The only proven style where a smaller person can immobilise and defeat a stronger, larger attacker.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a battle-tested grappling-based system that will teach you how to control and subdue your opponent using technique, timing and leverage. You learn not only how to immobilise an opponent effectively so they can’t attack you, but also how to defeat them humanely without having to seriously hurt them. It is one of the few arts that allows a smaller, weaker person to defeat a stronger & larger opponent which makes it excellent for self defence & MMA competition.

As a bonus, it is a great workout and not boring – this motivates people who normally hate going to the gym and gets them working out while learning practical skills.

BJJ became popular when it was the first martial art to dominate in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). It remains so effective today that it is considered to be required training for anyone who chooses to enter MMA competition. Every single UFC Champion trains in Jiu-Jitsu or grappling and it is also used by many military’s and police forces across the globe including our very own Australian Army.

What you learn in our Jiu-Jitsu classes is what works because it’s what our professional competitors rely on every time they step onto the competition mat.

While training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu you will…

  • Learn to defend yourself on the ground as well as in close range.

  • Get in shape and participate in a life-long activity that everyone from children to those in their 60’s and beyond can do.

  • Have fun while mastering the martial art commonly referred to as ‘physical chess’ due to its depth and technical nature.

  • Improve focus, concentration and increase eye/body coordination.

  • Build muscle and lose fat while learning practical self-defence skills.

  • Learn combat-proven self defence.

  • Develop your mental toughness, problem solving skills and patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What a regular class looks like

Classes are generally broken into 3 parts – the Warm-up, Technical work and then ‘Rolling’ (Jiu-Jitsu speak for Sparring).

Your training will start with warm-up drills involving tumbling, stretching and Jiu-Jitsu specific movements drills. These are designed to get you loosened up & ready to train while also developing your skills at the same time.

Following the warm-up the class will be split into two groups  – Beginners & Advanced (each with their own Coach) where you will learn, practice and add new technique(s) to your Jiu-Jitsu arsenal. This time will be spent with a Coach demonstrating a position and technique which you will practice with another student. Your Coach will help and correct you where needed and answer any questions you might have along the way. We were all beginners once and we’ll treat you professionally and with the highest level of patience. We’re confident you will get the hang of it fast!

The last part of the class is Rolling. The objective with rolling is to test your skills, to attempt to apply what you have learned in the class and to have some fun – it is not to hurt each other. All rolling sessions are closely monitored with safety being the #1 priority. We are extremely proud to have developed a fantastic team culture with no ‘meat-heads’ and as a result rolling is an extremely safe & positive learning experience for everyone.

We’re very proud of our ability to turn the average student into a skilled Jiu-Jitsu practitioner almost without them noticing!

Rave reviews from our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students

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Based on 239 reviews
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Emma
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Immersion is a great place to train jiu jitsu! Dave is an excellent instructor, focusing on technique and safety without taking away from the fact it's a martial art. Donny and Benny at the front desk are super helpful, and the overall gym culture is friendly and inclusive. If you're looking for a place to train, this is it 🙏
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Shaohua Weng
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I’ve had an amazing experience training at the IMMA, Learning Muay Thai here is so much fun, and it’s a great way to stay fit and healthy. The coaches are excellent—they’re knowledgeable, encouraging, and make every class enjoyable. The reception staff are always warm, friendly, and provide great service. I’m really happy to be training here and would definitely recommend it!
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Ju Han
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Immersion Mixed Martial Arts has been fantastic for my son. The BJJ anti-bullying class is engaging, supportive, and has really helped build his confidence and resilience. The coaches are patient, encouraging, and great with kids. Highly recommended!
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Jacqui Bate
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Great for teaching kids at all levels
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Zed Mrkanovic
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Immersion MMA has been nothing short of incredible for our family. My son, my daughter, and I all train here, and it's easily one of the best decisions we've made. The coaches are outstanding—knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping every member improve, no matter their age or experience level. They create a positive, supportive environment where everyone feels welcome, from complete beginners to experienced fighters. What really sets Immersion MMA apart is the culture. It's more than just a gym; it's a community. The respect, discipline, and encouragement shown by both the coaches and members make every session enjoyable and motivating. Watching my kids grow in confidence, fitness, and resilience has been amazing. The facilities are always clean and well-maintained, and the quality of instruction across all classes is second to none. If you're looking for a gym that will challenge you, support you, and make you feel like part of a family, I can't recommend Immersion MMA highly enough. Five stars all the way!
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Andy
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I have been training in Muay Thai at Immersion Mixed Martial Arts, and it has been an incredible experience. The trainers are highly skilled and passionate about Muay Thai, providing clear instruction and personalized feedback to help improve technique and stamina. The training sessions are challenging yet approachable, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned fighters alike. The facility offers a clean and well-equipped environment, with a supportive community that motivates you to push your limits. I especially appreciate how the coaches emphasize proper form, discipline, and conditioning, which has significantly boosted my confidence and fitness levels.
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Asher Spitz
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A legitimately great BJJ academy. All the coaches are highly skilled and comp-tested. The mat is consistently full of smiling assassins, willing to share thier time and knowledge.
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Tissa Wade
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I first walked through the doors of Immersion MMA Glen Waverley in November 2018 at 54 years of age, having never trained in any form of martial arts before. Like many people starting something completely new, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. On that very first day, I made a commitment to myself that whenever I was on leave and back on land from my work as a Marine Engineer in the Australian offshore oil and gas industry, I would give Muay Thai my very best. Nearly eight years later, I am proud to say I have honoured that commitment. My career takes me offshore for weeks—and sometimes months—at a time. Working at sea is both demanding and rewarding, but it also teaches you to appreciate the simple things in life. Every time I return home, there are three things I genuinely look forward to: spending time with my family, enjoying a quiet beer, and walking back through the doors of Immersion MMA Glen Waverley to get back on the mats. One thing that has never changed throughout my time at Immersion is the welcome I receive every time I return. Whether I have been away for a few weeks or a few months, I have always been made to feel welcome, respected and encouraged. I never feel like I am starting again—it simply feels like coming home. My sincere thanks go to David Marinakis, Kahow Lee, Keith Grant, Ben and Mee. David has created far more than a martial arts gym. He has built a professional, respectful and welcoming community where people of all ages and abilities can learn, improve and enjoy training together. Kahow, Keith and Ben have each contributed to my Muay Thai journey through their professionalism, technical knowledge, encouragement and genuine commitment to helping every student reach their potential. A special mention must go to Mee, whose authentic Thai background, calm professionalism and humble approach to coaching make every class both enjoyable and rewarding. His patience, attention to detail and quiet confidence create an environment where students feel comfortable, motivated and supported, regardless of their experience. He is a tremendous asset to Immersion MMA Glen Waverley and an outstanding ambassador for the traditions and values of Muay Thai. For me, Muay Thai has become much more than learning techniques. It has improved my fitness, discipline, confidence and mental resilience while reinforcing many of the qualities I rely upon every day as a Marine Engineer—discipline, composure, focus and continual self-improvement. If you're wondering whether you're too old to begin, don't be. I started at 54 years of age with absolutely no martial arts experience. Joining Immersion MMA Glen Waverley has been one of the best decisions I have made for my health and wellbeing. Nearly eight years later, I still genuinely enjoy Muay Thai at Immersion MMA Glen Waverley. Every class is enjoyable, every session teaches me something new, and every time I return home from sea I look forward to getting back on the mats. To everyone at Immersion MMA Glen Waverley, thank you for making me feel welcome from day one and for continuing to inspire me to learn, improve and enjoy this incredible sport. I can recommend Immersion MMA Glen Waverley without hesitation. Tissa Wade Chief Engineer Australian Maritime Offshore Oil & Gas Industry
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Dylan Fleming
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From the first moment I stepped into this gym I knew it was the right fit for me. Everyone is incredibly welcoming and it really feels like a community. The instructors are fantastic, treat safety as a number 1 priority and are incredibly patient, making sure everyone understands what we are learning. There's no "meat heads"or big egos in the gym and everyone is treated with respect. We are still pushed hard/challenged, but safety is never compromised. One thing that really stands out to me is the class structure. Rather than learning a new technique every session and forgetting it the next, the week is thoughtfully structured around a single technique, going from learning the foundations, expanding on it and drilling it when rolling. This really allows time for what is taught to sink in and experiment with it further. Could not be happier with the gym and I look forward to every session. Thank you Immersion 🙏

Class Timetable

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Meet your coaches

David Marinakis
David MarinakisBrazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach (Black Belt 2nd Degree)
“I got introduced to BJJ back in 2003 after watching the early UFC’s and Gracie in Action tapes (you can still find some of these on YouTube). Basically these tapes showed these smaller statued Jiu Jitsu guys defeating all these larger opponents from other martial arts backgrounds. I felt like I had stumbled upon the holy grail of martial arts! I was looking for something to train in and wasn’t interested in doing Kata’s or ‘Forms’. I wanted something more real, practical, challenging, and Jiu Jitsu met that need for me. In 2005 when I found the right training environment, I fell in love with Jiu Jitsu and never looked back.”

BJJ Accomplishments:

“My proudest accomplishments to date have been representing Australia twice at the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships in both Barcelona, Spain (2009) and Nottingham, UK (2011) where I got to compete with 2 of my idols, Rubens ‘Cobrinha’ Charles and Leo Vieira.

I have also qualified twice to represent Australia at the World Pro Jiu Jitsu Championships held in Abu Dhabi, bringing home a bronze medal in 2011, Brown & Black belt division.

In 2015, I completed a 10 year goal of winning a State and Pan Pacific gold medal at every belt level when I won the Victorian and Pan Pacific Championships at Black Belt.

Coach Lee and myself both teach the BJJ classes at Immersion meaning there’s 2 black belt coaches on the mat every night! We’d love to have you join us so we can share our Jiu Jitsu with you.”

Lineage:
Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Carlos Gracie Junior > Rigan & Jean Jacques Machado > John Will > David Hart & Cam Rowe > David Marinakis

Lee Ting
Lee TingBrazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach (Black Belt 1st Degree)
Lee started his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training in 2005, after extensively training in many other forms of martial arts such as Karate, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Kick Boxing and Muay Thai.

Lee was awarded his Black Belt after 8 years of training and has competed and won nearly all major events with in Australia.

Lee has also travelled overseas to train with the worlds best competitors and is always looking at ways to improve his techniques and find new innovative ways to defeat opponents. Which can then be passed on to our students.

‘Competition to me is pure, you can’t fake your skill or talk it up. It is what it is. It also teaches you how to handle pressure and how to deal with defeat and success, it will make you stronger’. Lee Ting

Lee has a dynamic teaching style bringing serious training with a bit of play and laughter. Lee is always trying to bring out the best in his students, both mentally and physically. This also transcends through other facets of their lives also.

‘Jiu Jitsu can only change people for the better, Jiu Jitsu changes peoples lives’. ~ Lee Ting

BJJ Accomplishments:
Black Belt:
2015 PAN Pacific Championships – 1st Place
2015 BOA Super 8 Invitational – 3rd Place
2015 BOA Super Fight Winner – 1st Place
2014 PAN Pacific Championships – 2nd Place
2014 BOA Super 8 Competitor
Brown Belt:
2013 Pan Pacific Champion
2013 Machado National Champion

Lee & Dave both teach the BJJ classes at Immersion meaning there’s 2 black belt coaches on the mat every night!

Lineage:
Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Carlos Gracie Junior > Rigan & Jean Jacques Machado > John Will > David Hart & Cam Rowe > Lee Ting

Locations

Glen Waverley

Ringwood