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Try Garage Jiu Jitsu – the ‘Gentle Art’ empowering everyone to better themselves

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Garage Jiu Jitsu a sport loved by all (image supplied)

Garage Jiu Jitsu is the Central Coast’s premium martial arts gym that welcomes everybody.

Eleven-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater once told a journalist, “I advise all parents to put their kids in Jiu-Jitsu classes before any other sport.”

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It’s a pretty bold piece of advice, but when it comes from the mouth of one of the world’s most respected, successful and admired athletes, you’d be forgiven for giving it some serious consideration.

Garage Jiu Jitsu, Tuggerah

It’s not groundbreaking for the team at Garage Jiu Jitsu at Tuggerah though. Gui Neves and Rita and Nick Mides have been helping Coasties of all ages, including surfers, to have fun, get fit, challenge themselves and be a part of an incredible local community since opening Garage Jiu Jitsu at Tuggerah in October 2021.

Martial Arts at Garage Jiu Jitsu Central Coast — Rita and Nick of Garage Jiu Jitsu

For the uninitiated, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on grappling and neutralising an opponent, rather than knocking them out or injuring them. It’s one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world, and is often called ‘The Gentle Art’ by those in the game – a good indication of why it’s picking up such great popularity among women and kids, as well as men.

Stepping into the Garage Jiu Jitsu space at Tuggerah, you notice a sense of community and camaraderie straight away. It’s clear from the energy and the smiles that this has quickly become a place of fun as well as fitness for those who take the classes, from four-year-olds hitting the mat for the first time, right through to women and men who are passionately becoming better versions of themselves with each visit.

Coasties co-owner Nikki recently jumped on the mat at Garage for a trial and was blown away by the tight-knit, supportive vibe in the room.

“That was so much fun, I didn’t expect to accomplish as much as I did,” she said.

“By the end of the class, I had a couple of techniques under my belt and I was left eager and interested to learn more about the sport. What I loved the most though was the instant feeling of belonging. It wasn’t just Nick, Rita and Gui who went out of their way to make me feel welcome but so did the rest of the class. You can just sense this is a real community at Garage.”

Garage Jiu Jitsu Tuggerah — Gui teaching all levels Jiu Jitsu

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The four coaches share decades of premium experience between them – and pride themselves on personalising and tailoring the classes to make sure everyone in the room is getting the best experience they can for their level. You’ll find world champions, experienced students and complete beginners all participating in Jiu Jitsu and wrestling classes (for adults) on the 174 square metres of premium gym mats and equipment. There’s even an ice bath for those chasing serious health benefits.

REALTED: The Central Coast Self-Paced Gym That’s Building the Coast’s Strongest Women

Nick first started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after he was assaulted as a teenager. It didn’t take him long to fall in love with the sport, and he soon found himself competing internationally and in professional tournaments in Europe and Brazil, where he met Rita. The pair travelled for some time together before settling in Sydney, where they became friends with Gui Neves, whose 20 year training career has taken him around Australia, Brazil and Europe competing in professional tournaments. It was Gui’s converted garage in North Bondi that would become the founding ‘Garage Jui Jitsu’ space – a sanctuary for those who wanted to train in a place of respect and no ego.

The supportive and passionate community of people training together soon expanded its footprint into new gyms in Wollongong and Sydney’s CBD, before Gui, as head coach, alongside Nick and Rita, brought the Garage community north to Tuggerah, providing the Central Coast with a world-class standard of quality in training from the most passionate trainers you’ll find in the sport.

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Martial Arts on the Central Coast

Rita said the training isn’t just about self-defense, it’s about nurturing the whole mind, body and soul relationship, and making great mates along the way, which even extends to regular barbecues and get-togethers.

“For kids it’s amazing because there’s a great anti-bullying focus but it also helps them develop coordination and learn life skills like winning as well as losing and trying again, and learning how to listen and focus,” she told Coasties.

“For adults it helps you feel safer and stronger, but also how to understand and apply the rules and techniques. Mentally it’s a great challenge – it’s like a game of chess; the more you know, the more options you have. I always find it very empowering.”

There are three very clear values at Garage Jiu Jitsu that apply to everyone who trains: respect for your body’s limits, the rules, the opponent and the environment; ambition to enjoy the journey, be positive and always improve; and finally friendship – to embrace differences, have empathy and be kind to everyone. Rita says it’s bringing these three values off the mat and into everyday life that makes Garage Jiu Jitsu a place everybody loves to be.

Free Trial at Garage Jiu Jitsu Tuggerah

Garage Jiu Jitsu at Tuggerah is currently offering a free trial for anyone who wants to come and find out why Kelly Slater thinks everyone should give Jiu Jitsu a go.

You’ll find the gym at 102/12 Pioneer Avenue, Tuggerah. Phone: 0481116046. For more details, head to their online home here and make sure to give @garagejiujitsutuggerah on Instagram a follow.