About

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Pete holds a Brown-Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, training under Vanderson Pires of Combat Room BJJ, Wellington. Having finished a 6-month contract as head instructor at Te Manawa Jiu JItsu in Queenstown, Pete signed on as head Coach at Fortitude BJJ on Wellington’s Kapiti Coast. Pete is available for seminars, small-group coaching, private lessons, and whatever else you might find value in. In the past year Pete has visited and coached at more than 30 Academies locally and globally and is excited to continue adding to that list, sharing his passion for grappling with you.

Instagram: @gentleartsnz

What people have to say about me as a coach:

“I had the pleasure to host Pete for a seminar at my school, breaking down some concepts and aspects of 50/50 guard. I can safely say that I was very impressed with the quality of instruction. Pete’s seminars without a doubt are worth checking out. His attention to detail and clear communication made everyone feel confident about trying the techniques. Definitely will be hosting him again to share more of his valuable insights.”

— Paulo “Sorriso” Oliviera, Black Belt 4th Degree, Auckland

“From the outset Pete was very easy to work with.
The seminar we booked was the topic of our choice and Pete worked within our guidelines. 
Pete arrived for the seminar early and stayed late. He even took the time to have a roll with everyone who wanted to.
The seminar covered maintaining and escaping side control and was well organized, without needless formalities, and comprehensive.
Pete was accommodating for both beginner level and expert level understanding.
He took plenty of time to explore questions and concerns. He was cordial and respectful to everyone who attended and was a pleasant visitor to have in our gym. 
The sparring was playful and high level without ego or aggressiveness.

Pete has a true understanding of the gentle art.”

— James Cherry, Black Belt, Whangarei

“I came to class last week as a drop in … I wanted to say that I travel quite a bit and have been to more than a few camps, and you are absolutely one of the best instructors I’ve come across. It was a real joy taking your class. I appreciate it, what you do and how you do it … I’ll definitely be back.”

— Jason Elliot, Brown Belt, Aspen

“I have trained with Pete for over a decade, we used to have this old piece of art in our old gym referencing the composition of 100 men in battle.
10 shouldn’t be there, 80 are just targets, 9 are real fighters, but 1 is a warrior, and they will bring the rest back.
Pete is among the warriors, not because of his excellent skill or superb instruction, but for his genuine joy for the game, his commitment to the art, and for the extent to which he values the success of his peers.”

— Kadin Hapuku, Black Belt, Wellington

“Massive thank you for today at Carlson Gracie South Canterbury. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to attend your seminar. You have such a calming and inclusive teaching style and your knowledge is endless. Thank you thank you thank you.”

— Trina Gale, Blue Belt, Timaru

“Thinking about Pete, one of the first things coming up to my mind is that weird broccoli thing. But actually it’s way more than that…
Despite the distance from Germany to New Zealand, Pete has always been a close friend of mine, as we shared the mats in the early days of our jiu jitsu careers together.
We drilled, we flowed, we fought. Eager to understand every move he does and putting a lot of effort in broadening and mastering his repertoire on (and off) the mat, Pete has always been a tough fighter.
When he gave our small jiu jitsu club in the more rural parts of southern Germany a visit, we had the possibility to discuss our technical needs in advance to get the most benefit possible from his seminar.
Listening to him makes you understand all the important details while still keeping your mind sharp – he does not bore you with too much theory.
Mr. Broccoli is always down for a clean roll, I sure recommend to host this delightful jiujiteiro for a seminar. Lots of love, brother.

— Leon Viktor Denk, Brown Belt, Landau

“Loved being coached by Pete.
Always came prepared and something new each class, clear and helpful instruction on different aspects of bjj and a mean training partner to roll with.
Helped my bjj come on leaps and bounds and always took the time to answer my questions.
Hope to see you again soon bro, much love and would recommend Pete to anyone”

— Niall Thomas, White Belt, Queenstown

“Pete is an awesome instructor who can effectively articulate concepts and techniques to the layman. He can also playfully execute them on people at will, despite all attempts to outmuscle him.
As a 9 month white belt, visiting from Perth, it was great to be welcomed and coached through details in his spider guard class. He’s offered to help with my comp footage and I’ve also watched his online series and tried to apply those concepts in my own rolls. I highly recommend him as an instructor. Oss!”

— Josh Roa, White Belt, Perth

“Pete is a great coach, his instructions are clear and he has a special way of explaining things. Always found him to be highly professional and patient when teaching. Every roll I’ve had with him I’ve learnt something new. He will be surely missed at our Gym but I’m sure we will roll again soon!”

— Sam Leech, White Belt, Queenstown

In the short time I’ve known him, Pete has been a top guy on and off the mats – easygoing, friendly and unstintingly kind and giving with his time and knowledge. He’s been a great training partner and a fantastic coach.

— Ben Conway, Purple Belt, Wellington

“Pete and I have been training partners for over two years… It’s obvious to say that when you meet Pete he has a lot of passion for BJJ and always gives positive energy. Pete has been a great team member who always makes time for you to help you with questions or to push you in the right direction. He is always having fun when he is there and I love training with him!”

— Thijs de Leeuw, Purple Belt, Wellington

“Pete and I did a lot work both one on one and in small groups and I can say with confidence that he is a fantastic teacher. I remember how when I was a fresh white belt, he sat me down one day after class and explained a number of concepts to me that totally reframed the way I thought about my training. Pete has a way of explaining both technique and the principles behind it that allows his students to internalise and apply their new knowledge effectively regardless of their experience level. He’s a patient instructor and his positive energetic presence is greatly missed at Combat Room.”

— Nikita Tsyukalo, Blue Belt, Wellington

“Before Pete moved down south to teach I trained with him for a few years at Wellingtons Combat Room. As well as in his back garden haha. I’ve learnt a hell of a lot from Pete, he’s a super thorough teacher, exceptionally patient with everyone no matter their level and I can’t say I’ve met many people that have such a deep passion for Jiu Jitsu like he does.”

— Calvin Green, Blue Belt, Wellington

Massage Therapy

Pete is available in-clinic at Sports Recovery Aotearoa in Kapiti, in-home in Newtown, or remotely, on-demand wherever you need him to be. Pete offers full-body recovery/relaxation massage, apprenticing directly under Sheldon Caines, founder of Sports Recovery Aotearoa and former educator at Australia’s largest Health and Fitness Institute. Pete primarily offers table-massage, but chair-massage can be arranged by request, and a quick Google search will explain the difference if you’re not sure 😉

Get in touch today to book in!

Instagram: @gentleartsmassage

What people have to say about me as a massage therapist:

“Hey bro! I really appreciate the time you made to see me the other day. Whatever you did worked magic, I haven’t been able to sit in a car without pain for years. I’ve been to so many physios and sports rehab clinics with little to no help. I squatted pain free today for the first time and that was only after one session with you, I felt like a savage today moving some weight finally. I cannot wait to see what you can help me achieve working with you into this upcoming comp! Thankyou so much again man!”

— Seb, Powerlifter

Contact me to leave your thoughts here!