Frequently asked questions

Black Dragon Jiu-Jitsu teaches Palming Jiu-Jitsu, a system developed by Grandmaster Steve Heremaia that builds on Kawashi Jiu-Jitsu (a traditional European style) and incorporates principles from Small Circle Jujutsu as taught by Grandmaster Professor Wally Jay. The focus is real-world self-defence and joint manipulation, not sport competition. We also carry a living lineage: GM Heremaia's rank traces directly from Tanaka Yoshimatsu through Henry Okazaki and Wally Jay. In 70 years of teaching, only 29 people have ever earned a Black Belt here — that rank means something different from a sport programme.

A club night is a group training session where you work through drills, techniques and partner practice under an instructor's guidance. No prior experience is required and beginners are very welcome. Wear comfortable clothing you can move freely in — a t-shirt and shorts or trackpants are fine for your first visit. Once you decide to train regularly, a gi (uniform) is recommended. Your first two club nights are completely free, so just show up and see if it's right for you.

No. The style is designed to work for people of all fitness levels, ages and builds. Many students come to Black Dragon specifically because other martial arts felt too physically demanding. The techniques rely on leverage and joint mechanics rather than strength or athleticism, so the training improves your fitness without requiring you to already be fit. Just turn up.

Your first two club nights are free — no commitment required. After that, membership is $50 per month plus a one-off $150 registration fee. Your membership gives you access to all regular club nights at your location (Auckland or Whakatane). The fee includes taxes and ACC levies. There is no ongoing contract after the first 12 months. Private tuition with Professor Nathan is also available separately at $100 per 2-hour session — contact Ramona Nathan on 021 023 13121 to book.

Yes. Auckland runs dedicated kids classes on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. The academy also runs Te Rangatahi O Te Ara Toa, a youth protective life skills programme developed by Grandmaster Steve Heremaia and taught at Auckland by Sensei Donald Thompson. This programme focuses on confidence, self-defence awareness and personal safety alongside the physical training. Kids classes in Whakatane are coming soon. For enrolment, contact Sensei Tyrone Archer on 021 062 0825.

We train at two locations. Auckland HQ runs club nights on Mondays and Thursdays: Kids class 5:00pm–6:30pm, Adults class 7:00pm–9:00pm. Whakatane runs an Adults class on Tuesdays from 6:30pm–7:30pm. For the exact address at either location, contact the instructor for that branch — Auckland: Sensei Tyrone Archer on 021 062 0825, Whakatane: Sensei Hone-Ra Dippie on 022 183 1702.

Te Rangatahi O Te Ara Toa means 'The Youth of the Warrior's Way'. It is a protective life skills programme developed by Grandmaster Steve Heremaia for young people, taught at Auckland by Sensei Donald Thompson. The programme teaches practical self-defence awareness, personal safety, and confidence-building skills alongside the physical training of Palming Jiu-Jitsu. It is rooted in a Māori cultural framework that respects both the warrior tradition and the responsibility to protect others. To enrol a young person, contact Sensei Tyrone Archer on 021 062 0825.

The easiest way is to contact the instructor for your location directly. Auckland: Sensei Tyrone Archer — 021 062 0825 (email: robinfth@gmail.com). Whakatane: Sensei Hone-Ra Dippie — 022 183 1702 (email: bdjja.whk@gmail.com). You can also register online through the Classes page on this site. Your first two club nights are completely free — just show up in comfortable clothing and introduce yourself.