South Island • Te Waipounamu
Akau BJJ
Whātōtō, MMA, fitness and whānau — all under one roof. Māori owned and operated on the South Island of Aotearoa.
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, 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 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu across Aotearoa. One whānau, two whare.
Why Akau
Manaakitanga
Aroha & Hospitality
We welcome everyone — no matter your background, culture, or experience. Our mats are a place of mutual respect where every person is valued. You are whānau from day one.
Whānau
Family First
This is not a gym where you are just another number. We are whānau. Parents and children train together, single mums bring their kids, and we organise rides and support so nobody misses out.
Kaha
Strength & Resilience
Martial arts teaches us to push beyond limits. We build mental toughness and physical strength in our tamariki, rangatahi, and adults — creating positive, healthy futures.
Te Reo me ōna Tikanga
Language & Culture
We teach and share Te Reo Māori alongside Whātōtō. This is our way of encouraging the growth of the native language of Aotearoa and building connection across all cultures.
Tairawhiti Te Hiko
- Northland Regional Champion — 2016
- International Competitor — Silver & Gold medals overseas
- 14+ Years on the Mats · 10 Years Coaching
- Coach of 1 National & 2 Regional Champions currently in our stable
Meet Your Coach
Over a decade on the mats. A lifetime forging toa.
Tairawhiti has trained Brazilian 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 and two regional champions — one just 13 years old, the other 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 mum, 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.
Whānau Starter
Perfect for beginners — come try and see if we are your people
- 2 classes per week
- Access to Fundamentals classes
- Loaner gi available
- Free trial class
- Kids welcome with parent
Toa
Our most popular plan — unlimited access for committed warriors
- Unlimited BJJ & MMA classes
- All Gi and No-Gi sessions
- Fitness & S&C access
- Competition training
- Open Mat access
Rangatira
For those who lead from the front — total access, total support
- Everything in Toa
- Monthly PT session
- Competition entry support
- Family discount included
- Priority scheduling
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.