A grappling-based martial art, the aim of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is to force your opponent into submission with joint locks and chokes. The focus is on technique and leverage allowing a smaller person to defeat a stronger opponent. BJJ is often described as a “physical game of chess” due to its depth and technical nature.

What to expect in your first class

A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) class starts with a warm-up designed to get you moving and developing skills through drills which are essential to BJJ. More than likely you haven’t done some of these movements before, that’s okay, this class is designed for beginners.

Following the warm-up, the instructor shows you a technique such as side-control, a joint lock or choke. You and your partner will then go practice this technique. We try to partner new students with more experienced students and the instructor always comes around to help. We then regroup, ask questions then go back and try again.

Towards the end of the class, we do specific training. This is where you try the technique live in a safe environment. There is no striking involved and you have the ability to tap at any time.

Eric Holmstrom

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Eric has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) since 2009 with over 9 years experience. Looking to lose weight and couldn’t keep momentum lifting weights, he walked into a small gym near his bus stop.

“I remember rolling with Karen, a blue belt and tiny in size. I learned to tap real quick that day and here I was thinking I would be the one going easy.”

Eric fell in love with the martial art ever since and was awarded his brown belt (and all belts) under Fabio Glazer and continues to compete to this day.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda -> Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie -> Rickson Gracie -> Jorge Pereira -> Paulo Guimaraes -> Fabio  Galzer

Results

• 2019 Grappling Industries Sydney – Male Brown Masters1 77kg Gi – Gold
• 2018 NSW BJJ State Championships – Male Brown Master1 79kg(82.3 kg) Gi – Gold
• 2018 NSW Sub Only Championship – Adult Male Brown & Black Belt 77kg – Gold
• 2017 Aus Sub Only – Inaugural cup – Adult Male Brown 77kg – Silver
• 2017 Grappling Industries Sydney – Adult Male Brown 77kg – Gold
• 2017 Events BJJ Initiator Cup – Male Brown Adult 79kg(82.3 kg) Gi – Bronze
• 2016 Grappling Industries Sydney – Male Brown & Black 76kg Gi – Bronze
• 2016 NSW BJJ Federation Autumn Cup – Male Brown Adult 73kg(76kg) Gi – Silver
• 2016 Initiator Crown -Male Brown Adult 73kg(76kg) Gi – Bronze
• 2015 NSW BJJ State Championships – Male Purple Master1 73kg(76kg) Gi – Gold
• 2013 NSW BJJ CUP – Male Purple Adult 79kg Gi – Gold
• 2012 NSW Spring Cup – Male Blue Adult 73kg Gi – Gold
• 2012 Newcastle BJJ Open – Male Blue Adult 73kg Gi – Gold

Goals as a coach

For my students to build confidence and trust their BJJ, in both self-defence and competition. To be respectful towards teammates (and others) but most of all have fun in a safe, ego-free environment.