Canberra is abuzz with excitement as High Rollers Canberra, a new martial arts academy, opens its doors to the community. This isn’t just a place for seasoned fighters; it’s a vibrant hub designed to nurture young talents and introduce them to the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo.
A Vision for Young Champions
The vision for High Rollers Canberra was brought to life with the goal of creating a facility that caters to martial artists of all ages, with a special focus on kids.
“Our goal was to build a place where children can learn valuable life skills through martial arts,” founder, Sal explains. “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo offer more than just physical training—they teach discipline, respect, and resilience.”
A Kid-Friendly Facility
High Rollers Canberra is designed with young learners in mind. The facility features a dedicated kids’ play area for before and after training, full shower facilities, a kitchen, and high quality, state of the art martial arts mats. The academy also includes a fun and inviting waiting area for parents, with comfortable seating and easy viewing so they can watch their children’s progress. The environment is welcoming, energetic and nurturing, encouraging kids to enjoy their martial arts journey while developing important life skills.
Separate Mats for Families: Train Simultaneously
One of the standout features of High Rollers Canberra is its setup for family training. The facility is designed with separate mats for kids and adults, allowing families to train simultaneously but on different mats. This setup ensures that each group receives focused instruction tailored to their level while allowing family members to be in the same space.
Kids’ Classes: Children’s classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo are designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, focusing on fundamental techniques, coordination, and self-defence skills. The instruction is dynamic and fun, with an emphasis on building confidence and teamwork.
Adult Classes: Meanwhile, parents can participate in parallel adult classes, where they receive targeted training in BJJ, Judo, No-gi and Cardio Kick boxing. These classes cater to various skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, and focus on technique refinement, strength, and strategy.
Mike, a BJJ black belt and experienced coach, highlights the benefits of this arrangement: “Having separate mats allows us to provide specialised training for both kids and adults while keeping the family experience integrated. It’s a great way for families to share their martial arts journey without compromising on quality or focus.”
The Class Offerings
High Rollers Canberra’s curriculum is diverse, offering both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo classes tailored specifically for kids.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids: These classes focus on basic techniques and self-defence skills. Emphasis is placed on movement, coordination, and building confidence through structured drills and light sparring. Instructors use games and positive reinforcement to make learning engaging and fun.
For those who are a little more serious in the art, there is a dedicated competition team which tours Australia nationally competing in state and national BJJ competitions. High Rollers is in fact home to some of the top Australian BJJ competitors.
Judo for Kids: The addition of Judo classes provides an excellent complement to the BJJ program. Judo classes focus on throws, pins, and ground work, helping children develop balance, strength, and agility. The dynamic nature of Judo adds an exciting element to their training routine.
Building a Strong Community
High Rollers Canberra places a strong emphasis on community and values. The academy’s culture promotes mutual respect, teamwork, and perseverance. Kids are encouraged to support one another and celebrate each other’s successes, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
“Our classes are not just about teaching techniques,” Sal says. “They’re about helping kids grow as individuals, teaching them the values of hard work and respect, and making sure they have a blast while doing it.”
Looking Ahead
With its kid-centric approach, separate mats for family training, and the addition of Judo classes, High Rollers Canberra is poised to become a cornerstone of martial arts training for young people and families in Canberra. The academy is committed to providing a supportive and engaging environment where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive.
Sal is excited about the future and the role High Rollers Canberra will play in shaping the next generation of martial artists. “We’re thrilled to see so many families and kids already excited about their training,” Sal says. “This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see how they progress and what they achieve.”
For parents seeking a positive, enriching activity for their children, or for families eager to train simultaneously on separate mats, High Rollers Canberra offers a fantastic opportunity. Step into this dynamic new academy, and you might just discover a passion for martial arts that will last a lifetime.
For more information visit High Rollers Canberra (www.highrollerscanberra.com.au)