Owners: Vanderson Pires
Martial Art: BJJ & Strength Training
How did you choose your school name?
When I came to Wellington, New Zealand in 2009, a group of people were training BJJ, Judo and Kickboxing casually in a very small place named Combat Room. They disbanded but the gratitude I had to find a community in a new country inspired me to continue the name when I started my own school 10 years ago. Combat Room Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a community where we share the knowledge of BJJ and to foster the personal growth that comes with learning a martial art.
How long have you been teaching?
20+ years.
What is your student creed or mission statement?
RESPECT: We are inclusive, we look out for each other, we support and encourage our teammates and our community.
AUTHENTICITY: We are genuine, we are true to ourselves and to others, we keep it real and we have a positive mindset.
HUMILITY: We are grateful, we are grounded, we are mindful of our words and our actions, we are invested in our personal growth and the growth of our team.
Who or what inspires you?
What inspires me is the challenges that life presents and the lessons I learn by connecting with people and nature.
What is something special or unique about your school and/or students?
My school is in a busy area of central Wellington and provides a a safe sanctuary for people to come together to share the passion of BJJ. BJJ is relatively young in New Zealand, but the community we have built is strong and very supportive of each other. My students are passionate and eager to learn, they inspire me and each other to be the best version of ourselves.
What made you choose FUJI Mats for your facility?
I’m always looking to improve my school and I want to offer the best to my students. FUJI Mats are the best on the market. Very high quality and excellent custom service. Jimmy Pedro is a expert with the highest standards.
What is the most rewarding part about working in the martial arts field?
I’m very grateful to share my passion and devotion to BJJ with my students. I get to train and practice BJJ everyday and I get to watch my students grow and develop on their BJJ journey.
If you could give one piece of advice to other martial art school owners what would it be?
Have high standards and live by them.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL:
We are located at Level 2, 302 Taranaki Street, Wellington. We have a strength and conditioning gym and a large mats area. We hold beginners classes, women’s classes, no gi classes and kid’s classes.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, clean and safe place to learn and practice BJJ.
