12 Black Belts • Cairns • Innisfail
BRAZILIAN
JIU-JITSU
Cairns' premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. The gentle art — for all ages and skill levels.
The Gentle Art
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport focused on grappling and ground fighting. It's designed to equip a physically smaller or weaker individual with an effective method of defending against a larger and stronger attacker.
BJJ promotes the principle that with proper technique and leverage, anyone can protect themselves. Training develops problem-solving skills, mental toughness, and a deep understanding of body mechanics — all while providing an incredible full-body workout.
Reaching Black Belt typically takes a minimum of 10 years training 3 times per week. We have 12 Black Belts training at The M A Connection.
ADULT BJJ
Ages 16+ — All experience levels welcome
Gi Classes
The traditional form of BJJ using the kimono (Gi). Sport-focused training covering takedowns, sweeps, submissions, and positional control. The Gi adds grip-fighting and slows the pace — perfect for developing technique.
- ✓ Technique instruction with partner drilling
- ✓ Positional sparring and live rolling
- ✓ Belt progression system (White → Black)
No-Gi Classes
Dynamic, fast-paced grappling without the kimono. Wear rash guards and grappling shorts. No-Gi develops speed, athleticism, and wrestling-based techniques that translate directly to MMA.
- ✓ Faster pace, more scrambles
- ✓ Wrestling and submission focus
- ✓ Great for MMA and self-defence
Everyone Welcome
Women in BJJ
BJJ is one of the most effective forms of self-defence for women. Our academy is co-owned by Jeska Maunder, a female Brown Belt, who leads by example on the mats every day.
We have female practitioners at every belt level — Brown, Purple, Blue, and White. Our environment is welcoming, supportive, and built on mutual respect. Whether you're training for fitness, confidence, or competition — you belong here.
Build Confidence • Discipline • Resilience
KIDS BJJ
Little Ninjas
Ages 4–7
40-minute classes, twice weekly. Technique taught one day, positional sparring and free grappling the next — creating opportunity to apply what they've learned.
Junior Warriors
Ages 8–12
1-hour classes, twice weekly. Step-by-step technique for all levels. New students paired with experienced members and coached individually. Belt system aligns with IBJJF — recognised worldwide.
Junior Elite Team (JET)
Invitation Only
For students showing championship potential. Selection based on attitude, determination, and coachability. Competes at state, national, and world level. 3 current students have won gold internationally.
Test Yourself
Competition & Grading
Sparring is where confidence is built and skills are tested in real situations. We place heavy emphasis on rolling and testing through AFBJJ and IBJJF sanctioned events.
Our in-house competitions are free to members and run identical to interstate competitions — from registration to match times. It's the perfect low-pressure environment to experience competition before stepping onto the bigger stage.
Kids gradings happen during class time — two chances per grading week to earn a stripe or belt. No additional weekend days or extra expense.
Our Coaches
Garrett & Jeska Maunder
Owners and head coaches Garrett and Jeska Maunder bring over a decade of teaching experience to The M A Connection. Parents of 4, they understand what families need from a martial arts academy.
Jeska holds a Graduate Diploma of Education with 18+ years of teaching experience from kindergarten to adults. The most common feedback from parents: their child has grown in self-confidence and character.
FAQs
Gradings are held every 4 months. If members have attended adequate classes (39), they may gain a stripe. Once 4 stripes are reached, you're considered for the next belt. Expect a new belt roughly every 2 years if training consistently (3x per week). When you earn a belt with us, it's recognised anywhere in the world.
There are 5 adult belts: White, Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black. Reaching Black Belt typically takes a minimum of 10 years training 3 times per week. We have 12 Black Belts training at The M A Connection.
2 times a week is the minimum to see progress. 3 times per week is ideal. Our champions train 5–6 times weekly.
We encourage competing and offer in-house competitions in a low-pressure environment following exact official procedures. There are also 2 official regional competitions yearly, and our athletes travel to major Australian and international competitions.
For Gi classes, wear a BJJ Gi (kimono). For No-Gi classes, wear rash guards and grappling shorts. Undergarments are mandatory. Females should wear a sports crop top under their Gi or rashguard.
Start Training with 2 Weeks Free
Join our membership and get your first 2 weeks free. No experience needed — just show up and we'll take care of the rest.
Claim Your 2 Weeks Free