Moving to Thames and discovering there wasn’t an opportunity for locals to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu led blue belt Max Sedarat to start up classes of his own.
Not only was the combat sport great for teaching patience and respect, it also demonstrated that “age and size don’t matter” – a lesson Max said he quickly learned.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is described as a self-defense system, martial art, and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds.
Max started training at Auckland MMA in Pakuranga under VR Jiu-Jitsu about four years ago, but just over a year ago, he made the move to Thames.
“Thames did not offer any Jiu-Jitsu classes, but I went to check out the local boxing club, Never Surrender, and [they] could not have been more welcoming and allowed me to use the space to start some.”
Max is currently teaching two classes a week out of the Never Surrender gym at 424b Pollen Street, one for children and one for adults.
There are already between 7-10 children taking lessons, ranging in age from five to 13; and 15 people in the adult classes, including some participants over 60-years-old, Max said.
“I think there are many reasons why people should try jiu-jitsu. The lessons you gain in class are relevant to everyday life. Personally, I’ve learned many valuable lessons through training – patience, respect, staying humble, asking questions, and being open to learning.
“Jiu-jitsu is also great exercise,” he added. “It is a full-body workout that will test your cardio, strength, reflexes, and flexibility. While under the pressure of your opponent trying to choke you, you also have to remain mentally strong.”
Max said technique outweighed brute strength when it came to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, having learned that lesson early on while training in Auckland.
“When you show up to your first class as a 27-year-old man and get your butt kicked by a 14-year-old, you quickly learn that age and size don’t matter as much as technique and mindset in this sport.”
Max said that coaching the Jiu-Jitsu classes in Thames was a highlight of his journey in the sport thus far.
“I am a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For those who may not know, it goes white, blue, purple, brown, and then black. So I have quite a bit more learning to do myself.
“But I am glad to be able to share this experience with others and I hope to provide the same positive impact that this sport has had on me.”
DETAILS: Max’s classes run every Monday – 5pm for kids and 6pm for adults. Kids classes are free/koha and the adults classes are free for the first week. For info or to get in touch, contact Max at maxsedarat22@gmail.com
BY KELLEY TANTAU
