Who We Are
No Experience Needed.
No Egos Allowed.
TANK Jiujitsu isn't just a gym — it's a whānau. Whether you're stepping onto the mats for the very first time or you've been training for years, you'll find a community built on respect, hard work, and genuine support. Every class is coached with patience and precision, so you progress at a pace that's right for you.
TANK is founded and led by Owner & Head Coach Tau Thompson, dedicated to developing strong technique and stronger character in every student who steps on the mats — from Mini Tanks to seasoned competitors, across both Taupō and Tūrangi.
Meet The Team
Coached By Black Belts Who Care
Leading TANK Jiujitsu — himself a 2019 SJJIF World Champion in gi and no-gi — with a focus on technique, discipline, and building a genuine whānau on the mats, from Mini Tanks to seasoned competitors.
Black Belt
Bringing discipline and heart to Fundamentals and Mini Tanks classes.
Focused on sharp technique and strong fundamentals for every belt level.
Every coach here traces back through an unbroken chain of black belts to the founders of the art — from Jigoro Kano's judo school in 1880s Tokyo, through the Gracie family, to Tau's own coach, John Veloso Ouano. See the full lineage ↓
Community & Culture
Beyond The Mats
Through the year we run belt promotions, seminars with visiting black belts, and a few TANK-only traditions that make the culture here what it is.
Where We Come From
Our Lineage
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, lineage is everything — the chain of instructors who passed the art down, black belt to black belt, like a mat family tree. Ours runs from a judo school in 1880s Tokyo, through Belém and Rio de Janeiro, to Los Angeles, and finally to the mats in Taupō and Tūrangi. Tap through the names below to see who they were, what they achieved, and how old they lived to be.
The Lineage
Tap or click anyone in the chain — you'll see who they were, what they achieved, and (where it's known) how old they lived to be.
← scroll to see the whole chain →
Want the full story?
From a Tokyo judo school in 1882 to two lineage promotions this year — click through anyone above then follow their story, or dive straight in.
Come Meet
The Whānau.
The fastest way to understand this place is to stand on the mats. Your first two classes are free — no experience, no gi, no pressure.