ARTE SUAVE - BJJ BRISBANE

CHOOSE YOUR TRAINING

Arte Suave, meaning “the gentle art” in Portuguese, in Woolloongabba, Brisbane Qld, was created in October 2014, with the primary objective of providing a holistic combination of fitness, health and mindfulness to the practice of the martial art Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Our philosophy is to provide you with all the tools necessary to enhance your growth as an individual and martial artist.

Here you will find: Fitness, friendship, your team, confidence, fun, discipline, self-defense and much more…

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

BJJ No Gi

BJJ for Kids

Yoga for BJJ

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and a self defence system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was formed from the Kodokan Judo ground fighting fundamentals that were taught to Carlos Gracie by Master Mitsuyo Maeda.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu eventually came to be its own art through the experimentations, practices, and adaptation from the Judo knowledge of Carlos and Hélio Gracie, who then passed their knowledge onto their family.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu without a Gi, generally you wear a rashguard and shorts. Led by Uroš Čulić our world class competition coach and Steven Wade our scientist of Jiu Jitsu, each with their own style to help you improve your No Gi Jiu Jitsu in the best way for you!

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids is set a little differently to our normal classes. Let by our team of highly skilled instructors, Nic Barker and Steven Wade, the classes are designed to teach not just Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but also; self-defense, confidence, discipline, listening skills, the ability to work under pressure and motivation as well as to encourage them with healthy competition. This will not only help them in class, but in everyday life.

Our yoga focuses on flexibility, posture, rejuvenation and strength and will improve both your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and overall health. Relaxation, meditation, slowing your mind and body and clearing the mind are important aspects of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a fundamental part of our yoga. Please note our Yoga is primarily for our BJJ students and class numbers are limited.

3 FREE Class Pass

Fill in the form below to try any 3 of our classes for free! *Note, one trial per person, only available to new students wishing to trial our academy are eligible for this, this is not available to visitors.

TESTIMONIALS

What others say about us

Arte Suave is highest quality Jiu-Jitsu facility in Brisbane, great technical instruction for all levels. Emanuela always maintains the positive welcoming gym atmosphere. Have a go – it will become your second home !!
Justin Bennetts, Director / Coach The Agoge Bulimba BJJ
Awesome gym. The instructors are fantastic and Emanuela has done a great job of creating a welcoming and friendly environment.
If you’re looking to do some conditioning training, try a yoga class or learn Jiu-Jitsu, Arte Suave is a great place to check out.
Luke Powell, Engineer
Arte Suave is a terrific Jiu Jitsu school. Great Atmosphere, Great Coaches, Great members with great ability and very welcoming to any new people looking for a school or someone just looking for some rolls or to drill technique. One of the nicest mat spaces I’ve ever seen, will not disappoint and you will always want to come back for more.
Mike Tweten, Canada
High end quality BJJ mat and facility. One of the best new-school approaches to grappling gym fit out that I’ve seen in Australia (and international travel tbh). Warm, welcoming, inviting coaches, staff and management that want to get to know you and get you involved. Well worth checking out. I look forward to more time spent here.
Jess Fraser, Director Australian Girls in Gi - Black Belt
This is hands down, the best BJJ Academy in Brisbane, Australia. The atmosphere here is not like any other academy. As a new white belt, I felt welcomed, and was allowed to train at a pace that was good for me. Everyone at the academy welcomed me in, like a new addition to the family, and they treat you like family also.
Chrissie McKay, CM Designs
I love my visits to Arte Suave, everyone is always so positive and friendly! The place is huge, always clean and their trainers really know their stuff. Highly recommended!
Alex Braus, Director Braus - BJJ gear
The cleanest jiu jitsu gym you will ever find! The staff are lovely and awesome!
Valentin FELS CAMILLERI, Bjj teacher, competitor - Iceland
Whether it’s taking my boys to the kids classes or training myself, Arte Suave has something for the whole family. Everyone from the talented and dedicated professors and coaches, to the ever amazing Emanuela, will make you feel welcome and comfortable. Arte Suave is building a great community with a growing reputation within the Australian BJJ landscape. Do yourselves (or your kids) a favour and come along and try it for yourself.
Brent Marks, Aventus – Commercial lawyers - Director
My friend Paul (Jjs black belt) recommended this place for our son. He absolutely loves it! Great team!
Natalia Morozoff, Clinical Hypnotist / Professional Counsellor at QLV Counselling Hypnotherapy
Such a welcoming gym! Arte Suave is a top gym with great facilities led by a wonderful team. Super friendly yet very knowledgeable and professional.
Esther Tavares-Tutida, 2 nd Deg BJJ Black Belt – Director Equipe Mestre Wilson
Great people. Great training. Love being a part of the team there.
David Mead, Professional rugby league footballer for the French Super League club Catalans Dragons
Very nice facilities, friendly environment and high level coaches! A great place to be!
Rafael Miyashiro, Manager / Coach Legacy BJJ Sunshine Coast
I found Arte Suave when I was still planning my trip to Australia in Brazil. At the first opportunity on Australian soil I paid a visit to the gym, which only made me confirm where I would follow the learning of the gentle art. Incredible space, with a workout area, clean, with great teachers and an incredible atmosphere. I already felt at home while I was still doing the 7 days trial!!!
Thiago Bencke
Best gym I have trained at, amazing facilities, an owner who really cares about everyone and no ego rolling. I would recommend to anyone thinking of starting jujitsu or if you are finding your current school just isn’t quite right. So glad I moved here and no looking back!
Oscar Boult, IT Project Manager
Great place to train. I found they had a every supportive culture, particularly for beginners. Definitely the place to be!
Rachel O'Kelly, Ray White West End
Beautiful facility where people really look out for each other. Really clean and well maintained. For people like me who are just starting their Jiu Jitsu journey, Arte Suave is a really safe, gentle introduction to the discipline. Our daughter is 5 and she goes as well. She gets really excited about her classes each week.
Piers Kwan, Qld Kettlebells - Director

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For any further questions contact us!

What's brazilian jiu jitsu?

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art and combat sport system that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. Since its inception in 1882, its parent art of judo (focuses on takedowns) was separated from older systems of Japanese jujutsu by this important difference that was passed on to Brazilian jiu-jujitsu.

It is not solely a martial art; it is also a sport, a method for promoting physical fitness and building character in people, and ultimately a way of life.

What is brazilian jiu jitsu good for?

BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves or another against a bigger, stronger, heavier assailant by using proper technique, leverage, and most notably, taking the fight to the ground, and then applying joint locks and chokeholds to defeat the opponent. BJJ training can be used for sport grappling tournaments and in self-defense situations.

Can you learn brazilian jiu jitsu at home?

No, you need a qualified instructor and a training partner to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

How many brazilian jiu jitsu belts are there?

Ranking system:
White
Blue
Purple
Brown
Black

It’s usually around 2 years between each belt if you train consistently for 3-4 classes per week. After black, the belts are given according to years on the mat.

Black & Red
Red & White
Red

Can anyone learn brazilian jiu jitsu?

Yes, from about 4 years old up, Jiu Jitsu will keep you fit healthy and young. Our youngest here is 4 years old and our oldest students here are close to 60 years of age.

Will brazilian jiu jitsu get me in shape?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will get you in the best shape you have ever been, and it will also help you with balance and co-ordination, because you are not only learning a martial art, you are retraining your body to use all of it at once.

Does brazilian jiu jitsu have striking?

No.

Who invented brazilian jiu jitsu?

Brazilian jiu-jitsu was formed from Kodokan judo ground fighting (newaza) fundamentals that were taught by a number of individuals including Takeo Yano, Mitsuyo Maeda and Soshihiro Satake.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu eventually came to be its own combat sport through the experiments, practices, and adaptation of judo through Carlos and Hélio Gracie (who passed their knowledge onto their extended family) as well as other instructors who were students of Maeda, such as Luiz França and Oswaldo Fadda, known for his leg locks.

MEET OUR TEAM

Learn from experienced and accomplished coaches

Emanuela D’Annibale, sole and managing director of Arte Suave, is an entrepreneur who successfully built and ran a promotions and marketing business for over 13 years. Her passion for martial arts, fitness, personal development, and motivating people to achieve their best, is what led her to create Arte Suave.
Emanuela D’Annibale, Purple Belt – Adults & Kids Coach – Yoga teacher
Anker has trained in several martial arts including Viet Vo Dao and Hapkido. He began BJJ in 1997 and received his black belt in 2011. We call Anker our encyclopaedia of Jiu Jitsu, he brings with him 20 years of Jiu Jitsu study from all over the world, most of which he had to seek without modern luxuries like the internet. Anker also loves hot chocolate, Korean Fried Chicken, loves tinkering with languages and his favourite comic book character is The Punisher.
Professor Anker Fuglsang, 2nd degree Black Belt – Head Coach
Uroš has been very athletic all of his life, starting off with water polo from the age of 5, then wrestling for 4 years and finally with BJJ since 2007. Uroš’ classes are full of energy and his patience and desire to get the knowledge and motivation into his students are his best assets. Uroš prefers black tea however has an incredible sweet tooth and loves Woody Allen movies.
Uroš Čulić, Black Belt – Competition Coach
Steve is a mixed bag of BJJ, Jiu Jitsu and MMA. He began learning and coaching BJJ in 2012 and his conceptual approach is what has helped him move so quickly in the ranks of Jiu Jitsu. He shares this approach in his classes focusing more on helping his students understand the concepts behind each technique.
Steven Wade, Brown Belt – Adults & Kids Coach
Nic is a born teacher, his passion for Jiu Jitsu extends into refereeing and is one of the organizers of Grappling Industries, an international competition. Nic is our problem solver, he lets his students lead his classes by helping them solve their BJJ problems. His laid back and conceptual approach are a great combination in helping his students reach their goals.
Professor Nic Barker, Black Belt – Adults & Kids Coach