Jiu Jitsu in Franklin for Kids, Adults & Women
Based at 168 Mill Road, Bombay, Train For Life teaches jiu jitsu and No-Gi grappling to families across Franklin. Kids' classes start at age 5, with adult, 13+ MMA grappling and women's self defence classes too.
A class for everyone in the family
Families come to us from right across the Franklin district. Kids train on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, split into age groups so everyone learns alongside children at a similar stage. Teens aged 13 and up can join our Tuesday MMA grappling class, men train on Thursday nights, and women have their own self defence grappling class on Friday nights.
That means a parent and child can both be learning jiu jitsu in the same gym, at times that work around school and work.
How we teach
Our grappling is No-Gi and based on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We focus on practical skills: standing up, escaping, controlling a position and staying safe. Techniques are broken down step by step, then practised with a partner at a pace that suits you.
The gym is supportive and family friendly. Mats are kept clean, classes are challenging but fun, and every level is welcome, from your first class through to experienced grapplers.
- Kids: discipline, respect, coordination and a progressive belt system
- Adults: takedowns, escapes, control and submissions
- 13+ MMA grappling: light, controlled striking on a grappling base
- Women: practical self defence in a women’s only class
Getting started
Send an enquiry through the form and tell us who is training. We will let you know which class suits best and arrange your first session. Wear comfortable clothes with no zips, bring water, and come ready to learn.
Class times
| Day | Time | Class | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday & Wednesday | 4:00pm | Kids, ages 5–8 | 45 minutes |
| Monday & Wednesday | 5:00pm | Kids, ages 9–11 | 45 minutes |
| Wednesday | 6:00pm | Kids, ages 12–15 | 45 minutes |
| Tuesday | 7:00pm | MMA grappling (13+) | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Thursday | 7:00pm | Men’s grappling | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Friday | 7:00pm | Women’s self defence grappling | 1 hour 15 minutes |
New families, please send an enquiry first so we can arrange a start.
Kids Grappling
$150
per class per term
Adult Grappling/MMA
$18
per class
Coached by Steve Johnstone: Personal Training Level 4, NZ Institute of Health and Fitness · Performance Nutrition Level 1, Clean Health Institute · Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
What our people say.
“My son has enjoyed the Jujutsu classes to the fullest. Coach Steve has been amazing supporting him in this journey, meeting his milestones to receive his first belt... Steve has helped my son come out of his shyness and fully participates in the class and we know it would not have been possible if he did not have the right hands on Coach. We would highly recommend Train for Life”
Cherise Joubert
“Loved doing Jiujitsu for the last few years! Great coach and loads of fun. Wouldn’t want to train anywhere else.”
Olivia Wachter
“Honestly 10/10, the team are so welcoming, professional and knowledgeable. I feel like I’m in safe hands & I’m constantly improving in fitness and strength. Steve, Mel & the trainers honestly know their stuff! My son absolutely loves the jiujitsu classes! Highly recommend to all!”
Lauren Short
Find us
168 Mill Road, Bombay 2675, Auckland · Open in Google Maps
Questions
Where in Franklin are you?
We are at 168 Mill Road, Bombay 2675, Auckland, in the north of the Franklin district.
Are there women’s only jiu jitsu classes?
Yes. Women’s self defence grappling runs on Fridays at 7pm for 1 hour 15 minutes.
What is MMA grappling?
Grappling with light, controlled striking added, for people who want to progress beyond grappling without a full striking programme. It runs Tuesday at 7pm for ages 13 and up.
When are kids’ classes?
Ages 5–8 train Monday and Wednesday at 4pm, ages 9–11 Monday and Wednesday at 5pm, and ages 12–15 Wednesday at 6pm. Each class is 45 minutes.
Can parents and kids both train?
Yes. Kids, adult, MMA grappling and women’s classes all run each week at the same gym.
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