A Pioneer’s Journey

Since 2000, Sensei Douglas Santos has stood among the most experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts in New Zealand. Formed in Florianópolis, Brazil, with 37 years of continuous training, research, and high-level competition, his work reflects precision, depth, and proven effectiveness. As the founder of New Zealand’s first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, he established DS TEAM JIU-JITSU as a School of Excellence—where technical mastery, discipline, and character development define the standard. A New Zealand BJJ Hall of Fame inductee, Sensei Douglas continues to lead with professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the highest level of Jiu-Jitsu education.

Building Champions

Under the mentorship and guidance of Sensei Douglas Santos, DS TEAM JIU-JITSU has established itself as one of New Zealand’s premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools, with results that reflect the highest standards of the art.

As of 2026, the school collectively holds eight World Titles, a testament to the depth and quality of its instruction. Five of these World Titles belong to Professor Patricia Rodrigues, one of the most decorated athletes in the history of Jiu-Jitsu, with an extraordinary record of five World Championships won without conceding a single advantage or point, alongside five Oceania Titles.

While competition has never been the primary focus, DS TEAM JIU-JITSU has consistently produced World Champions, Oceania Champions, New Zealand Champions, and high-level performers across Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and mixed martial arts—including Sensei Douglas himself.

These achievements are not pursued for medals alone, but stand as clear evidence of the school’s technical depth, professional structure, and commitment to excellence—positioning DS TEAM JIU-JITSU among the most respected schools not only in New Zealand, but internationally.

World-Class Recognition & Global Network

DS TEAM JIU-JITSU is internationally respected as a school trusted by leading figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Through long-standing professional relationships, the school remains directly connected to the highest level of technical, competitive, and philosophical development of the art.

By hosting and training alongside some of the most influential names in Jiu-Jitsu—including Xande Ribeiro, Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, Rafael Lovato Jr., Saulo Ribeiro, Gutemberg Pereira, Paulo Guillobel, among others—DS TEAM ensures its students remain aligned with what is current, proven, and effective worldwide.

These connections are not symbolic, but educational. They provide students with rare opportunities to share the mat with globally respected practitioners, reinforcing a learning environment defined by professionalism, humility, and excellence.

Beyond the Mat
Sensei Douglas Santos’ influence goes far beyond traditional Jiu-Jitsu classes.

Former Director of World Pro Trials in New Zealand for 5 years
Strength & conditioning coach for the Auckland Blues and the Auckland Rugby
Worked with and trained All Blacks players
Head MMA coach for numerous New Zealand MMA fighters
Inducted into the New Zealand BJJ Hall of Fame (2025)
Coach of multiple-time World Champions
The Sensei behind over 30 Black Belts was formed from the ground up
This is not just experience. This is a lifetime dedicated to building champions — on the mat and in life. Competition Excellence

Competitive Excellence
Sensei Douglas Santos continues to lead from the front, proving his mastery on the competition mats across decades of high-level events.

North America International Championship 2024
🥉 Bronze Medalist (3rd Place)

Pan Pacific Championships 2022
🥈 Silver (Gi) | 🥉 Bronze (Gi)
🥈 Silver (No-Gi) | 🥉 Bronze (No-Gi)

Sydney Open 2018
🥇 Heavyweight No-Gi Champion
🥇 Absolute No-Gi Champion
🥉 Heavyweight Gi

Pan Pacific Championships 2017
🥇 Gold — No-Gi Heavyweight Master 2
🥈 Silver — Heavyweight Master 2
🥉 Bronze — Open Class Master 2

Pan Pacific Championships 2016
🥇 Gold — Gi Heavyweight & Absolute
🥈 Silver — No-Gi Heavyweight & No-Gi Absolute

Melbourne International Open 2013
🥇 Gold — Gi Heavyweight & No-Gi Heavyweight
🥉 Bronze — Gi Open Weight & No-Gi Open Weight

Abu Dhabi World Pro 2013
🥉 Bronze Medalist

With decades of experience, international titles across Gi and No-Gi, and a career built on consistency and evolution, Sensei Douglas Santos represents true high-performance Jiu-Jitsu—competing, teaching, and leading by example.
Our Mission

At DS Team BJJ, we believe in creating more than just martial artists – we develop Champions in Life. Through dedicated training, mentorship, and a supportive community, we help our students achieve excellence both on and off the mat.