Our Story

Built for
The Mat.

Ape Grapplers was built by competitors, for competitors. Everything we make starts with one question: would this survive a world-class training session?

2017.

Year founded New Zealand

2+

Countries worldwide reach

100%

Competition grade materials

7

Years

How it started

Frustrated by gear
that didn't last.

Ape Grapplers started on the mats in New Zealand, where our founders — serious competitors themselves — kept running into the same problem: the gear wasn't built for real training.

Stitching that blew on day one. Collars that softened after a month. Shorts that rode up mid-roll. All from brands that had clearly never trained a day in their lives. We got tired of it.

In 2017, we designed our first gi from scratch. We sourced premium single-weave and pearl weave fabrics, partnered with a manufacturing facility that understood competition tolerances, and put every prototype through months of live training before it shipped to a single customer.

The result was gear that not only survived — it performed.

🥋

Jose

Owner · BJJ Black Belt

What we stand for

Six principles.
Zero compromise.

01

🏆

Competition First

Every product is designed to perform under the highest pressure — competition day.

02

🧵

Materials Matter

Premium fabrics engineered for durability and comfort.

03

💪

Built to Last

Stitching and quality construction for years of training.

04

🎯

Precision Design

Every detail optimized for performance and functionality.

05

🌍

Sustainable Practices

Committed to ethical manufacturing and environmental responsibility.

06

🤝

Community Driven

Built by athletes, for athletes. Your feedback shapes our products.

The People

Built by Grapplers
FOR GRAPPLERS

Jose was born and raised in Curitiba, Brazil where he started his Jiu Jitsu journey in 1996 under Rodrigo Zanon.

In 2005, Jose decided to move to New Zealand where he finally settled in Queenstown. There he started to build and attract people to the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He opened Fight Science in 2010 building more and more interest in BJJ which was new to New Zealand. In 2012 Jose received his black belt under Carlson Gracie Curitiba.

It was at that time when Alexandre Penao asked if he wanted to represent Carlson Gracie New Zealand. In 2014, Jose opened its doors to Carlson Gracie New Zealand Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Queenstown, where the club grew from 15 people to over 200 members.

The success has allowed Jose to open affiliate academies including Carlson Gracie Wānaka, Carlson Gracie Invercargill and most recently in 2020, Carlson Gracie South Canterbury.

🥋

Jose

Owner · BJJ Black Belt

Our Journey

From the mat
to the world.

2014

Founded in New Zealand

Jose design the first Ape Grapplers gi from scratch. Six months of prototypes follow.

2018

First Gi Ships

The Apex Competition Gi launches to 50 pre-orders. Sells out in 48 hours. The waiting list begins.

2019

First International Athlete

An Australian competitor medals at Pan-Pacific championships in an Ape Grapplers gi. International shipping launches.

2021

No-Gi & Kids Range

Full no-gi range and junior gi line launch. Kids deserve the same quality as adults.

2023

12000 Athletes Worldwide

Ape Grapplers gear is now training and competing in 40+ countries.

2026

What's Next

New fabric technology expanded colour range and our first team sponsorship of NZ world championship competitors.

Trusted By

Academies & Athletes Worldwide

IBJJF SJJIF NZ BJJ FED NZGRAPPLER AUS BJJ POLARIS

Ready to Train?

Gear Built to
Go the Distance.

Shop the full Ape Grapplers collection — competition gis, no-gi gear, and accessories built for serious grapplers. New Zealand owned. Competition proven.

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