You’re living on campus at UNSW. Between lectures, assignments, and college events, you’re looking for something physical that doesn’t require driving across Sydney.
Here’s the good news: The closest no-gi gym in Sydney is a 15-minute walk from your college.
Here’s everything UNSW college residents need to know about training BJJ at Partizan Grappling Academy.
The Distance Reality: You’re Closer Than You Think
From UNSW Colleges to Partizan:
- Basser College: 450m walk (5 minutes)
- Goldstein College: 500m walk (6 minutes)
- Philip Baxter College: 550m walk (6 minutes)
- Fig Tree Hall: 600m walk (7 minutes)
- Colombo House: 650m walk (7 minutes)
- Warrane College: 700m walk (8 minutes)
Location: 381 Anzac Parade, Kingsford (right next to the Kingsford light rail stop)
In other words: You can walk from your dorm room to the gym in less time than it takes to get to some lectures.
Once you know how close we are, let’s talk timing.
Class Times That Actually Work for Students
Morning Classes:
- 6:30 AM (Mon-Fri) – For dedicated early risers (finish before 8am lectures)
Evening Classes (Most Popular for College Students):
- 6:00 PM (Mon-Fri) – Perfect timing right after afternoon classes
- 7:00 PM (Mon-Fri) – The most popular student time slot
Weekend:
- 10:00 AM (Saturday) – Women’s Workshop (female students only)
- 11:00 AM (Saturday) – Open Mat (all levels, more relaxed atmosphere)
Here’s why 6-7pm classes are perfect for students:
- Dinner at college is usually 5:30-6:30pm
- Grab quick bite, walk over for 6pm or 7pm class
- Train for an hour
- Back in your room by 7:30pm or 8:30pm
- Still time for study, assignments, or socializing
Alternatively, if you’re an early riser:
The 6:30am option:
- Train before lectures start
- Shower at gym or back at college
- Still make your 9am class
- Entire day free after morning training
The Student Budget Reality
Now, let’s address what you’re really wondering about – cost.
Membership Costs
Standard membership: Check current rates here.
Student discount: Ask at front desk (UNSW student card required)
Here’s what’s included:
- Unlimited classes
- No lock-in contracts (important when you might go home for semester breaks)
- No belt testing fees
- Access to open mats
Gear Costs (One-Time)
Minimum to start:
- Rash guard: $40-60
- Shorts: $40-60
- Mouthguard: $5-30
- Total: ~$100-150
As for where to buy:
- Partizan sells gear on-site
- Online: Scramble, RVCA, Venum
- Kmart rash guards work fine to start
What to Bring From Your College Room
For training:
- Water bottle (you’ll drink 1-2L per session)
- Small towel
- Shower gear if you want to shower at gym
- Flip flops (walking on/off mats)
Don’t bring:
- Jewelry (take it all off)
- Watches (will break)
- Your laptop (leave it in your room)
The College Schedule Integration
Beyond gear and membership, here’s how training fits into your actual college schedule.
During Semester
Realistic training frequency:
- 2-3 times per week: Sustainable for most students (Mon/Wed/Fri evenings or Tue/Thu + Saturday)
- 4-5 times per week: Serious students who manage time well (weekday evenings + Saturday open mat)
- 6+ times per week: Athletes or dedicated students (morning + evening classes)
Here are the best schedules for students:
Option 1 (Most Popular): Monday/Wednesday/Friday 6pm or 7pm
- Consistent routine
- Leaves Tue/Thu for study/assignments
- Weekend free
Alternatively, you could try:
Option 2 (Balanced): Tuesday/Thursday 7pm + Saturday 11am open mat
- 3 sessions spread across week
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday free for heavy assignment weeks
For more serious students:
Option 3 (Intensive): Any weekday mornings (6:30am) + evenings (6pm or 7pm)
- For serious students or those with light course loads
- Build skill faster with double sessions
Weekend option:
- Saturday 11am open mat: More relaxed, longer rounds, good for experimenting
- Great for students who can’t make weekday classes consistently
During Breaks
- Mid-semester break: Keep training (gym stays open)
- End of semester: Most students pause membership or train casually
- Summer/Winter break:
- International students: Often train more during breaks
- Domestic students: Usually pause or switch to casual drop-ins
Common College Student Concerns
“I Have Assignments Due”
Here’s the reality: Training is 1 hour. You’ll spend more time on Instagram.
Benefits for study:
- Physical exercise improves focus
- Mental break helps retention
- Better sleep = better exam performance
- Stress relief during SWOTVAC
However, here’s a pro tip: Skip training the night before a major exam. Definitely train the night AFTER to burn off stress.
“I’m Not Fit Enough”
You don’t need to be fit to start. In fact, you get fit BY training.
Half the students who start are in the same position as you. Engineering students aren’t known for their cardio.
“I Don’t Know Anyone There”
Actually, within 2 weeks you’ll know:
- 5-10 regular training partners
- 2-3 people you always pair with for drilling
- The coaches by name
College students often train together:
- Walk to gym together
- Grab food after at Kingsford shops
- Study together between classes
“What If I Want to Stop?”
No lock-in contracts. You can pause or cancel anytime.
Important for students because:
- Semester breaks
- Exchange programs
- Internships
- Unexpected course load increases
The Social Component
Training partners your age:
- UNSW students (obviously)
- Recent grads working nearby
- Young professionals in their 20s
Post-training:
- Group often walks back toward campus together
- Kingsford has food options (Thai, pizza, kebabs, Japanese)
- Some students grab dinner together after 7pm class
Different from college social scene:
- No alcohol involved
- More mature interactions
- Cross-demographic friendships (not just students)
Realistic Expectations
First Month
Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll be exhausted after every class
- Everything will feel overwhelming
- Quitting will cross your mind at least once
- This is normal for everyone
Month 2-3
- Cardio improves noticeably
- You’ll recognize positions
- You start catching white belts in submissions
- You actually want to come to class
By the End of First Semester
- Significant fitness improvement
- Might compete if interested
- Possibly first stripe or blue belt
- Part of the gym community
Safety for Students
Walking at night:
- Anzac Parade is well-lit and busy
- Walk with other students from gym
- Light rail runs until late (alternative to walking)
Gym environment:
- Coaches are always present
- Safe, professional atmosphere
- Clear rules about respect and boundaries
Injury concerns:
- Lower injury rate than rugby, AFL, soccer
- Most “injuries” are minor (bruises, mat burn)
- You control intensity by tapping
How to Start
First, book your free trial class here.
Next, show up 10 minutes early with:
- Water bottle
- Athletic clothes (t-shirt and shorts work for first class)
- UNSW student card (if asking about discount)
Then, tell the coach you’re from UNSW colleges
After that, try the class (coaches will guide you through everything)
Finally, decide if you want to sign up or try more classes
FAQ for College Students
Q: Can I shower at the gym? A: Yes, showers available. However, the majority of students just walk back to college and shower there.
Q: Do I need experience? A: Not at all. Most students start with zero experience.
Q: What if I miss classes during exams? A: Completely fine. No penalties for missing classes. You pay for access, not obligation.
Q: Can I train with my roommate? A: Absolutely. Many students bring friends from college.
Q: Is it weird being a beginner? A: Absolutely not. There are always new students starting. Everyone was a beginner once.
Q: What if I’m a woman? A: We have women training regularly in all classes. Plus there’s a dedicated Women’s Workshop every Saturday at 10am (female students only) – great way to start if you’re nervous about training with men initially.
The Bottom Line
You’re living 5 minutes from Sydney’s only no-gi exclusive gym.
Training will:
- Get you in the best shape of your life
- Provide you with a skill that lasts forever
- Create social connections outside the college bubble
- Dramatically improve your mental health and stress management
- Be the thing you remember most about UNSW
It won’t:
- Destroy your grades (unless you let it)
- Require a car
- Lock you into long-term commitment
- Break your student budget
Start This Week
Book your free trial class and walk over after your next lecture.
Address: 381 Anzac Parade, Kingsford NSW 2035
Next to: Kingsford light rail stop
5 minutes from: All UNSW colleges
Related Articles:
- What to Expect at Your First Jiu Jitsu Class in Sydney
- Do You Need to Be Fit Before Starting BJJ?
- Best BJJ Gyms in Sydney for Beginners
PS: If you mention that you’ve read this article, we’ll give you a 50% discount on your first three months of training with us!