John Donehue Jiu Jitsu & MMA Melbourne

Have been training here for about a month now and it has been a fantastic experience. The coaches are outstanding; personable and attentive and the other members have really made me feel welcome. Further, I am already starting to get fitter. I couldn't recommend this gym more!

I started training BJJ at this gym immediately after the COVID-19 lockdowns and couldn't have felt more welcomed training at this gym. Always plenty of smiles with across the gym and such a great culture. Definitely a great place to train mixed martial arts, with the lunch time sessions which works really well especially for work/life balance and working from home arrangements!

Trained here for almost a year now and couldn’t be happier. All the coaches make it easy for beginners to start and learn quickly, and to progress more advanced students skills. If your thinking of a gym to start for the first time or to continue your training somewhere different this is the place to be!

My son, is nine and has been going to John Donehue Jiu jitsu MMA kids classes for slightly more than 2 years. Through this, he has increased discipline and has gained a heightened sense of self-confidence and self-worth!!! Not to mention increased fitness!!! The coaches treat the “kids” as individuals (as opposed to babying them) and the kids in turn gain maturity through the experience. It is all-inclusive and tailors to individual needs (including different levels of physical and cognitive abilities). We love JD Jiu jitsu MMA and highly recommended it to all of our friends.Mel

Since joining John Donehue Jiu Jitsu my son has undergone a fantastic transformation.His confidence has improved in all areas of life, yet through the teaching and discipline and attention provided by the instructors in the weekly classes, Caleb has become more focused and balanced.This has flowed into to his school life and he is performing better and enjoying school more than ever.We can not recommend this club highly enough for children to train in a safe an enjoyable environment, and have the support from everyone involved in the club from the time you walk through the door is great.Do your self a favour and enroll your children, they will be healthier, more confident and learning a great life skill along the way.

Went to 3 classes. Got injured, had a fractured elbow and tried to cancel. Didn't have much money because I couldn't work due to my injury. When I tried to cancel John Donehue said I have to give 2 weeks notice. I even sent a medical certificate from my physio that my elbow wasn't healing. They still proceed to get 2 weeks of payment out of my account.

I’ve been training in this dojo for 2 months now. So far it has exceeded my expectations in all aspect. Clean, complete facilities and a high quality teaching from the 20-year black belt John Donehue himself! Every classes I’ve been to seems like a world class seminar. The whole community within is of good morals and values, respect and understanding is practiced on and off the mat at all times. It’s so much fun learning the sport efficiently and surprisingly, discovering my true potential. By and large, it’s an honour to be in John Donehue dojo. Highly recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Started BJJ training here in this gym a few months ago and I love every bit of time I spend here. I love the way coaches pay attention to small details when they explain every move. All colleagues are welcoming regardless of whether you are new or a veteran.

My daughter and I started training at this gym nearly 5 years ago, and we look forward to many more years here. Whether it’s for self-defence, fitness or sport/ competition, this is the place to train. There’s a good atmosphere in the club, with friendly staff and members, and the level of instruction is incredible. This holds true for both the kids’ classes - where they break techniques down, demonstrate and provide real-time feedback on the kids’ practice- or the adult BJJ classes, where Head Coach Jonn Donehue brings his vast wealth of knowledge and experience to the mats. The boxing and Muay Thai coaches bring high-level experience to the striking classes too, and if you want to really push yourself, there are wrestling and MMA classes on the timetable too, which can add to your striking and grappling development , and the Gene LeBell competition focussed class on Friday nights will take you out of your comfort zone (if you’re up for it!). There are also lots of open mat sessions for BJJ, which aren’t on the timetable, where you can get some extra practice and ask questions from the more experienced practitioners. The mats are clean and there’s a weights room with a good selection of equipment for strength training; it’s admittedly small, but usually free, since most people spend their time in the mats. The only downside is that the men’s’ changing room can get a little crowded at times (because the gym is so popular!) I highly recommend this gym for anyone considering trying out these martial arts.

John Donehue BJJ and MMA boasts a supportive and inclusive community. The atmosphere in the gym is welcoming and friendly, with fellow students and instructors always ready to help and support one another. There is a genuine sense of camaraderie and respect among the members, fostering a positive learning environment. It is not uncommon to see more experienced students taking time to mentor and guide beginners, creating a true team spirit within the gym.The training sessions are challenging yet enjoyable, pushing you to improve your skills while having fun in the process. The focus on fundamentals is particularly commendable, as it creates a strong foundation for growth and progress in BJJ and Striking.