Stay updated with the latest events, class changes, and announcements at Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy.
It is BYO and we’ll be providing the food.
We believe it’ll be a good opportunity for familiar faces to catch up off the mats and the new faces to get to know some more of the crew here. See you there!
Our mission is to empower you through the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Whether you are looking for an engaging way to stay fit, a supportive community, or practical self-defense skills, we have the perfect training program for you.
Led by Professor Xavier Sales, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 1st Degree Black Belt under Master Jean Jacques Machado, our academy offers unparalleled instruction from a seasoned competitor with numerous national and international titles. With a coaching style that balances strong leadership and personal growth, Professor Xavier ensures each student, from beginners to advanced practitioners, receives tailored guidance.
At Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy, you’re not just joining a gym — you’re becoming part of a family. Our welcoming environment fosters camaraderie and mutual support, making it the ideal place for anyone looking to connect with like-minded individuals while mastering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a safe, inclusive space.
We understand the demands of a busy lifestyle, which is why we offer a wide range of class times. Whether you’re a professional, a student, or a parent, our flexible schedule allows you to train when it suits you best.
Master BJJ Techniques to Conquer Any Physical Challenge
At Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy, we empower you to unleash your full potential through our transformative training programs. Our expert coaches provide you with the tools to feel stronger, move with precision, look your best, and perform at your peak.
Unlike standard workouts, our progressive small group sessions blend the high energy of group training with the individualized attention of private coaching. As a dedicated training facility, our mission is to guide you towards becoming the best version of yourself with professional support and unparalleled expertise.
Whether you’re new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or an experienced practitioner, our academy offers personalized training programs designed to help you achieve your specific goals. From beginner classes that focus on foundational techniques to advanced sessions that refine your competitive edge, our programs cater to all ages and abilities.
Beginner-Friendly Classes
Start your journey with our beginner classes, designed to teach the basics in a supportive, easy-to-understand format. You'll gain confidence while mastering essential techniques in a fun, engaging environment.
Advanced Training for Competitors
For those looking to take their skills to the next level, our advanced classes provide rigorous training under the guidance of Professor Xavier Sales, who brings his competitive experience to every session.
Practical Self-Defense Focus
Learn real-world self-defense techniques that will give you the confidence to handle unexpected situations. Our training emphasizes practical application, ensuring you feel secure and prepared both on and off the mats.
OUR CLASSES
FOR ADULTS
Fun, practical and effective training programs tailored to men and women.
FOR KIDS
Help shy and timid children gain confidence and teach rowdy and energetic girls and boys respect and control.
FOR NEW STUDENTS
We understand learning a new sport can be daunting, so we’ve removed all the stress and anxiety.
"The team were extremely friendly and welcoming."
Coach Fernando and the team at Alpha Jiu Jitsu Richmond are excellent and I’d highly recommend them.
I trained a couple of sessions while I was working in the area and coach and the team were extremely friendly and welcoming. The jiu jitsu is fun and effective...
- Hayden
"From the moment you step in, you feel part of a community."
I am a second-degree Professor of Jiu-Jitsu and co-ran a family-owned Jiu-Jitsu Academy for 20 years. Alpha Rouse Hill Jiu Jitsu is an outstanding, family-owned academy that welcomes men, women, and children of all ages...
- scorpio rouge
"The team were extremely friendly and welcoming."
My daughter has been going to Alpha jujitsu for a few months now and has been loving the classes. The teachers are all great handling the kids and I’m even considering doing some of the adults classes...
- Rodney Amato
Google rating score: 5.0 of 5,
based on 191 reviews
At Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy, we pride ourselves on offering world-class instruction led by seasoned professionals dedicated to your growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Our instructors bring years of competitive success, teaching expertise, and a deep understanding of BJJ principles to every class.
Credentials and Achievements
Professor Xavier Sales, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 1st Degree Black Belt under Master Jean Jacques Machado, is the cornerstone of our academy. His accolades include:
2x Melbourne IBJJF Open Champion
2x Sydney IBJJF Open Champion
Pan Asian Champion
5x Australian Champion
2x Pan Pacific Champion
6x NSW State Champion
2x QLD State Champion
Teaching Philosophy
With a leadership style rooted in the NSW Principles of Coaching, Professor Xavier balances structured guidance with individualized student growth. His innovative approach ensures every student, beginner or advanced, feels supported in their journey.
Discover more:
Learn about the history of BJJ and its principles on our Ultimate Guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Australia.
Proud Mother of Four | Founder & CEO of Alpha Jiu-Jitsu Academy (Est. 2008)
Belt Rank in Jiu Jitsu: Blue
For nearly 17 years, I’ve fused my passion for martial arts with my professional expertise in community services and fitness to create a transformative approach to personal development. At Alpha Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we don’t just teach self-defence—we empower individuals, strengthen families, and build resilient communities.
As CEO and Operations Manager, I lead the academy’s vision, growth, and program development, ensuring excellence across both academies. I remain hands-on in adult programs, women’s self-defence classes, and youth training sessions, guiding students and staff through programs to build confidence, resilience, and inner strength. My qualifications include a background in social work, a Diploma in Fitness, First Aid accreditation, and a Working With Children Check, demonstrating my unwavering commitment to safety and professionalism.
My mission is to raise awareness about bullying and equip parents with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their children effectively.
What sets Alpha Jiu-Jitsu Academy apart is our dedication to both the physical and psychological development of our students. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu strengthens the body, while our programs cultivate resilience, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution skills that extend far beyond the mats.
I believe every person deserves a safe space to grow, and everyone deserves the power to champion their own and their child’s well-being. Through BJJ, we’re not only building stronger individuals—we’re creating more compassionate, connected communities, one student at a time.
Lastly I thrive on running the behind-the-scenes details that make the gym tick. From operations to strategy, I love turning big ideas into smooth, everyday realities, because when everything runs seamlessly for students, it’s a win–win for everyone. And if you see me around the academy, please don’t hesitate to say hi!
Belt Rank in Jiu Jitsu: Black
Bruno is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with 15 years of BJJ experience in practicing, competing and teaching with 5 additional years as a strength and conditioning coach as well as a degree in Physical Education.
In both areas, his focus is always providing good development and results for his students using the many methods he’s learned through his Jiu Jitsu experience as well as his physical education degree.
As a coach, his focus is to ensure that each student whether child or adult improves their capabilities and skills, respecting each stage of development. It also helps them learn the essential values for living in society, valuing respect, discipline, humility, among others.
His goal as a coach is to create an environment in which each student can maintain a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle through martial arts, so they can practice jiu-jitsu without getting injured and leave each class with a sense of accomplishment.
As a resilient and hardworking individual, he always tries to learn something new to add to his own development as well as the development of his students.
Bruno loves the outdoors, spending time with his family, spending time in nature as well as reading, training and of course, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Belt Rank in Jiu Jitsu: Black
Fernando is a Black Belt under Professor Xavier Sales with over 11 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has been coaching for over 3 years at Alpha Jiu-Jitsu Academy, working with both kids and adults. Additionally, with more than four years of experience as a personal trainer, allowing him to integrate strength and conditioning principles into his training approach.
His journey began in MMA before discovering his passion for BJJ, which led him to train and compete across South America, Europe, and Australia.
Fernando focuses on structured, effective teaching while fostering a strong sense of community. He is passionate about making BJJ accessible to everyone, including individuals with diverse abilities.
His approach ensures that every student not only improves on the mats but also gains valuable life skills through the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Discover the passion, philosophy, and people behind our academy.
In this special podcast episode, hear directly from founders Marie and Professor Xavier Sales as they share the inspiring journey of building Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy. From humble beginnings to shaping champions and a tight-knit community, this candid conversation covers it all — the values, the vision, and the heart behind every class.
Whether you're a student, a parent, or just curious about who we are, this video gives you a deeper look into what makes our academy truly unique.
Join us today and discover why Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy is the preferred choice for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training. Book your free trial class and become part of our vibrant community.
On average, it takes around 11 years to achieve a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). However, individual timelines can vary significantly, ranging from 3 years to more than 20 years depending on factors like consistent training, natural talent, and competition experience. Keep in mind that the journey is as important as the destination!
BJJ stands for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a self-defense martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. If you’re interested, you can explore BJJ classes to experience it firsthand!
Tying your Jiu-Jitsu belt is an essential skill. 1. Hold the belt flat against your stomach. 2. Cross the sides around your back. 3. Pull the belt ends to your front. 4. Cross the right side over the left side. 5. Fold the right side under the belt and thread it through the gaps created by the other end of the belt. 6. You’re ready for action! Remember, practice makes perfect!
Pinning techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) are highly effective for control because they restrict an opponent’s movement and create advantageous positions. Here’s why they’re considered valuable:Stability: Pins provide a stable base, making it difficult for your opponent to escape or counterattack. Common pins include side control, mount, and knee-on-belly.Scoring: In BJJ competitions, pins (or “holds”) earn points. Maintaining control for a specified duration can lead to victory.Exhaustion: Pinning forces your opponent to carry your weight, tiring them out. This can impact their ability to defend or escape.Transitions: From a pin, you can transition to submissions or other dominant positions.Remember, mastering pins enhances your overall BJJ game!
The time it takes to earn a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as training frequency, consistency, and individual progress. However, here’s a general guideline:White Belt: Most practitioners start as white belts. The time spent at this level can range from several months to a few years, depending on how often you train and your dedication.Blue Belt: After achieving proficiency in fundamental techniques and demonstrating good understanding of BJJ principles, students can be promoted to blue belt. On average, it takes around 1 to 2 years of consistent training to reach this level.Remember that BJJ is a journey, and progress isn’t solely measured by belt color. Focus on learning, improving, and enjoying the process!
In Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), practitioners progress through a series of belts as they improve their skills. Here are the common belts:White Belt: The starting point for most practitioners. It signifies a beginner level.Blue Belt: Awarded after demonstrating proficiency in fundamental techniques and understanding BJJ principles. Typically takes around 1 to 2 years.Purple Belt: Represents intermediate skill. Requires deeper knowledge and consistent training.Brown Belt: High intermediate level. Demonstrates advanced techniques and strategic thinking.Black Belt: The pinnacle of achievement. Takes years of dedicated practice and mastery.Remember, BJJ is about continuous learning and growth!
“Oss” is a term commonly used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and other martial arts. It doesn’t have a direct translation but carries several meanings:Respect and Acknowledgment: BJJ practitioners often say “oss” as a sign of respect, gratitude, or acknowledgment. It’s similar to saying “thank you,” “yes,” or “I understand.”Effort and Perseverance: “Oss” also represents the spirit of effort, perseverance, and determination. When someone says it, they’re acknowledging the hard work and dedication required in training.Unity and Camaraderie: It fosters a sense of unity among practitioners. Saying “oss” shows camaraderie and a shared commitment to improving together.In summary, “oss” is a versatile term that encompasses respect, effort, and community in the BJJ world.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) traces its roots to Japanese Judo, which was brought to Brazil by Mitsuyo Maeda in the early 20th century. The Gracie family, particularly Carlos and Hélio Gracie, blended and refined techniques to create the modern martial art we know today. Maeda, trained in Judo, taught Carlos Gracie a hybrid of traditional Japanese Jujitsu and Kodokan judo in 1917. Later, the Gracie family developed their own self-defense system called Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. BJJ emphasizes ground fighting, leverage, and submission holds, making it an essential martial art for modern MMA. It revolves around the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger opponent through technique and leverage.
For Xavier and Marie Sales, the answer is found in three words: Sweat, Grit, and Growth.
Unmasked story of resilience, learning, and relentless effort.
Opening Hours
Monday, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuesday, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday, Closed
Saturday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday, Closed
Opening Hours
Monday, 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuesday, 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday, 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday, 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday, 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sunday, Closed