The New Zealand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Professor Damian Smith, a respected 3rd Degree Black Belt, founder and head instructor of Gracie Allegiance New Zealand, who passed away at the age of 49. His death has left family, friends, students, and martial artists across the country grieving the loss of a man whose dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shaped countless lives.
The New Zealand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (NZBJJF) paid tribute to Professor Smith, describing him as a valued member of the martial arts community whose influence reached far beyond competition. In a statement, the federation extended its deepest condolences to his family, friends, students, and everyone affected by his passing, reminding the community that “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport. It is a family.”
For decades, Damian devoted himself to teaching, mentoring, and promoting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu throughout New Zealand. As the founder of Gracie Allegiance NZ, he built an academy known not only for technical excellence but also for fostering respect, humility, discipline, and personal growth. His patient instruction, generous spirit, and commitment to helping others earned him the admiration of students of all ages and skill levels.
Those who trained alongside Damian remember him as a passionate competitor and mentor who played an important role in the growth of New Zealand’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene. He regularly competed in tournaments, supported local promotions, and volunteered his time at Submission Sisters Women’s Jiu-Jitsu Camps, where he encouraged women to develop confidence and skill both on and off the mats.
Friends fondly recalled his infectious enthusiasm and energetic conversations whenever he spoke about the sport he loved. Many also remembered one of his favorite sayings—that every competition was “just training for their black belts”—reflecting his belief that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was ultimately about perseverance, continuous learning, and building character rather than simply winning medals.
Beyond his accomplishments in martial arts, Damian was a devoted husband, loving father, mentor, and loyal friend. Family remained at the center of his life, and he took immense pride in sharing his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with his children while creating a welcoming environment where students felt supported, encouraged, and inspired to become better people.
The news of his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from students, fellow instructors, and martial artists across New Zealand and beyond, all remembering a man whose kindness, leadership, and dedication helped shape generations of practitioners.
Although Professor Damian Smith’s passing leaves an immeasurable void within the New Zealand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, his legacy will continue through the countless students he coached, the friendships he built, and the values of discipline, humility, and respect that he instilled in everyone who trained under him.
Professor Damian Smith will be deeply missed by his family, friends, students, and the wider martial arts community. His contributions to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in New Zealand will be remembered for years to come.
May Professor Damian Smith rest in peace.