Jono & Al get Gold in Australian BJJ Championships
Congratulations to Jono & Alastair for stepping up to represent the team at the AUS BJJ Championship this weekend & also both taking home the gold medals in their divisions. It shows that the hard work we’ve been putting in every week is paying off. I believe Competition Keeps Our Gym Strong Many gyms follow the same path. They start out strong, but over time, people stop competing. When no one tests their skills against real pressure, things change. Training gets soft, feedback becomes too polite, and techniques stop working against someone who is actually trying to stop you. Before you know it, standards drop and the gym turns into a McDojo. I don’t think competing is the only thing that matters. Winning or losing a medal doesn’t define who you are as a person or a grappler. But I do believe competing is necessary to keep our training standards high. Competition shows us the truth about our training. When our team competes, we find out right away what works, what needs work, and what is changing in the sport. We bring those lessons right back to our mats so everyone learns faster. When you train with people getting ready for a tournament, it keeps everyone sharp. It makes sure our sparring stays real, our fitness stays high, and our moves work because they are good (not because your partner let you have it) Hard work is contagious. When a lot of people in the gym are working toward a goal, it lifts the energy for the whole room. It stops us from getting lazy or settling for “good enough.” A great bjj gym needs a healthy balance of active competitors. If you never want to compete, that is 100% fine. Your training matters just as much, and we fully support your goals. But the reason you get a tough, skilled training partner every time you come to class is because our gym tests itself under real pressure. We compete to keep our standards high, our moves real, and our gym a place where everyone can get better. Get started on your BJJ Journey with our 5 Week BJJ Intro Program whcih starts on Monday 31st August. Sign up via this link BJJ 5 Week Intro Program (includes Free Uniform)
Great Results for DKMMA at Savage Grappling
Today was a good day for the DKMMA Team. We had 6 competitors, 13 Wins. 5 medals Nik had 1 win & 1 Loss – silver medal. Looked much improved in his matches than in his last competition a few weeks ago. Aidan had 3 wins & only 1 loss (to Otis) & took home the bronze medal Joe had 3 Wins & 1 loss (his only loss came by opponent getting an advantage for a submission attempt in the final seconds of the match) – he took the silver medal Ramze was put in the adult division despite being only 15 years old. He has some great matches & will learn a lot from today. Otis had 3 Wins & only 1 loss. Took the Silver medal in his division & also looked hugely improved on his last competition. Jed had 2 wins & 1 loss, got some great takedowns & looked calm & composed & got the silver medal Looks like what we’re doing is working so let’s keep doing it
Real BJJ Training
Tough Training One thing I’ve recently realized is that all the best places I’ve trained at over the years have one thing in common: a strong emphasis on tough training. I’ve trained at some of the best mma, bjj, Muay Thai & kickboxing gyms all over the world, including the USA, Brazil, Thailand & Japan. There’s a temptation in martial arts to look for secrets or shortcuts to success. In reality, that just doesn’t work. While you’re searching for an easier way, someone else is in the gym putting in the hard work. When I say “tough training,” I don’t mean reckless or dangerous training where people are getting injured or knocked out. I also don’t mean endless, mindless cardio sessions that leave you exhausted but don’t actually improve your fighting ability. My definition of hard, effective training is how you would train if you had an MMA fight or BJJ competition exactly one week from today. Would you show up late, skip the warm-up, chat with your mates during drills and sparring? Would you waste time trying out flashy moves you saw on Instagram, or would you focus on high-percentage techniques that could actually help you win? At the best gyms, that’s how most people train. Sure, there are plenty of gyms with a more relaxed vibe where people just come to have fun. And that’s fine—but those gyms will never get the same results as the ones where people train seriously and consistently. As a coach, I feel it’s my responsibility to highlight this difference. If you’re not training hard and consistently, you won’t reach your full potential. There are no secrets. The only “secret” is consistent, focused hard work in a room full of like-minded people doing the same. Get started with our 5 week BJJ Intro program via this link: https://bjjmelbourne.com.au
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 5 Week Intro Program – DKMMA Fairfield
5 weeks of training Plus a Free BJJ Uniform 🛑 READY TO START YOUR BJJ JOURNEY? Join our 5-Week Beginners BJJ Intro Program 🗓 Class Schedule: 💥 What’s Included: ✔️ 5 weeks of expert instruction ✔️ FREE BJJ uniform (Gi) ✔️ Classes taught by experienced black belt coaches ✔️ Build confidence, strength, and skills in a supportive environment https://bjjmelbourne.com.au 💲 Only $219 for 5 weeks! Whether you’re looking to try something new or get into better shape, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for EVERYONE – no experience required. Come roll with us! Limited spots available, sign up today! What to expect: ✅ Structured lessons taught by our experienced coaches ✅ Perfect for all fitness levels – no prior experience required! ✅ A supportive and motivating environment to help you reach your goals But hurry! Spots are limited, so don’t miss out on this chance to train at DKMMA and start your BJJ journey. 🏅 https://bjjmelbourne.com.au
4-WEEK BEGINNER BJJ COURSE AT DKMMA, Fairfield, Melbourne
4-WEEK BEGINNER BJJ COURSE STARTS MONDAY 23rd FEBRUARY! 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: * 4 weeks of hands-on training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu * Experienced instructors guiding you every step of the way * Learn the fundamentals of BJJ in a supportive, welcoming environment * Improve your fitness, coordination, and confidence! * INCLUDES FREE BJJ UNIFORM & BELT! Location: DKMMA Start Date: Monday, 23rd February 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
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