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BushJitsu, 6 Rathbone Street, Whangarei (2026)

05/09/2026

Horoia ō ringaringa

We encountered structural issues with previous iterations of our wall-mounted drying apparatus.
(The kids ripped it off the wall..).
So, to ensure our members have the best cleanse experience possible, we decided to upgrade.
No expense spared.

Allow me to formerly introduce the latest in high-tech training equipment:
Terry, the Towel Rail.

Nestled nearby the sink - he is the perfect accompaniment for a great Hand Washing Session (HWS).

A comfortable destination to Dehydrate your Digits.
Sitting in the perfect position for Parching your Palms.

Pat-dry those paws in style.

Wash your hands.
Spend some time with Terry.
It’s a cool thing to do.

02/09/2026

The Middles!

6-11yrs - That awkward stage of figuring out how to be comfortable in your own skin, and how to use your body properly.

These little warriors range from shy and mild - to loud and a wild - and everything in between.

All working together to build Fitness, Confidence, and a Calmness under pressure.

Building better humans using Grappling and FUN as our tools.

It’s HARD.
Hard to start something new, hard to keep showing up, hard to push through and overcome the challenges.

But, with the right support, your kids can do anything they set their minds too.
There is nothing better than watching these little animals come into their own, become disciplined, focused, and eager to learn.

Watching them grow into humble and happy humans.

This is why we do it.
Shoutout to the parents that push their kids to keep showing up (and for being a Human Taxi Service!) and shoutout to all our Bush Kids for getting after it each week and helping each other level up.

See y’all Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4pm!

01/09/2026

Timing.

Working on our footsweeps/trips.
Setting up that perfect moment - when weight distibution, off-balance, and momentum collide.

It’s no easy FEET. (haaaa).

Timing takes…. Time.
Put time into your timing.
It’s a frustratingly long process.
An extended duration of trial and error.
A sustained span of strained striving.

But it’s worth it when you finally hit that Perfectly Timed Takedown (PTT).

(ish)

31/08/2026

Big Weekend - Part 3!

Two weeks ago we had a few paths collide, leading to 3 competitors rockin’ it in 3 different countries - all at the same time!

This time:
Thane “Ironside” Heenan getting after it in Dallas, Texas.

Getting out of his comfort zone, travelling across the globe, and throwing himself into competition on the other side of the world.
Pretty badass.
A level of experience you can’t gain any other way.

He has been hitting a bunch of comps over there and even medalled again in the last couple days at another huge tournament.

We have all quite literally watched this dude grow up on the mats (see the last few photos!) - from the cheeky little runt snapping heelhooks on guest instructors (bro…), to the still cheeky young man that looks like He-Man and John Cena had a baby (more muscles than the rocks at low tide.. aye..).
His whole family have all been on the mats with us and been a huge part of the gym since day one. An epic bunch.

Watching Thane level up over the last decade has been insanely cool. Part of the furniture at Bush since the days of The Shed™️ and pretty much the entire Bush crews Nephew.
We have all seen the work ethic and dedication over the years - which, for his family, is just part of their DNA (the Heenan genes need to be bottled and sold).

Watch this space as he keeps tearing it up across the globe on his first big OE.

We are all super proud of ya dude!
Keep going hard.

Thane Heenan

28/08/2026

Big Weekend - Part 2!

Two weeks ago we had a few paths collide, leading to 3 competitors rockin’ it in 3 different countries - all at the same time!

Back home in NZ, one of our gym staples, and consistent rollers, Mr. Nate Dogg (Nathan Heta ) had his first foray into MMA.
Utilizing some of his Solid Grappling Skills (SGS), Nathan managed to dominate and control his way to an early TKO in the first round.

Pretty epic to see the years of work and dedication he has put in on the mats coming out in his game.
His Grappling was the deciding factor (and it looked styley… which is also super important, right?!).
Takedowns were solid, top control was heavy, and transitions were sharp.

We are all proud of this dude and we have all been there to watch him grow on and off the mats - from the young workhorse that came to train after school, to the solid gentleman he has become.
Plus, he’s an absolute pain in the ass to spar with now (that’s a compliment in Jiu Jitsu).

Come and harrass Nate about how much he loves the Gi 🥋, how a certain population of Thailand is his favourite 🧜‍♂️, and how mean his Katy Perry is at Karaoke 👨‍🎤

He loves it.

Shot Nate!

Shoutout to 🦈🦈🦈 - go check them for the full vid - insta made me cut the sounds and make it under 30 seconds..
Mean highlight!

26/08/2026

Big Weekend - Part 1!

Two weeks ago we had a few paths collide, leading to 3 competitors rockin’ it in 3 different countries - all at the same time!

First up was our young weapon Team King Kye - Parent Managed Sports Account who stepped up and hit the Australia Nationals.
First overseas comp, first comp of this scale and size, and first taste of the Aussie transport system..!

Kye works hard, inspires everyone with his work ethic, and fought his way to some hard earned victories. Couldn’t be more proud of this young man. He stepped up and came away with fresh motivation (and a shiney medal).
The final was epic. Came down to the wire, with Kye losing out on points after a hard fought battle.

Bunch of cool adventures on the road trip - thank you so much to Kyes family for sending me over with him to hurl abuse and keep him company.
Massive honour - thank you for putting your faith in me - and thanks Kye for being such an epic travel buddy.

He was straight back to the gym and straight back to focusing on the next one.

Kyes main focus is Boxing - coming out of Kings Boxing Gym - and being super active on the boxing scene.
The fact that he stepped up and more than held his own at a huge BJJ comp - with Jiu Jitsu being just a side hustle/hobby - is another testament to how hard he works and how much of a warrior he is.

He even stepped up a weight AND age group - because “there are more people in those brackets”.

14 years old and tougher than most adults combined 😂

Get some dark sunglasses ready.. that future is lookin’ so bright!

Shoutout to Uncle Keith for looking after us in Melbourne. Legend!

11/08/2026

It’s not goodbye, it’s see ya later…

Matt McMeeking!
Aka The Wizard, Coach Matt, Beard McMeeking, Cactus Jack, The Tizard (and many more NSFW titles) - an unsung hero, beetle aficionado, and egg-based chef.

Coach Matt joined us early in the year, to help out, whilst I stepped out for shoulder surgery (again..). He very quickly became part of the furniture and a HUGE part of our community & family, here at Bush.

His skills on the mat are undeniable, his chill nature and casual vibe are approachable, and his “special” sense of humour is diabolical!

I’ve known CM since the pre-smoothcomp days of competitions in NZ. Our first meeting was in a blue belt finals at NZ Grappler 2015 - then he came to run seminars when we first started Bush in The Shed™️ - and he has come to hang, teach and train with us ever since.

This will be CMs last week with us for a while (fret not, he’s coming back to visit and hang again soon) so roll on in and give him some grief/hurl abuse at him/hit suprise armbars on him.

On behalf of The Bush Crew (TBC):
Thanks heaps for stepping up and helping us all out, dude. You are an absolute legend.

Chur.

Matt McMeeking

27/07/2026

Hey Team.
We have some sad news.

Anyone who has come to Tues/Thurs Youth or Adult sessions will have met Big Dave - the most supportive (and cheeky!) dad, cheering us all on from the sidelines - an absolute legend, he’s the man.

Dave passed away late last week suddenly. At a bit of a loss for words on it and haven’t really wrapped my head around it yet.
But no matter how we feel, we step up for him and his family.
So:
Come and pay respect and celebrate his life on Wednesday.
10:30am.
45 Pirihi Road, Takahiwai

There is also a fund setup to help his two sons get through this rough time.
Anyone able, please send whatever you can to:

A D & L J Rean
06 0589 0038334 00

Every bit helps. Let’s get after it.

Big Dave was a MASSIVE (and very vocal, haha) supporter of Bush. He cheered on all our kids. He gave everyone a boost and yelled encouragement at every opportunity.
He was always a big presence in the gym - always big on the whanau aspect of our club and bringing us all together.
He brought the most crack up yarns to every class - and always had the mean lolly stash in his pocket (he would share with me at least!).

He will be missed for sure.
I’ll be looking over to his spot on the couch and waiting for his cheers/jokes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Rest easy, brother!

Much love y’all.
Give everyone close to you a hug, and keep pushing Big Daves idea of unity - we need more of it in this world.

See you on the mats.

22/07/2026

Term 3 is on! Sign your kids up for their free trial today:
https://www.bushjitsu.co.nz/signup

Kids these days…

It’s not all hula hoops and pac-man video games anymore. Now it’s 10th place ribbons and “cyber-bullying” (feel old just typing that..).

Our next generation of device-driven youngsters (DDY) are learning structure, focus and humility - all through a physically and mentally demanding sport.
They burn off some steam, whilst learning new skills, and making new friends.
It’s a sight to behold!

Jiu Jitsu builds confidence. It’s a fact.
We have enough amazing stories of big life changes - in our gym alone - to back that up.

These little savages need an outlet.
A safe, supportive, and welcoming outlet.

These little animals need a community.
A safe, supportive, and welcoming community.
It takes a village to raise these little terrorists (haha).
We have that.

The pride of our club - from toddlers to teens - The Bush Kids.

Got a youngster in need of a boost?
Wherever you are, get in touch.
There are some amazing gyms dotted all over NZ that can help. We can help find the right one for you.

14/06/2026

Last Weeks Highlights!

Cool to see the team working on proficiency in both sides of the sport - NoGi and YesGi - and, applying skills from both, to maximise their overall game.

Too much is made of the difference.
If you can be a badass with your pyjamas on, SURELY a little wardrobe change wouldn’t prevent your badassery from shining through, once you take it off?!

Get some work done in both!
Gi (“The Ninja Tuxedo”) slows the pace and forces you to be methodical.
NoGi (“Samurai Swimwear”) opens up explosive opportunities and wild scrambles.

Both teach you things that apply to the other.

Spice up your training with a little wardrobe diversity.
(And no, that doesn’t mean wear speedos - or spats with no shorts).

Side note; Black Gis also double as perfect Wedding/Funeral/Important Business Meeting Attire.

So you can’t go wrong.

Stay tuned for more Bush Fashion Tips (BFTs).

BushJitsu

05/09/2026

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

31/08/2026

28/08/2026

26/08/2026

11/08/2026

27/07/2026

22/07/2026

14/06/2026

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