Professor Rafael Oliveira
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt 1st Dan Under Mestre Bira-Crolin Gracie

Professor Rafael Oliveira began his BJJ journey in 1999 at the age of 20. Coming from old-school luta livre (free style grappling) and Capoeira, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became a lifelong passion and challenge. "It’s a martial art that keeps evolving".
Moving to New Zealand in 2005, Rafael's dedication to Jiu-Jitsu has only intensified. He has been teaching and forming champions in Jiu-Jitsu for over 12 years. In addition to a long history of Jiu-Jitsu competition both in NZ and internationally, Rafael holds a MMA fight record of three wins and one defeat. He has been teaching BJJ in Northland since moving to Kerikeri in 2017.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda / Carlos Gracie (senior) / Crolin Gracie / MacGyver / Roney “kabecao” da Silva / Rafael Oliveira
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art, combat sport and self defence system, based on grappling, ground fighting and submission holds. It focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling them, gaining a dominant position and using various techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was formed in the early 20th century by Carlos Gracie, who was taught the fundamentals of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu by Master Mitsuyo Maeda. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu eventually came to be its own art through the experimentation, adaptation, and practices of Carlos, who then passed this knowledge on to his extended family.
BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique, taking the fight to the ground – most notably by applying joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat the opponent.
What is No-Gi grappling?
Gi and No-Gi are the two forms of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gi Jiu-Jitsu is grappling with the use of a traditional Gi, which allows you to grab the clothing of your opponent. No-Gi is grappling without the traditional uniform - instead you wear shorts and a rash guard. In No-Gi you cannot grab your opponent’s clothing.
What is MMA?
Mixed martial arts, commonly known as MMA, is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills from a mixture of other combat sports. The rules allow both striking and grappling techniques whilst standing or on the ground.
At what age can you train?
We offer our classes to those 5 years and older, however 4 year olds can begin training in some cases, depending on the individual.
Do you offer kids classes?
We offer classes from as young as 2yr
How much do classes cost?
Prices range from $18-$38
What should I wear to class?
Active wear that you can comfortably move in is best suited.
Should I get fit before starting BJJ?
NO. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, and your fitness level will improve through participation.
Will I get injured training BJJ?
Injuries do happen, however you are less likely to get injured doing BJJ compared to most other full contact sports.
What are some of the benefits of BJJ?
âś” Weight Loss & Improved Cardiovascular System
Due to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s high intensity, full body training, which requires both aerobic & anaerobic endurance, 30 minutes of grappling can burn approximately 500 calories.
âś” Increased Strength & Stress Release
Functional strength is challenged in every class with no muscle exclusion. Even your hands & feet will be strengthened.
âś” Improvements in Mobility & Flexibility
BJJ techniques include escaping and holding positions, which naturally allows your body to increase range of motion.
âś” Self-Discipline, Patience & Improved Positive Habits
BJJ strengthens your ability to control your reactions. You quickly learn to be calm under pressure, and to overcome unwanted emotion. One wrong move based on emotion can define a submission or a win.
âś” Increased Adaptability & Problem-Solving Skills
Rather than avoiding difficult situations, BJJ teaches you to adjust your mindset and adapt to situations in order to use them to your advantage. We learn how to remove artificial limitations we place on ourselves both physically and mentally.
âś” Self-Awareness & Improved Mental Health
âś” Perseverance, Determination & Humility
âś” Improved Confidence
âś” Increased Focus & Learning Capacity
✔ It’s a Form of Self-Defence
Jiu-Jitsu teaches you valuable self-defence skills, particularly how to restrain opponents, ground survival techniques, and submissions designed to render an opponent unconscious or immobilise their joints.
âś” There are Progression & Mastery Opportunities
BJJ has a belt and stripe system which goes from white all the way to black belt and even beyond to red belt. Gyms handle belt and stripe progression in different ways, with some using gradings and others being more subjective. As you progress in your BJJ journey you can also specialise in different guard and game styles, and master various aspects of these styles.
Inspiration
“THE MORE YOU LEARN IN JIU JITSU, THE LESS YOU USE IN JIU JITSU. FOR YOU TO DO LESS, YOU NEED TO KNOW MORE”
- Jean Jacques Machado
“SELF-DEFENCE, SELF-CONFIDENCE, DISCIPLINE AND EMOTIONAL CONTROL. THE VALUES YOU LEARN ARE PRICELESS.”
- Rickson Gracie