Train with World-Class Coaches
Building Champions On and Off the Mats
More than Jiu-Jitsu. A place to build confidence, discipline, respect, and leadership.
Programs
Discover Jiu-Jitsu programs for kids, adults, beginners, women, competitors, and private training.
Timetable
Find the best class for your level and schedule your first training session.
Success Stories
Real stories of students, parents, athletes, and families transformed through Jiu-Jitsu.
HALL OF FAME
What a truly remarkable and unforgettable weekend for DS Team Jiu-Jitsu School and Sensei Douglas Santos.
A historic milestone for DS Team Jiu-Jitsu School. In 2025, Sensei Douglas Santos was inducted into the NZBJJF Hall of Fame, recognizing decades of dedication, leadership, and contribution to the growth of Jiu-Jitsu in New Zealand. A legacy built through hard work, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to the art.
WORLD CHAMPION
Patricia Rodrigues is one of the most accomplished athletes in New Zealand Jiu-Jitsu history. As the first woman in the country to win a World Championship Open Class title, she has built an extraordinary legacy through dedication, discipline, and excellence on the world stage.
A 5-time World Champion and 5-time Oceania Champion, Patricia has consistently set the standard for competitive success while inspiring the next generation of athletes. Her remarkable career is highlighted by an unparalleled achievement: never having a single point scored against her throughout her entire Jiu-Jitsu journey.
More than a champion, Patricia represents the values that define DS Team Jiu-Jitsu School — commitment, resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence both on and off the mats.
Student Transformation
Read inspiring stories from students and families who have built confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships through DS Team Jiu-Jitsu School.
Why DS Team Jiu-Jitsu School?
At DS Team Jiu-Jitsu School, we provide a welcoming and motivating environment for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners of all levels. Our experienced and dedicated instructors are committed to guiding you throughout your journey of learning, personal growth, and self-improvement.
More Than Jiu-Jitsu. A Better Version of Yourself.
Our mission is to help people become stronger, more confident, and more resilient in every area of life. Through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we create an environment where children, teenagers, and adults learn valuable skills that extend far beyond the mats.
Start Your Jiu-Jitsu Journey Today
Whether your goal is confidence, fitness, self-defense, competition, or personal growth, DS Team Jiu-Jitsu School is ready to welcome you.
Based in Newmarket, DS Team Jiu-Jitsu School welcomes adults and children from across Central Auckland, including Auckland CBD, Grafton, Parnell and Remuera.
Life becomes easier when you see it through Jiu-Jitsu eyes.
Sensei Douglas Santos
Philosophy of DS Team Jiu-Jitsu School
We base our philosophy on our principles & values, our six blades.
Family
We believe family is the most important value and treat each member as part of our Jiu-Jitsu family.
Discipline
We cultivate a mindset of dedication and self-control, guiding our actions both on and off the mat.
Respect
We honour each individual's journey and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Attitude
Quitting is not an option. We approach challenges with a positive mindset, as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Loyalty
We are committed to each other's growth and stand by each other's side in good and bad times.
Honour
We uphold a code of integrity and ethical behaviour, striving to be role models both inside and outside the school.
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the next term start?
DS Team does not operate on school terms.
Our Jiu-Jitsu programs run all year round, independently of the New Zealand school-term calendar.
Students can start at any time during the year, provided there is space available in the appropriate class.
Should I wait until the next school term to sign up?
No — there is no need to wait.
Our programs run continuously throughout the year and do not follow NZ school terms.
Jiu-Jitsu is a progressive martial arts journey. Confidence, discipline, coordination and technical skills are developed through consistent training over time rather than in short school-term blocks.
If you are interested in joining, the best first step is to book a complimentary trial class.
How much does it cost to train at DS Team?
Our membership options depend on the program and how often you train.
Kids memberships are $241.50 per month, which includes two classes per week.
Adult memberships start from $273 per month, with different options available depending on how many classes you would like to attend each week.
If your schedule only allows you to train once per week, our minimum membership is $200 per month.
Family discounts and different payment arrangements may also be available.
We recommend starting with a complimentary trial class so you can experience our school, meet our team and decide whether DS Team is the right environment for you or your child.
Where can I get the uniform?
DS Team is a traditional Gi Jiu-Jitsu school, and regular students are required to wear the official DS Team white Gi.
You do not need to purchase a Gi before your complimentary trial class. We will organise what you need for your first experience.
If you decide to join, our team will help you purchase the correct official uniform and select the appropriate size.
Our uniform standard is an important part of DS Team culture and helps maintain equality, discipline and a professional environment on the mats.
My child is 3½ or 4 years old. Can they join?
Our minimum starting age is 5 years old.
Our youngest program, Kinder Jitsu, is specifically designed for children aged 5–7 years.
We believe children should begin when they are developmentally ready to follow instructions, participate safely in a structured class and benefit fully from the program.
If your child is not yet 5, we would be happy to welcome them for a trial once they reach the minimum age.
Which class is right for my child?
Our children's programs are organised by age:
Kinder Jitsu: 5–7 years
Mini-Ninjas: 7–9 years
Little Samurais: 9–12 years
Teen Warriors: 12–15 years
Adults: 15 years and over
If your child is close to moving between age groups, our instructors will recommend the most appropriate class after meeting them.
Adults do not need any previous Jiu-Jitsu, martial arts or fitness experience to begin.
Can we try a class before joining?
Absolutely.
We offer a complimentary trial class so you or your child can experience DS Team before deciding whether to join.
For your first class, please arrive 10–15 minutes early, wear comfortable clothing without zips, buttons or metal pieces, remove jewellery and bring a water bottle.
We will organise everything else you need.
Trial spaces are limited so our instructors can give new students the attention they deserve, therefore booking in advance is essential.
How many times per week should I or my child train?
For children, our programs are structured around two classes per week. This provides the consistency and repetition needed to develop technique, coordination, confidence and discipline.
For adults, training frequency depends on your goals and availability. We offer different membership options to suit different schedules.
At DS Team, we believe consistency creates progress. Jiu-Jitsu is not about attending for a few weeks or one school term — it is a long-term journey of learning and personal development.
