Why Jiu Jitsu Is the Best Training You Can Do at a Queenstown Gym

Queenstown is famous for pushing limits. Bungee jumping off bridges, skiing The Remarkables, jet boating through canyons—the whole town thrives on the thrill of trying something that scares you a little.

But here's the thing: most of those adventures last a few minutes. Then you're back to normal life, looking for the next rush.

What if you could find something that delivers that same sense of challenge, growth, and accomplishment—but keeps building on itself week after week, year after year?

That's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. And if you're searching for a gym in Queenstown that offers more than rows of treadmills and generic fitness classes, you've found it at Industrial Fitness.

What Makes Jiu Jitsu Different from Every Other Workout

Most gym routines are repetitive by design. You lift, you run, you stretch, you repeat. There's nothing wrong with that—it builds strength and endurance. But for many people, it also gets boring.

Jiu Jitsu is different because every session presents new problems to solve. The art is often called "human chess" because you're constantly reading your training partner's movements, anticipating their next move, and adjusting your position in real time. Your brain is as engaged as your body.

The physical benefits stack up quickly. Within a few months of consistent training, most people notice improved cardiovascular health, greater functional strength, better flexibility, and a leaner body composition. Research published in sports science journals has found that regular Jiu Jitsu practice enhances muscular endurance and develops aerobic capacity that transfers to everyday activities.

But the mental benefits might be even more significant. Training teaches you to stay calm under pressure, to solve problems methodically when you're in a difficult position, and to keep showing up even when progress feels slow. These skills don't stay on the mat—practitioners consistently report feeling sharper at work, more patient with family, and better equipped to handle stress.

World-Class Jiu Jitsu Instruction in Queenstown

When you're learning any martial art, the quality of instruction matters enormously. Poor coaching can lead to bad habits, injuries, or simply wasted time. Great coaching accelerates your progress and keeps training safe.

Jiu Jitsu in Queenstown happens through Te Manawa Jiu Jitsu, which operates out of Industrial Fitness. Te Manawa is an affiliate of the Caio Terra Association—the only one in New Zealand, and the first in Oceania.

If you don't follow competitive Jiu Jitsu, that might not mean much to you. Here's why it matters: Caio Terra is a 12-time world champion who has built one of the most progressive Jiu Jitsu associations globally. His curriculum emphasises fundamentals—not because they're basic, but because they're important. Students learn technique that actually works, refined by decades of competition at the highest levels.

Te Manawa is led by Brent and Paula Te Kawa, who have both held world number one rankings in their respective divisions—the first married couple to achieve this distinction simultaneously. They've spent years travelling the world to train and compete at major international tournaments, bringing that knowledge back to Queenstown.

The coaching team includes multiple internationally competition-tested black belts, and includes both male and female instructors. This matters for creating an environment where everyone—regardless of gender, age, or experience—can feel comfortable learning.

Perfect for Complete Beginners

One of the biggest misconceptions about Jiu Jitsu is that you need to be fit, athletic, or tough to start. The reality is the opposite. Most practitioners began as complete beginners who had never done any martial art.

Te Manawa offers dedicated fundamentals courses designed specifically for people with zero experience. You don't need to understand anything about grappling. You don't need to own a gi (the traditional uniform—uniform hire is available). You just need to show up willing to learn.

The fundamentals course includes access to the full class timetable, so you can explore different sessions as your confidence grows. Classes accommodate all levels, with basics and advanced groups often training in the same session but working on different material.

For women, there are women-only classes available, providing a comfortable space to learn without feeling self-conscious. Kids classes teach children from age six the same principles of respect, discipline, and technique, led by coaches who understand how to make training both fun and educational.

More Than Just Mats: A Complete Gym in Queenstown

Industrial Fitness isn't a dedicated martial arts facility—it's a full-service gym in Queenstown that happens to offer some of the best martial arts training in the country. That combination creates something unique.

Members have access to a fully equipped weights area with pin-loaded machines, complete Olympic lifting setups including bars, bumper plates, squat racks, and lifting platforms. The cardio zone includes all the usual equipment, plus a functional training area for more dynamic workouts.

Beyond the gym floor, there are over 40 weekly classes covering everything from Pilates and yoga to boxing, Muay Thai, HYROX training, and strength and conditioning. Whatever your fitness interest, there's something on the timetable.

After training, you can recover in the on-site sauna—something your muscles will appreciate after a hard roll on the mats. The coffee bar serves good coffee and healthy snacks, making Industrial a place you'll actually want to spend time.

For visitors and tourists, day passes at $25 include full access to everything—gym, classes, martial arts sessions, and sauna. Ten-visit passes are also available, valid for three months.

The Mental Game: Why Jiu Jitsu Changes How You Think

Ask anyone who's trained Jiu Jitsu for more than a few months and they'll tell you the same thing: the mental benefits are as significant as the physical ones.

Studies examining martial arts training have found associations with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. The intense focus required during sparring provides a form of moving meditation—for that hour on the mat, there's no room in your head for work stress, relationship problems, or financial worries. Your entire attention is on the person in front of you and the problem you're trying to solve.

The confidence built through Jiu Jitsu is real because it's earned. Every technique you master, every time you survive a difficult position, every small victory in sparring—these build genuine self-belief. It's not affirmations or positive thinking. It's evidence that you're capable of more than you thought.

The community aspect can't be overlooked either. There's something about sweating on the mats together, helping each other learn, and celebrating each other's progress that creates genuine friendships. Te Manawa's reviews consistently mention the family atmosphere—people describe feeling immediately welcome, regardless of their experience level.

Visiting Queenstown? Train While You're Here

If you're already a Jiu Jitsu practitioner visiting from Australia, the UK, or anywhere else, Industrial Fitness welcomes drop-ins. Open mat sessions and regular classes are available throughout the week, and the team has a reputation for being particularly welcoming to visitors.

Many travelling grapplers have commented on the quality of training available—skilled, attentive coaches and a welcoming community make for memorable sessions. The large, modern mat space with sprung flooring provides a comfortable training environment, and you'll find good rolling partners at every level.

If you've never trained before but want to try something new during your Queenstown trip, a trial class is $25 for adults. It's a different kind of Queenstown adventure—one that doesn't require expensive equipment or favourable weather, but might just change how you think about fitness.

Getting Started

Industrial Fitness is located at 17 Repco Boulevard in Frankton, with plenty of on-site parking. Staffed hours run Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm, Saturdays 8am to 4pm, and Sundays 9:30am to 2:30pm. Members have extended access from 4:30am to midnight using their key tag.

The Urban membership at $36 per week includes full gym access, unlimited classes (including all Jiu Jitsu sessions), and sauna use. There are no sign-up fees, and if you try a day pass and decide to join the same day, the day pass cost comes off your membership.

The best way to see if Jiu Jitsu—or any part of Industrial Fitness—is right for you is simply to visit. The front desk team will show you around, answer your questions, and help you find the right class or training option for your goals.

Queenstown has no shortage of ways to challenge yourself. But most of them end when you walk out the door. Jiu Jitsu in Queenstown at Industrial Fitness offers something that stays with you—skills that develop over time, a community that supports your growth, and a sense of accomplishment that builds with every session.

Whether you're a complete beginner curious about martial arts, a gym member looking for something more engaging, or a visitor wanting to train while you're in town, the mats are waiting.