"I drove to the gym, sat in my car for 15 minutes thinking how I could just drive home. Instead I just took a deep breath and walked in."

The door is the hardest part. Everything after is the reward.

No joining fee. No contract. Your first class is completely free.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 111 Google reviews · all 5-star · from complete beginners and Inner West families

Join on the day: adults from $24.50/wk in your first month + a Gracie Balmain rashie.

You don't need to be fit to start.
You'll get fit by starting.

Every person on these mats was exactly where you are now. The nervous one googling "what to wear to BJJ." The one who almost didn't book. The one who sat in the car.

"Never too old to start! "

— Andrew Kim

Here's exactly what to expect on day one.

Here's what your first class looks like — start to finish. Turn up, train, see how it feels.

Before you arrive

  • Wear comfortable sportswear — no special gear needed for your first class

  • Arrive 5–10 minutes early so we can get you set up

  • The gym is inside the PCYC at 372 Darling St, Balmain — parking on the street

During the class

  • Joel or one of the coaches will take you through the warm-up and check in with you

  • You'll be paired with a training partner who knows you're new — they'll look after you

  • No pressure to spar in your first class. We'll read the room

After the class

  • If it's right for you, we'll have a quick conversation about what comes next

  • No hard sell. If you want to think about it, take the week — the offer will wait

Join on your trial day and your first month is half price — plus a rashie.

When you come in for your trial, you'll see whether this is the right fit. If it is, there's no reason to wait.

Anyone who signs up on the day gets their first month at half the normal rate, and a branded Gracie Balmain rashie to train in.

It's not a pressure tactic. Joel's been here for ten years. He'll still be here next week. But if you know on the day, it's a good time to start.

What people say when they've been here a while.

"It's become the highlight of my week" - Josh Fair (6 weeks in)

"I've grown as a person, not just as a martial artist" - Isaac James (3 years in)

"Doing jujitsu changed my life… for the better!!!" - Matthey Fry (8 years in)

For the families

"It's wonderful to see my daughter's confidence and discipline grow with each class" - Charris Fox

"He loves going and has grown so much — not just in his BJJ skills but in discipline, confidence, and respect." - Jess

"Every class my son attends, he comes home happy!" - Leesa

"My son started at 4. I started at 40. It truly caters to everyone."

— Grant Brown

Ten years in the same suburb. Same coach. Same community.

Joel Costello grew up in Balmain. He opened Gracie Balmain in July 2016 in the suburb he grew up in, for the community that shaped him. He's a black belt under Bruno Panno and Royler Gracie, a multiple Australian and Pan Pacific Champion — and he coaches the majority of classes himself.

He's also the coach who learns your name, checks in after your first few weeks, and has built a gym where people train together for years — and still love it.

The coaching staff includes Jayden Lawrence — freestyle wrestler, Paris 2024 Olympian — who coaches wrestling fundamentals for kids and adults.

One gym. Ten years. Run by people who actually give a damn.

A few things people wonder about.

"I need to be fit before I start."

You don't. You'll get fit by starting. Every person here was exactly where you are.

"Will BJJ make my kid more aggressive?"

The opposite. Kids who train here get quiet confidence — the kind that doesn't need to prove itself. Research backs it up. So does ten years of kids walking out differently.

"Is it safe for young kids?"

Age-specific classes from age 3. Controlled training, no forced contact, kids matched appropriately. Every coach is police-checked and Working With Children cleared. Safety is the baseline.

"What if I try it and it's not for me?"

That's fine. No contracts, no joining fees, no pressure. The free trial is free.

Ready to try a class?

Pick a day that works. Your trial is free — no payment, no pressure.

Showing up is the hardest part.

Come in — we'll take care of the rest.

Free trial class. No gear needed. No experience required.

First month half price + a rashie if you decide to join on the day.

Gracie Balmain · 372 Darling St, Balmain NSW · inside the PCYC
Adults & Kids · gi and no-gi · ages 3 and up