HJJ Woolloomooloo
PCYC City of Sydney
Cnr Cathedral & Riley St
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Mon – Fri: 6:30am – 9pm
Saturday: 9am – 2pm
Sunday: 10am – 12pm
HJJ Woolloomooloo
PCYC City of Sydney
Cnr Cathedral & Riley St
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Mon – Fri: 6:30am – 9pm
Saturday: 9am – 2pm
Sunday: 10am – 12pm
Not ready to commit to the full Kickstart yet? Leave your details and the Higher Jiu Jitsu team will help you arrange a beginner-friendly intro class.
"*" indicates required fields
Tell us who the program is for, and we’ll help you begin the 28-Day Kickstart. Prefer to try one class first? Ask us about the $35 Intro Session.
"*" indicates required fields
To schedule a FREE, no obligation, private introductory lesson, fill out the form below and we’ll soon be in touch.
"*" indicates required fields

The First Months of Jiu Jitsu: Choose Where Wisely To Benefit Greatly
/by John SmalliosIf the end crowns the work, then the beginning sets the tone for the work. Think carefully where you start your jiu jitsu journey as this will have big ramifications on your path!
Where Did All the Love Go? A Reflection on Self Defence
/by John SmalliosWhy do we regularly discuss jiu jitsu from a standpoint of violence? It’s known as the gentle art for a reason, and you like it because you don’t need to get hurt while doing it.
Predater vs Prey: The Strategy of Gracie Jiu Jitsu
/by John SmalliosJiu Jitsu mats are a big world of beautiful mechanics, and technique, and fun. Beyond these moves is the strategy that is required to make it all work. Are you the hunter or the hunted?
10 Ways to Annoy Your Jiu Jitsu Buddies
/by John SmalliosWe know you’re a good guy. But there’s some things some people do on the mats, and it’s very annoying. Make sure you’re not a culprit of one of these!
From Start to Struggle: The Process of Beginning Jiu Jitsu
/by John SmalliosI was a few classes into my jiu jitsu journey. I was fit, and strong, and gladly accepted an invite into a jiu jitsu tournament. Before I knew what an armbar was I was being armbarred, and I only knew one way out of it. I’d like to think my knowledge and skills have improved […]
Infidels of Jiu Jitsu: Please Read.
/by John SmalliosYou never wanted people to choke you, and you never thought it’d be so fun to practice self defence. And here you are.
So You Want to Start a Jiu Jitsu Academy
/by John SmalliosThere’s been many ups and downs on the path to the present. But we wouldn’t have it any other way. This is Higher Jiu Jitsu and this is for life.
Jiu Jitsu Does It Better: Get Started Today.
/by John SmalliosWhen you learn jiu jitsu you lose weight, feel good, and have fun all at the same time. Whatever you want to do, with jiu jitsu you can do it better.
HJJ Podcast #004 Injuries Suck. Prehab Says No.
/by John SmalliosJoin Coach John and Matty as we discuss the perils of injury, and what to do in order to minimise the risks of them, on the mats and off.
On Repetition and Re-Learning of Basics
/by John SmalliosAs you learn, you improve. At some point, it goes full circle, and you see the common trends inherent in our martial art. These are the basics of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, and they’re not just for beginners.
HJJ Podcast #003 Jiu Jitsu Saves the Day
/by John SmalliosJohn and Brad discuss how they got involved in jiu jitsu and what they wanted to get out of it. Fast forward numerous years for both of them, they’re obsessed, they’ve got the bug, and they’re now hooked. Highlights, Takeaways, Key Points: How jiu jitsu can change how you spend your time, and choose your […]
When There’s No Choice But to Change
/by John SmalliosWhat’s the difference between Gracie Jiu Jitsu or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Aren’t they the different names for the same thing? That’s what I thought too. Then I met some problems, and great teachers, and now there’s no going back.
The Jiu Jitsu Long Game: Here’s How to Play
/by John SmalliosWe all love jiu jitsu. For some people the short game of jiu jitsu is where it’s at. Others prefer to play the long game. Here’s how to do it for the long term.
The Sabbatical – Begins 2019.
/by John SmalliosIf you’re playing the long game, burnout is not an option, and rest is a necessity. From this year onwards, we introduce the Sabbatical.
HJJ Podcast #002 – Ladies, It’s Time.
/by John SmalliosGracie Jiu Jitsu means self defence via leverage where smaller, weaker people can defend themselves against bigger, and stronger aggressors. So then why are the everyday people doing jiu jitsu predominantly men?
Women’s Only Scholarship
/by John SmalliosThe students of Higher Jiu Jitsu have banded together to create a scholarship for women who want to learn but may lack the finances. Supported solely by the community of students, the scholarship includes 3 months of their Women’s Only program and a uniform.
Be A Good Uke. Here’s How.
/by John SmalliosYour instructor calls you out and you’re the dummy of the class. It’s your turn to shine as uke. Here’s how to do it well.
Self Defence: Preparation or Paranoia?
/by John SmalliosJust because you’ve never been in a fight, doesn’t mean you don’t need self defence. The skills we learn in jiu jitsu are there to help you if ever the situation came about. It’s not paranoia, it’s preparation. And so much fun along the way!
What To Expect in Your Free Trial Class
/by John SmalliosHow do you prepare? Have a shower, and clip your nails. Pack some water, flip flops, and a change of clothes for after class. Men- Wear a comfortable, fitted, older t-shirt, and shorts without pockets. Women – Wear a fitted t shirt and tights. Show up 15 minutes before your first class. Remove all piercings, […]
Finding The Academy For You
/by John SmalliosSo you want to train jiu jitsu… Find Your Third Place. Your academy is like your second home. Here’s an article about the third place. The people that make up that community become like family to you, and it’s important you find the right one to kickstart your journey. Which one is right […]
I Appreciate Amigo – 2018 – The Year That Was
/by John SmalliosIt’s been an amazing year. We’ve worked hard, and we’ve achieved lots. Before we embark on a new one, it’s time to reflect and be grateful for the good times that have happened in 2018.