Authentic BJJ Heritage
“I had tried several jiujitsu gyms on trial, but after feeling disappointed, I was ready to give up this amazing exercise. By chance, I discovered this place. It’s like a family and a place brimming with love. I drive here for an hour, and it’s worth it. It’s a place where coaches and team members can exercise while respecting each other.”
- JBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a sport, it’s a martial art built on precision, discipline, and lineage. As it becomes more popular worldwide, preserving its authenticity is more important than ever.
At Grappling-Lab BJJ, we proudly represent Sid Jacintho Jiu-Jitsu International in New Zealand. Professor Hasan, our head coach, is a 3rd-degree black belt under Master Sid Jacintho and an IBJJF-certified instructor. His journey began in 2001 at ADCC Abu Dhabi, where he trained for over 13 years, first in freestyle wrestling, then in BJJ under a unified team of elite Brazilian coaches. This world-class foundation shaped his technical depth and strategic understanding of the art.
Since moving to New Zealand in 2013, Hasan has continued his mission to share authentic, high-level BJJ, now through Grappling-Lab BJJ. where tradition, quality, and community come together on the mats.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple: build a team that reflects great values. Teach real BJJ, the way it was passed down through a proven lineage:
Thanks to this approach, Grappling-Lab is now ranked among the top BJJ teams in New Zealand, known for technical depth, discipline, and a tight-knit community.
We believe in quality over shortcuts. When you train here, you’re part of something that’s both grounded in tradition and built for the future.
About Prof. Hasan
At Grappling-Lab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we’re proud to represent Sid Jacintho Jiu-Jitsu International here in New Zealand.
Our head coach, Professor Hasan Chahoud, is a 3rd-degree black belt under Master Sid Jacintho and brings over 25 years of grappling experience to the mats. Starting his journey back in 2001 at ADCC Abu Dhabi, Hasan trained for over a decade in one of the most elite environments in the world. He began with freestyle wrestling under top coaches like Alexander Savko (“The Bulldozer”), Peter Baltaliyski, and Lubomir Guedjev, before fully diving into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
From there, he trained under a legendary group of Brazilian black masters including Carlos Santos, Suyan Queiroz, Olavo Abreu, Sid Jacintho, Alex Paz, Marcelo Motta, Ricardo Brandao Fraenkel and more, all of them were part of the ADCC coaching team system. This depth of experience shaped Hasan’s style: technical, sharp, and rooted in solid fundamentals.
Hasan moved to New Zealand with his family at the end of 2013 and continued his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey without interruption. In 2015, after 14 years of consistent dedication to the art, he was officially awarded his black belt certificate by Master Sid Jacintho in Abu Dhabi. Although travelling back for the formal ceremony was not possible at the time, Hasan kept training locally in Auckland, teaching, and eventually opened his own academy, Grappling-Lab BJJ, based in Howick, East Auckland.
Today, Grappling-Lab is ranked among the top BJJ teams in New Zealand, with students competing, and winning, at all levels, from kids to adults. But more than the medals, we’re proud of the culture we’ve built: tough, respectful, inclusive, and always hungry to improve.
If you’re looking to start your BJJ journey or take your game to the next level, we’d love to have you on the mats with us.
Our Lineage Charts
Verifying the authenticity of our training through a direct line back to the founders of the art.
Direct BJJ Lineage
ADCC Competition Heritage
BJJ Knowledge Hub
No, you don’t need previous experience. BJJ is widely recognized for its welcoming environment to beginners.
- Fundamental Focus: Classes start with basics designed for complete beginners.
- Structured Learning: Programs gradually introduce complexity.
- Inclusive Community: Experienced practitioners help newcomers.
Benefits: Physical fitness, mental resilience, self-defense skills, and social interaction.
Learning BJJ is a lifelong journey. Here is a general timeline:
- 6-12 Months: Basic proficiency and comfort with fundamentals.
- 1-2 Years: Blue Belt achievement.
- 3-5 Years: Purple Belt - deep comprehension and capability to instruct.
- 8-10+ Years: Mastery level - Black Belt.
Adult System
Children's System
BJJ is renowned for its conservative approach to promotions, ensuring a belt is a true reflection of ability.
We believe in an open-door policy, but to protect our team’s unique training strategies supervising by Prof Hasan, we don’t accept cross-training members from other BJJ gyms. When everyone is dedicated to one team, it helps us grow together.