Gracie Allegiance Team New Zealand

21/09/2026

This one’s for you, Dad ❤️
First competition without you leading the charge… and it won’t be the last.
But your jiu-jitsu is still right here with us. It spoke volumes this weekend.
We showed up in force, filled the room with energy, and brought home Best Academy.
And to be handed the Warrior Spirit Trophy, created in your memory to recognise the courage, humility, loyalty, resilience, and commitment you lived every day, was beyond heavy and emotional. Your unwavering commitment and passion for jiu-jitsu poured out of you and touched every single person you met, whether they did train or not 😂
You would’ve been beyond proud Of the team. No showboating or arrogance, just beautiful jiu jitsu done honourably… everyone carried the standard you set.
There’s no doubt you were right there with us, watching your legacy continue. So proud to be your son and privileged to be in the position to carry the legacy forward.
Thank you, NZ Grappler, for running such a special event. You guys made that epic and it meant so much to our team. Your commitment to growing the sport in nz is something special. Our level of competition wouldn’t be where it is today without Krissy and Steve.
Oss to every single one of our crew who put it on the line.
We keep going.
For you, Dad 👊

20/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18PuCtA1Rz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Wellington, that was special ❤️
Yesterday we had the honour of presenting the inaugural Warrior Spirit Trophy to Tyler Smith, son of the late Damian Smith and new leader of Gracie Allegiance clan
This trophy was created in Damian’s memory to recognise the courage, humility, loyalty, resilience and commitment he brought to his team and the wider Jiu Jitsu community.
Gracie Allegiance arrived in force, filling the venue with energy and proudly taking home BEST ACADEMY 🏆
Dad would is so proud of you Tyler.
Combat Room Wellington, one of the strongholds of Wellington Jiu Jitsu, secured second place 👏🏼👏🏼 with a huge surge from Joe and the team at Wairua BJJ earning them third 🥉
This was genuinely one of the best atmospheres we have ever experienced at a Wellington event.
Eugene, Cath and the team run a well oiled machine in Kāpiti and yesterday goes down in the books as one of the best.
The support. The emotion. The strength of the teams. The feeling in the room.
There is no doubt Damian was right there with us, watching his legacy continue through Tyler, Gracie Allegiance and the community he helped build.
Teams travelled far and wide from Christchurch to Mangawhai ! That’s dedication and passion !
Thank you, Wellington. This one will stay with us. 🤙🏽
Next up, CHRISTCHURCH! 📍
🏆South Island Champs
🗓️17 October
🥷🏼Gi and No Gi divisions for kids, juveniles, adults and masters.
⏰Registrations close 12 October
Comment SOUTH ISLAND and we will send you the registration link.

03/08/2026

Following the sudden passing of our founder and Head Instructor, Professor Damian Smith, I am stepping up to lead Gracie Allegiance. I do this with the full support of our black belts and senior coaches on the mats, and with deep respect for the foundation Dad built.
This academy was never just a place to train. It was built on loyalty to the craft, to each other, and to becoming the best version of ourselves. That is the meaning of Allegiance, and that is the legacy we are committed to carrying forward.
Classes will continue as normal. The same values, the same team, the same high standard. We will honour Dad’s work by keeping this academy strong for every student and family who walks through the doors.
Thank you for your support during this time. We are grateful to have you with us as we move forward together.
Oss.
Tyler Smith
Gracie Allegiance Team New Zealand

01/08/2026

All classes will resume this week - adults and kids classes, starting Monday 3rd Aug.

28/07/2026

Damian Smith – Funeral Service

We know many will want to pay their respects and anyone who knew and loved Damian is welcome to attend the service or celebrate his life.

Funeral Service
Thursday 30th July, 10am
Riverbend Bible Church
354 Te Aute Rd, Havelock North

Wake — Celebrating Damian's Life
Thursday, 4pm onwards
Black Betty BBQ
408 Warren St, Hastings

23/07/2026

It is with much sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of our Head Instructor, Damian Smith, founder and leader of Gracie Allegiance New Zealand.
Damian dedicated his life to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, building a true brotherhood and family here in Hawkes Bay and across New Zealand. Under his guidance, countless students discovered not just techniques on the mat, but discipline, resilience, humility, and the strength to become better versions of themselves both on and off the mats. He was a proud husband, father to five sons (including myself), and a passionate teacher who gave so much on and off the mats.
His impact on our academy and NZ community runs deep.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of our students, training partners, and the wider BJJ community during this difficult time.
If you’d like to share a memory, story, or photo of Damian, please feel free to post below or reach out privately. Your messages mean a great deal to our family.
Oss.
Tyler
For the Smith Family & Gracie Allegiance Team NZ

22/07/2026

Everyone starts as a beginner. The only difference is who takes the first step.

Whether you’re looking to get fitter, learn real self-defence, build confidence, help your child thrive, or simply challenge yourself, there’s a place for you at Gracie Allegiance.

You don’t need to be fit.
You don’t need experience.
You just need the courage to walk through the door.

✅ Beginner-friendly classes
✅ Kids • Teens • Adults
✅ Supportive coaching
✅ Authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
✅ Learn at your own pace

🔥 FREE TRIAL WEEK
PLUS no joining fee.

Come and experience why so many people are choosing Jiu-Jitsu as their path to becoming stronger, healthier, and more confident.

💬 Comment “KEEN” below or send us a message to book your free trial.

Your future self will thank you for starting today.

SelfDefence Confidence Fitness KidsBJJ AdultBJJ BeginnerFriendly TrainWithPurpose FreeTrialWeek Community MartialArts

07/07/2026

Term 3 FREE trail classes available July 13th Monday 10am and 4pm , July 17th Friday 10am and 4pm .

DM us to book a FREE trial/intro class to see if you and your kids like what our Jiu Jitsu has to offer their lives .

Build confidence
Build coordination
Build resilience
Build real world self defence.

05/07/2026

🎉 A huge thank you to all the parents and grandparents who came out to support our kids at today’s Gracie Allegiance Jiu Jitsu Competition! Your cheers, encouragement, and presence made the day extra special.
Congratulations to all the kids who entered and represented the Gracie Allegiance kids in-house Hastings team, Napier/Ahuriri team, and Whirinaki team as we all came together for an awesome day on the mats!
We couldn’t be prouder of you all. You showed heart, courage, and great sportsmanship — keep believing in yourselves and staying loyal to the best version of you!
Wishing our entire Gracie Allegiance family a safe and happy school holiday. Enjoy the break and we’ll see you back on the mats soon! 🥋💙

01/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations to all our students on their gradings!
A huge shout out to all the parents and grandparents for your continuous support and trust. You are the foundation of everything we do, and we’re truly grateful for the faith you place in us and in your children’s Jiu Jitsu journey.
We are beyond proud of all the kids for their hard work and dedication to the art of Jiu Jitsu. Every stripe, every belt, and every step forward on the mats reflects your commitment, resilience, and growth. Watching you all develop not just as martial artists, but as confident, disciplined young people is what makes this so rewarding.
Thank you for being part of the Gracie Allegiance family. Keep training hard and stay loyal to the best version of yourselves!
Oss! 🥋