DS Team Jiujitsu School – Brazilian Jiujitsu – BJJ – Auckland
DS Team Jiujitsu
[email protected] or Call 021 515 732
Welcome to
DS TEAM Jiu Jitsu School
WELCOME TO DS TEAM BJJ AUCKLAND HQ.
HOME TO BRAZILIAN BORN BLACK BELT DOUGLAS SANTOS
Welcome to DS Team Jiu-Jitsu School
A School of Excellence
At DS Team Jiu-Jitsu, we are more than a place to train — we are a school where people grow.
On our mats, children, adults, and families develop confidence, discipline, and resilience through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, guided by clear structure and strong values.
Under the leadership of Sensei Douglas Santos, DS Team has helped complete beginners take their first step, supported students through life-changing journeys, and guided athletes to the highest levels of the sport — all through the same proven system, adapted to each individual.
We believe in equality, respect, and long-term development.
Everyone starts where they are.
Everyone is encouraged to become better — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
“Pressure creates diamonds — when applied with care, structure, and purpose.”
Our teaching goes far beyond techniques.
We use Jiu-Jitsu to build:
Confidence
Self-control
Discipline
Character
Whether your goal is personal growth, fitness, self-defence, or high-level performance,
we are here to guide you — one step at a time.
Meet Your Sensei: Douglas Santos
Sensei Douglas Santos
Hall of Fame – Legacy of Excellence
With 38 years devoted to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and 25 years shaping the art in New Zealand, Sensei Douglas Santos stands as one of the most experienced, influential, and active black belts of his generation — a true pioneer of Jiu-Jitsu in Aotearoa.
His competitive record spans decades and continents:
ABU DHABI World Professional medalist
Multiple Oceania Championship titles incliding double gold
Multiple Australian Championship titles
Recent North American international medalist
Yet medals tell only a fraction of the story.
Sensei Douglas Santos’ true legacy lives on the mats — in the champions he has formed, the leaders he has guided, and the lives he has transformed through discipline, structure, and relentless standards.
His system — refined over decades and proven across generations — teaches far more than technique. It teaches clarity under pressure, calm in adversity, and the courage to rise when life pushes hardest.
“Jiu-Jitsu is a reflection of life. At times, life will mount on you and try to choke you. You can choose to tap — or you can bridge, escape, and take control again.”— Sensei Douglas Santos
At DS Team Jiu-Jitsu School, this philosophy is not spoken — it is lived daily.
Through Flow. Pressure. Finish.
Through respect, humility, and responsibility.
This is not a career.
This is a legacy.
This is the DS Team. Why Choose DS Team?
Professional Training Environment
- Structured learning system
- World-recognised teaching methodology
- Clean, modern facilities
- Positive and supportive atmosphere
Family-Oriented Community
- Welcome to all skill levels
- Multiple family members train together
- Supportive community environment
- Strong bonds between practitioners
Beyond Competition
While we’ve produced World and Oceania champions, our focus extends beyond competition. We emphasize:
- Personal development
- Mental resilience
- Life skills through martial arts
- Character building
Our Teaching Philosophy
We believe in developing the complete martial artist.
Our approach focuses on:
- Building confidence without arrogance
- Developing strength with humility
- Cultivating fearlessness with respect
- Creating lasting positive change
“When someone is trying to choke you out, you should find a way to escape, quitting has and never will be an option” – Sensei Douglas Santos
The DS Jiujitsu Experience
Training with us means:
- Expert instruction from active competitors
- Structured progression system
- Supportive learning environment
- Focus on technical excellence
- Strong emphasis on personal growth
Life Skills Through Jiujitsu
Our training goes beyond the mat. We help you:
- Build mental resilience
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Gain practical self-defense abilities
- Foster lifelong friendships
- Achieve personal transformation
Join Our Community
Experience the transformative power of Jiujitsu in a welcoming, professional environment. Whether your goal is competition success or personal growth, we provide the guidance, support, and structure you need to succeed.
Start Your Journey Today
- Free trial class available
- All skill levels welcome
- Professional instruction
- Supportive community
Contact us to schedule your first class and begin your Jiujitsu journey with Auckland’s premier martial arts academy.
“To be better 1% every day” – Our guiding principle at Santos Jiujitsu Academy
Book Your Free Trial Now
(Auckland Residents Only)
Meet Our Instructors
Douglas Santos
—
Sensei 5th Degree Black Belt
A master instructor with 36 years of experience, Sensei Douglas Santos has dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring both children and adults in Brazilian Jiujitsu. From developing beginners to coaching world champions, his expertise spans all levels of the sport. Throughout his journey, Sensei Douglas has trained alongside the world's elite practitioners, including: Saulo Ribeiro, Xande Ribeiro, Paulo Guillobel, Rafael Lovato Jr, Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, Gutemberg Pereira, and Felipe Pena. These high-level connections and decades of experience make him one of New Zealand's most knowledgeable and respected Jiujitsu instructors.
Patricia Rodrigues
—
Professor Black Belt
An extraordinary competitor and instructor, Patricia Rodrigues stands as one of New Zealand's most decorated Brazilian Jiujitsu athletes. Her remarkable journey includes four World Championship titles and an undefeated record throughout her coloured belt career – a feat unprecedented in the sport. Patricia combines her exceptional competitive experience with dedicated teaching, sharing her expertise at the highest levels of Brazilian Jiujitsu. Her perfect competition record and commitment to instruction make her one of the most distinguished practitioners in the Southern Hemisphere.
Alex Serge (Wolf)
—
Professor Black Belt
A dedicated senior student of DS TEAM, Alex has spent over a decade training directly under Sensei Douglas Santos. His extensive experience and specialized knowledge, developed through countless technical courses, have made him the school's expert instructor for No-Gi grappling and takedown techniques. As lead instructor for these specialized programs, Alex brings his deep understanding of Brazilian Jiujitsu fundamentals to every class, building on the strong technical foundation established through his years of direct mentorship under Sensei Douglas.
DS Team BJJ is conveniently located in the heart of Auckland Central, offering a premier training facility for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. Our headquarters provides an inviting and professional environment where students from all around the city come together to learn and grow.