24/06/2026
WE ARE CLOSING!
After the better part of a decade, the difficult decision has been made to close HERO Academy (previously Stronghold Grappling Academy).
Our final youth class will be taking place this afternoon, but I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has contributed to the development of our club and our students!
Whether you stepped on the mats one time or if you've committed hundreds of hours to training you've all taught me as much as I've hopefully taught you. Thank you to the other clubs we've visited and those who have visited us, the competitors who have helped test and refine our skills and our parents who have invested their time and energy getting their young Heroes on the mat too.
Coaching is a heavy responsibility, and it takes a lot of energy, time and focus. Like parenting you don't fully appreciate what it entails until you become one.
I am looking forward to focussing on my own development again and spending more time with my wife and our boys.
I am still passionate about martial arts and will never stop training and I truly hope everyone stays on their martial path whether its in jiu-jitsu or another discipline. Never. stop. learning.
Thank you for your support, friendship, and commitment.
I'll still be around Dannevirke if you want to catch up over coffee and I'll be hitting more of those Open Mats so keep an eye out for me :)
Arohanui,
Jaron Vince
Head Coach HERO Academy
浪人
17/02/2026
03/02/2026