DKMMA 2025 End of Year Grading Day
Our 2025 End of Year Grading Day was a powerful way to close out another big year at DKMMA. The day brought together our kids and adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students, as well as our adult MMA team, all on the mats for one final test of the year. It wasn’t about flash or shortcuts — it was about showing up, putting in the work, and being accountable to the standards we train to every day. Kids & Adults on the Mats Seeing our kids’ BJJ students test alongside the adults is always a reminder of what we’re trying to build here. Confidence, discipline, respect, and resilience — developed through consistent training over time. The kids showed great focus and composure, and the adults set the example through effort and attitude. BJJ & MMA – Tested, Not Given For our adult BJJ and MMA members, the grading day was a chance to demonstrate real progress — not just techniques, but understanding, conditioning, composure under pressure, and mindset. Promotions at DKMMA are earned, not handed out, and everyone on the mat showed why that standard matters. Well-Deserved Promotions A number of our members were promoted on the day, with several athletes receiving blue, purple, and brown belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Each of these promotions represents years of consistent training, learning through setbacks, and continuing to show up when it would have been easier not to. We also witnessed a truly special moment, with one of our longest-serving members receiving his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This promotion came after many years of hard training, countless hours on the mats, and a long history of both BJJ and MMA competition. It was a milestone that reflects not just technical ability, but character, perseverance, and commitment to the journey. More Than a Grading Days like this are about more than belts or ranks. They’re about community, shared effort, and recognising the work that happens quietly over months and years — the early mornings, the tough rounds, the injuries, the comebacks, and the decision to keep going. The highlight video captures some of the intensity and emotion of the day, but it can’t fully show the years of work that led to those moments. For everyone who stepped on the mat — whether promoted or not — this was another step forward. Congratulations to all of our students and fighters on a strong finish to 2025. Enjoy the break, recover well, and we’ll be back on the mats in the new year — ready to keep building. No shortcuts. Just hard work.
🥋4-WEEK BEGINNER BJJ COURSE STARTS MONDAY 12th JANUARY! ⚡️
Are you ready to start your Jiu-Jitsu journey? Whether you’ve always wanted to try it or are looking for a new challenge, this 4-week Beginner BJJ Intro Course at DKMMA is the perfect place to begin! ✅ What you’ll get: 🌍 Location: DKMMA🗓️ Start Date: Monday, 12th January ⏰ Time: 7.15pm Spots are limited! Secure your place today and take the first step towards mastering BJJ! 💪 👉 Book your spot via this link ⬇️ https://bjjmelbourne.com.au/bjj-intro-program
The Zero 2 Hero 6 Week MMA Training Camp is back!
ALWAYS WANTED TO LEARN MMA AND TEST YOURSELF IN COMPETITION? Here is your opportunity! The Zero 2 Hero 6 Week MMA Training Camp is back! Contenders will train for 6 weeks learning the fundamental skills of Mixed Martial Arts. Start Date is Tuesday 13th January! They will then fight on our Amateur MMA event at the end of the program. The matches are held under a modified ruleset which allows the participants to gain valuable experience while minimising the risk of injury. This program is limited to 12 Participants. 🗓 CLASS SCHEDULE: MMA Classes – Tue & Thu at 7:15 PM & Sat at 10:00 AM Kick-Boxing Class – Mon & Wed at 7.15PM (You don’t need to attend all sessions but we recommend at least 3 sessions per week) 💥 WHAT’S INCLUDED: 6 weeks of training! High level MMA coaching! MMA Training uniform! Train alongside our competition team! Opportunity to Compete in our Amateur MMA Event! 💲 ONLY $349 FOR 6 WEEKS OF TRAINING (INCLUDES UNIFORM & COMPETITION ENTRY FEE!) Whether you’re looking to try something new or get into better shape, Our MMA Intro Program is for EVERYONE – no experience required. Come along & get started! Limited spots available, sign up today! https://bjjmelbourne.com.au/mma-zero-2-hero-program Check out this great video following one of our students who recently took part in the Zero 2 Hero Program:
No Shortcuts – My New Book Is Out Now
After years of coaching, training, writing, and learning the hard way, I’m proud to finally announce the release of my new book: No Shortcuts by Denis Kelly This book is a collection of my blog articles and writings that many of you will already be familiar with from the DKMMA coaching blog and social media over the years. Rather than being a “how-to” manual, No Shortcuts is a reflection of my coaching philosophy, my experiences in martial arts, and the lessons I’ve learned from a lifetime on the mats, in the gym, and in the corner. Why “No Shortcuts”? Because in fighting — and in life — shortcuts don’t work. There are no hacks that replace consistency.No tricks that replace discipline.No fast lanes that bypass hard work, patience, and accountability. This book touches on: Whether you’re a fighter, coach, martial artist, or just someone who appreciates honest lessons about effort and commitment, this book was written for you. Who This Book Is For Available Now No Shortcuts is available now on Amazon. 👉 You can get your copy here:https://www.amazon.ca/No-Shortcuts-mr-Denis-Kelly/dp/B0G4PRMVQ8/?tag=wkss20-20 Thank you to everyone who has trained with me, supported DKMMA, read the blogs over the years, and lived these lessons alongside me. This book is as much about that shared journey as it is about my own. As always — keep showing up, keep doing the work, and remember:there are no shortcuts. — Denis KellyDKMMA
