Paulo Oliveira
Black BeltCo-Founder and Head coach at Sorriso BJJ Botany.
Founded Sorriso BJJ in 2006 and leads the Sport Jiu-Jitsu Federation New Zealand.
BJJ Pakuranga: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids & Adults
Looking for Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Pakuranga? Kids and adults train at Sorriso BJJ Botany in Botany Town Centre, a short drive from Pakuranga, Highland Park, Farm Cove and Half Moon Bay. Three black belts coach every class, including SJJIF world champion Spiro Kovac. Your first class is free.
Adult BJJ Classes for Pakuranga
Gi classes for ages 15 and over, from a first martial-arts lesson to students who already train. Fundamentals run Monday and Tuesday at 6pm, with open rolling at 7pm. Pakuranga adults share the mats with people from Howick, Botany and across East Auckland.
Kids' Jiu-Jitsu for Pakuranga Families
Kids jiu jitsu for Pakuranga families, ages 4 to 15, split into Little Cubs, Cubs, Little Lions and Lions. Black belt coaches teach balance, focus and self-defence that does not rely on punching or kicking.
Serving Pakuranga from Botany Town Centre
How to Find the Academy from Pakuranga
BJJ Pakuranga classes are held at the Sorriso academy inside Botany Town Centre, not at a separate Pakuranga address. The entrance is on Town Centre Drive, beside Vision Centre and 2degrees.
Our academy Sorriso BJJ Botany — Unit 7, 11D Town Centre Drive Botany Town Centre, East Tāmaki, Auckland 2013, New Zealand View exact street address in Google Maps ↗Tap to navigate from your current location. Google Maps works on Android, iPhone and desktop; Apple Maps is available for iPhone users.
01 / PARKING
Park in the main Botany Town Centre car parks — up to 4 hours free. Avoid the 10-minute express spaces on Town Centre Drive.
02 / ENTRANCE
Find Vision Centre and 2degrees on Town Centre Drive. The lifts immediately beside them take you to Unit 7/11D.
03 / FIRST CLASS
Arrive 10 minutes early to meet your coach and borrow a gi. Need help finding us? Call 027 667 7661.
Black Belt Coaching for Pakuranga.
Pakuranga students train with the same three black belts who run Sorriso BJJ Botany: founder Paulo Oliveira and world champion Spiro Kovac, plus Bruno Maciel.
Spiro Kovac
Black BeltCo-Founder and coach at Sorriso BJJ Botany.
2025 SJJIF Gi World Champion and 2026 World Championship double silver medallist.
Bruno Maciel
Black BeltLeads the kids program and teaches adults.
Black belt coach for our kids and adult programmes.
BJJ Pakuranga FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Something we haven't covered? Call us, or ask the coach at your trial.
027 667 7661Brazilian jiu-jitsu for Pakuranga, Highland Park, Botany, Half Moon Bay, Farm Cove, Burswood, Howick and the rest of East Auckland.
Where is BJJ Pakuranga?
There is no separate Pakuranga gym. Classes are at Sorriso BJJ Botany, Unit 7, 11D Town Centre Drive, Botany Town Centre. It is a short drive from Pakuranga, Highland Park, Half Moon Bay, Farm Cove and Burswood. Park in the main car parks, free for up to 4 hours, and take the lifts beside Vision Centre and 2degrees.
I have never done martial arts. Can I start?
Yes. Most of our members started with no experience. Our Fundamentals classes are on Monday and Tuesday at 6pm, and they assume you know nothing.
What age can kids start jiu-jitsu?
We take kids from age 4 up to age 15, in four age groups: Little Cubs (4 to 6), Cubs (7 to 8), Little Lions (9 to 12) and Lions (13 to 15).
How much does it cost?
Your first class is a free trial. After that, memberships start at $40 per week for children and $60 per week for adults. We also offer sibling and family deals, so ask us at your trial or call 027 667 7661 and we will work out the best option for your family.
Do I need a gi for my first class?
No. Just wear comfortable sports clothes and bring a water bottle. We lend you a gi for your trial class.
Do you offer no-gi classes?
No, we don't offer no-gi classes. Every class at Botany is taught in the gi.
Is BJJ good for self-defence?
Yes. BJJ teaches you to control a bigger, stronger person using leverage, and you practise against a resisting partner from early on.
Start BJJ in Pakuranga. Your First Class Is Free.
Book a free trial for yourself or your child. We will place you in the kids or adult group that fits, and you can ask the coach anything after class.
Sorriso BJJ Botany, Unit 7, 11D Town Centre Drive, Botany Town Centre. Kids and adult Brazilian jiu-jitsu serving Pakuranga and East Auckland.