyalty Jiu Jitsu
We are proudly affiliated with Loyalty Jiu Jitsu Aotearoa NZ — sharing lineage, training methodology, and a commitment to growing authentic Whātōtō/Jiu-Jitsu across Aotearoa. One whānau, two whare.
Why Akau
Manaakitanga
Aroha & Hospitality
Everyone has a place here. Built on respect and inclusion, our mats are a space where every person is valued and part of the whānau from day one.
Whānau
Family First
Akau fosters a strong sense of community. We support each other on and off the mats, to make sure everyone can show up and train.
Kaha
Strength & Resilience
Martial arts is about pushing past limits and growing stronger. We build resilient minds and strong bodies in tamariki, rangatahi, and adults — creating brighter, healthier futures.
Te Reo me ōna Tikanga
Language & Culture
We weave Te Reo Māori and tikanga Māori into our Whātōtō/Jiu-Jitsu training, supporting the growth of Aotearoa's native language while creating stronger connections within our community.
Romana Piwari
- Northland Regional Champion — 2016
- International Competitor — Silver & Gold medals overseas
- 14+ Years on the Mats · 10 Years Coaching
- Coach of 1 National & 3 Regional Champions currently in our stable
Meet Your Coach
Over a decade on the mats. A lifetime forging toa.
Romana started training kickboxing with ROA from the age of 6–7 — a mix of military SAS techniques and martial arts from te Ao Māori and Asia.
He has trained Whātōtō/Jiu-Jitsu since 2011 and has spent the last ten years coaching. He took gold at the Northland Regionals in 2016 and has tested himself on international mats — returning home with both silver and gold.
But the real pride is not his own podiums. It is the students he has raised. Multiple national and regional champions, aged from 10 to 50. Our current whānau includes a national champion (aged 13) and three regional champions (aged 13, 15 and 43). Proof that with the right guidance, age is never a limit.
Train under a coach who has walked every step of the journey — from white-belt nerves to gold-medal podiums — and who stands beside you for every one of yours.
What Our Whānau Say
“As a single parent, I was worried about finding somewhere my kids could go while I train. At Akau, we train together. The coaches treat my kids like their own. This place is truly whānau.”
Hana W.
Parent & Student
Membership Plans
Flexible plans to fit your training goals. Start with a free trial and find the plan that works for your whānau.
Casual Sessions
Drop in when it suits — perfect for visitors or flexible training.
- Unlimited day pass
- 1 class + open mat
- 1× adult per pass
- No commitment required
Adults Weekly
Flexible weekly training with no long-term membership required.
- Joining fee of $60
- 2 weeks paid in advance
- 1× adult
- Plus grading and belt fees
- Must tell coaching/admin 2 weeks prior to leaving
Adults 6-Month Plan
Commit for six months and save — train consistently and progress faster.
- No joining fee
- 2 weeks paid in advance
- 1× adult
- Plus grading and belt fees
- Must tell coaching/admin 2 weeks prior to leaving
Adults 12-Month Yearly
Best value for the long-term Akau whānau. 5% saving over the year.
- No joining fee
- 2 weeks paid in advance
- 1× adult
- Plus grading and belt fees
- 5% discount applied
- Must tell coaching/admin 2 weeks prior to leaving
Frequently Asked Questions
Nau Mai, Haere Mai
Your first class is free. No experience needed — just bring yourself, bring your kids, and come be part of something positive. Join the Akau whānau.