Welcome to HEADS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we are a family run martial arts gym that was created in 2020 to share our love of BJJ with our community in Whangarei Heads, where we get our name from. 

I have been around BJJ since I was a teenager and used to take part in backyard tournaments with my friends but got into it more seriously as an adult here in NZ.
As well as the obvious physical fitness and strength benefits, BJJ supports the development of self confidence and mental resilience. For those of us who practice BJJ, we know that the skills we pick up on the mats will flow into our everyday lives. Respect, resilience and discipline are core values of HEADS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and here, we support each other to bring our best to the mats and our every day.

HEADS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu represents Whangarei on the BJJ competition circuit and my two oldest kids are part of the gym and compete regularly. One of my proudest coaching achievements to date has been watching my daughter grow from a shy girl who didn't really enjoy getting up close and personal with kids she didn't know well, into a confident competitor who was named NZ Grappler season champion for her first full competition season in 2024.

Away from the gym you will probably find me in or on the water, or behind my BBQ cooking up some delicious Brazilian style food.

Looking forward to seeing you on the mats.

Coach Marcos Alves.