Gracie Allegiance Team New Zealand

Following the sudden passing of our founder and Head Instructor, Professor Damian Smith, I am stepping up to lead Gracie Allegiance. I do this with the full support of our black belts and senior coaches on the mats, and with deep respect for the foundation Dad built.
This academy was never just a place to train. It was built on loyalty to the craft, to each other, and to becoming the best version of ourselves. That is the meaning of Allegiance, and that is the legacy we are committed to carrying forward.
Classes will continue as normal. The same values, the same team, the same high standard. We will honour Dad’s work by keeping this academy strong for every student and family who walks through the doors.
Thank you for your support during this time. We are grateful to have you with us as we move forward together.
Oss.
Tyler Smith
Gracie Allegiance Team New Zealand

All classes will resume this week - adults and kids classes, starting Monday 3rd Aug.

Damian Smith – Funeral Service

We know many will want to pay their respects and anyone who knew and loved Damian is welcome to attend the service or celebrate his life.

Funeral Service
Thursday 30th July, 10am
Riverbend Bible Church
354 Te Aute Rd, Havelock North

Wake — Celebrating Damian's Life
Thursday, 4pm onwards
Black Betty BBQ
408 Warren St, Hastings

It is with much sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of our Head Instructor, Damian Smith, founder and leader of Gracie Allegiance New Zealand.
Damian dedicated his life to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, building a true brotherhood and family here in Hawkes Bay and across New Zealand. Under his guidance, countless students discovered not just techniques on the mat, but discipline, resilience, humility, and the strength to become better versions of themselves both on and off the mats. He was a proud husband, father to five sons (including myself), and a passionate teacher who gave so much on and off the mats.
His impact on our academy and NZ community runs deep.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of our students, training partners, and the wider BJJ community during this difficult time.
If you’d like to share a memory, story, or photo of Damian, please feel free to post below or reach out privately. Your messages mean a great deal to our family.
Oss.
Tyler
For the Smith Family & Gracie Allegiance Team NZ

Term 3 FREE trail classes available July 13th Monday 10am and 4pm , July 17th Friday 10am and 4pm .

DM us to book a FREE trial/intro class to see if you and your kids like what our Jiu Jitsu has to offer their lives .

Build confidence
Build coordination
Build resilience
Build real world self defence.

🎉 A huge thank you to all the parents and grandparents who came out to support our kids at today’s Gracie Allegiance Jiu Jitsu Competition! Your cheers, encouragement, and presence made the day extra special.
Congratulations to all the kids who entered and represented the Gracie Allegiance kids in-house Hastings team, Napier/Ahuriri team, and Whirinaki team as we all came together for an awesome day on the mats!
We couldn’t be prouder of you all. You showed heart, courage, and great sportsmanship — keep believing in yourselves and staying loyal to the best version of you!
Wishing our entire Gracie Allegiance family a safe and happy school holiday. Enjoy the break and we’ll see you back on the mats soon! 🥋💙

🎉 Congratulations to all our students on their gradings!
A huge shout out to all the parents and grandparents for your continuous support and trust. You are the foundation of everything we do, and we’re truly grateful for the faith you place in us and in your children’s Jiu Jitsu journey.
We are beyond proud of all the kids for their hard work and dedication to the art of Jiu Jitsu. Every stripe, every belt, and every step forward on the mats reflects your commitment, resilience, and growth. Watching you all develop not just as martial artists, but as confident, disciplined young people is what makes this so rewarding.
Thank you for being part of the Gracie Allegiance family. Keep training hard and stay loyal to the best version of yourselves!
Oss! 🥋

Updated timetable.

Type KEEN in the comment to get a free 1 week trail/intro to check out our class meet the instructors and the team .

Join Us!

1 free week. No joining fee. No excuses.
💬 Comment KEEN below and we’ll get you started.
📍 Gracie Allegiance | Est. 2012