Ohana BJJ

About Ohana BJJ

Ohana BJJ is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts academy based in Netherby, Ashburton. Led by black belt instructor Guy Ohana alongside an experienced coaching team including Leif Hansen, Ali Reza Mirzada, and Adam Avnit, the gym offers structured training programmes designed for practitioners of all ages and skill levels.

The academy provides a full weekly timetable featuring Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults, specialised women's self-defence sessions, squad training, competition preparation classes, and open mat time. Ohana BJJ also runs age-tailored martial arts programmes for kids and youth, starting from juniors aged 6 through to teens, providing a welcoming community environment to learn grappling, improve fitness, and develop discipline.

Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Ohana BJJ in Ashburton

Located on Smithfield Road in Netherby, Ashburton, Ohana BJJ serves as a hub for martial arts practitioners, fitness enthusiasts, and competitors across the Canterbury region. The gym focuses on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), delivering technical grappling instruction and fitness in a supportive team environment.

Whether newcomers are stepping onto the mats for their first self-defence class or seasoned grapplers are preparing for upcoming tournaments, the academy caters to a diverse range of goals across all age groups.

Expert Coaching and Academy Culture

At the helm of Ohana BJJ is Black Belt instructor Guy Ohana, supported by an experienced instructional team that includes Purple Belt Leif Hansen and Blue Belts Ali Reza Mirzada and Adam Avnit. The coaching staff emphasises sound technical fundamentals, safety, and mutual respect on the mats.

True to the meaning of 'Ohana'—family—the gym cultivates an inclusive atmosphere where beginners, hobbyists, and dedicated competitors train side by side. Coaches work closely with students to refine submissions, escapes, and positional control, ensuring every member progresses steadily through their martial arts journey.

Comprehensive Training Timetable

The academy maintains an active weekly schedule that balances traditional and modern grappling disciplines. Adult offerings include regular Gi Adults classes, which delve into collar grips, guard passing, and classic gi submissions, as well as No-Gi Adults classes focused on wrestling transitions and modern submission grappling.

In addition to standard curriculum sessions, Ohana BJJ offers targeted programmes throughout the week:

• **Women Self Defence:** Dedicated training focused on awareness, leverage, and practical defensive technique.
• **Squad & Competition Class:** Demanding sessions engineered for competitors seeking higher intensity and competition-specific scenarios.
• **Open Mat:** Weekend mat time on Saturday mornings where students can practice techniques freely, drill specific positions, and spar at their own pace.

Developing the Next Generation

Ohana BJJ places a strong emphasis on youth development through its structured junior programmes. Recognising that different developmental stages require tailored teaching methods, the academy separates youth sessions into age-focused cohorts: Juniors 6–8 years old, Juniors 9–11 years old, and Juniors 10–15 years old.

Through these classes, younger students learn fundamental body mechanics, discipline, coordination, and resilience in an encouraging and supervised setting. Parents looking for an active, confidence-building sport for their children find a welcoming community at the Netherby facility.

Signature items

• GI Adults
• NO-GI Adults
• Juniors Martial Arts
• Women Self Defence
• Open Mat

Menu

Adult Martial Arts

• GI Adults — Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class trained in the gi, focusing on technique, grips, and sparring.
• NO-GI Adults — Grappling and submission technique training conducted without the traditional gi.
• Women Self Defence — Practical self-defence instruction focused on martial arts techniques designed for women.
• Squad — Focused team training session for dedicated practitioners.
• Competition Class — High-intensity training dedicated to competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu strategy and drilling.
• Open Mat — Unstructured mat time for students to drill moves, spar, and practice techniques.

Kids & Youth Classes

• Juniors 6-8 YO — Engaging martial arts class structured specifically for young children aged 6 to 8 years old.
• Juniors 9-11 YO — Technique and movement training tailored for kids aged 9 to 11 years old.
• Juniors 10-15 — Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu session covering fundamental grappling concepts for ages 10 to 15.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Ohana BJJ located?

Ohana BJJ is located at 21 Smithfield Road, Netherby, Ashburton, Canterbury 7700, New Zealand.

Who leads the instruction at Ohana BJJ?

Classes are led by Black Belt instructor Guy Ohana alongside Leif Hansen (Purple Belt), Ali Reza Mirzada (Blue Belt), and Adam Avnit (Blue Belt).

What types of classes are offered?

The academy offers Gi and No-Gi adult classes, Women Self Defence, Squad training, Competition classes, Open Mat, and age-specific Junior classes for ages 6–8, 9–11, and 10–15.

How can I get in touch with the academy?

You can contact Guy Ohana by phone at 0224336471 or by email at [email protected].

Do they offer classes for children?

Yes, Ohana BJJ provides dedicated junior programmes divided into age brackets: 6–8 years, 9–11 years, and 10–15 years.

Is booking required for classes?

Classes feature limited capacity per session and can be booked online through their schedule platform.

Tips

• {"body":"Class sessions operate with set booking caps (such as 20 spots per session), so book in advance via the online schedule or waitlist.","title":"Book your spot early"}
• {"body":"Ensure you check whether your scheduled session is a Gi class, No-Gi class, or open training before arriving on the mats.","title":"Choose the right attire"}
• {"body":"Saturday mornings feature competition training followed by an open mat session, ideal for drilling techniques and sparring at your own pace.","title":"Explore weekend Open Mat"}