Information about Te Kura Awhio

16 Fitzherbert St
4010, Gisborne
+6468681570

Opening hours

  • Monday: 17:30–20:00
  • Tuesday: 15:30–20:00
  • Wednesday: 05:30–20:00
  • Thursday: 05:30–20:00
  • Friday: 05:30–20:00
  • Saturday: 05:30–12:30
  • Sunday: Closed

Welcome to Awhio MMA, Gisborne’s premier destination for Mixed Martial Arts and combat sports training. Nestled in a welcoming environment just opposite the Tairawhiti Museum, our academy is dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community, known locally as 'whanau,' where every member is valued and supported regardless of their experience level.

Under the expert guidance of Head Coach Baz Thomas and Manager Bev Thomas, Awhio MMA offers comprehensive instruction in three core disciplines: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Wrestling, and Kickboxing. Whether you are looking to learn self-defense, improve your fitness, or compete at a high level, our programs are tailored to suit everyone from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners. We pride ourselves on being a real fighter’s gym, with a roster of competitive athletes who train alongside recreational students, creating an authentic and motivating training atmosphere.

Our timetable is designed to accommodate all ages and lifestyles. We offer specialized classes for Juniors (Teina and Tuakana) aged 5 to 12, focusing on discipline and fun; Teens programs that blend martial arts with sparring skills; and Adults sessions split into beginner and advanced levels. Classes are held Monday through Friday, covering both Gi and No-Gi BJJ, striking techniques, and wrestling fundamentals.

We believe that anyone can succeed with the right mindset. You don’t need to be fit or tough to start—just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Leave your ego at the door, and join a collective of passionate instructors and supporters dedicated to your growth. With flexible membership options available, including All-Access passes and specialized striking or wrestling packages, there has never been a better time to begin your martial arts journey with Awhio MMA.

Te Kura Awhio: Reviews

4.7/5 (16 Reviews)

Reviews are the opinions of their authors. We do not verify that the author was a customer.

shena christian Published on Google

Fantastic experience: Drop in for a pt while traveling through the area. Nick Low awesome guy and kickboxing coach. Saw the BJJ would have bought my gi too. I'll be back next time.

Te Kura Awhio

Thanks Shena - look forward to seeing you on the mat next time.

Byron Chivers Published on Google

Fantastic experience: Te Kura Awhio & everyone involved in the team through the years have changed my life but many others for the better. Great place to roll & get good rounds in for all combat sports while in Gisborne.

Yahni Walford Published on Google

Fantastic experience: Recently joined Te Kura Awhio and learnt alot in the short time I've been training , Coaches cater to all experience levels whether it be BJJ,striking or wrestling which makes you feel comfortable from day one ☝️

Tom Balon Published on Google

Fantastic experience: The knowledge and family you’ll gain in Awhio you keep for life. The whole training program makes you physically and mentally healthy. It will always be home.

Nicholas Low Published on Google

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym. Amazing Whanau. This unsuspecting Gizzy MMA gym is the best place you could choose to train and has produced multiple winners of national and international titles along with a world amateur MMA champion. The coaches are super friendly and eager to help anyone willing to learn because they do it for the love of it. What more could you want?

Luke Norris Published on Google

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend, I love training here. Extremely talented coaches and great culture.

Clarence “Clarry, Clazza, Boy.” Campbell Published on Google

Fantastic experience: Its a gym for people who want to participate in a combination of boxing and just keeping fit and talking to people and get a workout.

Allison Namana Published on Google

Positive experience: Cold need good heating

Te Kura Awhio

Kia ora Allison - yes, its a big open space with no insulation and it does get cold. Heating it would be very expensive.

Ngairo Chaney Published on Google

Fantastic experience: I absolutely loved it, met alot of new friends over the years who are now family unfortunately I had to leave due to being very busy and I really miss the good old times much Love whanau

Te Kura Awhio

Thanks Ngairo, see u on the mats again one day

Sharon W Published on Google

Fantastic experience: Great space for Brazilian Jujitsu. Still going strong with helpful and encouraging instructors. Great activity for kids and adults alike!

Adam Bartlett Published on Google

Negative experience: One of the worst gyms I've trained at. White belts teaching classes, Barry or Baz was such a bully about everything so in the end I just left.

James & Tanya Fowell Published on Google

Fantastic experience: A very well established Mixed Martial Arts club and the only one in Gisborne. Baz and the whānau are always professional and provide top quality instruction. Love there positive and inclusive kaupapa. For me, Te Kura Awhio personifies what a Martial Arts club should be.

Keila Wright Published on Google

Fantastic experience: Great coaching staff across the board very friendly and knowledgeable I'd highly recommend for any age groups. the striking coach is a hotty the jiu jitsu coaches are amazing with the kid's and their after school program is a bonus I absolutely love the vibe here it's a phat yes from me❤

Gareth Hailey Published on Google

Fantastic experience: Learnt so much here, more than just BJJ and MMA, Awhio will always be home. Lead by generous, honest people with integrity, that always have time to not only give to the club, but to the whole community

Rachael Tahana Published on Google

Fantastic experience: At live free health and fitness (next door) is this place. My rating is for where I attend for fight for life Gisborne 21 (Pātū tahi boxing is running this)

Franciele Rosa Published on Google

Fantastic experience: Academia boa tbm

Leave your review about Te Kura Awhio:

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5 = Excellent

Reviews are checked before they are published. We do not publish reviews containing insults, accusations of criminal conduct or references to specific individuals. We also do not verify that the author was a customer.

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Te Kura Awhio appears in the following listings:

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