BJJ classes for all levels
Are you looking for martial arts near me to master a new skill, get fitter & stronger, and build physical as well as mental stamina? Located conveniently in Deptford, South East London, our top-rated BJJ gym is easily accessible and ready to welcome you into our family of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.
Whether you’re a complete beginner taking the first step into martial arts or looking to further your Jiu-Jitsu skills, our friendly and experienced instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Class Types and Structure
Fundamental BJJ - covering the fundamental techniques and movements, this class caters to white and blue belts.
Mixed - covering fundamental through to advanced techniques and movements, this class caters to all belt levels.
Competition & Advanced Classes - competition and advanced classes are for competition-aspiring blue belts and above only.
Our experienced coaches cover a theme that progresses in each class across the course of a week (e.g. mount attacks). 50% of class time is spent drilling and 50% participating in live sparring.
Sparring rounds are 5 minutes each, with a 30-second break to change partners
Meet our Gi BJJ coaches
Our Gi BJJ coaches bring years of experience, technical excellence, and a passion for teaching the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the gi. Whether you're a beginner looking to build a strong foundation or an advanced practitioner refining your game, our coaching team provides structured, high-quality instruction to help you progress.
Ross Nicholls
Head Grappling Coach & Owner
Gi BJJ & No Gi
Peter Shamarkou
Coach
Gi, No Gi & Kids
Ed Dingley
Coach & Assistant Gym Manager
Gi, No Gi & Kids
How much does it cost?
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi BJJ) classes are designed to be engaging and affordable - there are no joining fees or long-term commitments.
We believe in providing high-quality training without breaking the bank, so you can enjoy the benefits of BJJ for just £105 per month (students) or £135 per month (adults).
Additionally, our memberships come with great benefits such as a £20 discount on peak and off-peak memberships at the award-winning S&C gym Commando Temple and a 10% discount on food & drink at Elsewhere Coffee Roasters.
What is BJJ?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), often referred to as the ‘gentle art’, is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. It focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques, emphasizing leverage, technique, and strategy rather than relying on physical strength.
BJJ was developed from Judo and traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, but it has evolved into its own distinct martial art with its own set of techniques and principles.
Gi BJJ classes are undertaken in a traditional Gi (kimono) uniform. This grappling style is grip-heavy as both you and your partner can grab one another’s clothing. The benefits of these grips make for many exciting techniques and submissions that are not possible in the other forms of grappling.
Try BJJ at London Grapple
Experience world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in a friendly and supportive environment. Whether you're a beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level, there's no better time to start.
BJJ FAQs
-
Yes, BJJ is for everyone!
-
BJJ is predominantly a ground-fighting martial art that places a strong emphasis on leveraging pins to apply joint locks and chokeholds to submit (tap out) opponents.
Our BJJ classes use the traditional uniform known as the gi. In gi BJJ, practitioners use the grips and fabric of the gi to control their opponents, execute techniques, and submit them.
-
BJJ is unique in its effectiveness in allowing a smaller, weaker individual to defend themselves against a larger, stronger opponent by effectively using technique and leverage.
-
You don't need to be fit to start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). In fact, one of the great things about BJJ is that it can be adapted to people of all ages, body types and fitness levels. It's also a great way to improve your fitness as you train.
-
Yes, new students start as white belts and progress through blue, purple, brown and black belts.
-
The time it takes to earn a black belt can vary widely depending on factors including the individual's dedication, consistency and frequency of training and natural aptitude. However, on average, it often takes around 8 to 15 years of consistent training to achieve a black belt in BJJ. Focus on improvement in the art and the belts will follow.
-
BJJ is highly effective for self-defence, as it teaches techniques for controlling and neutralising opponents, particularly in close combat situations.
-
In your first BJJ class, you can expect to learn basic techniques such as positions, escapes, and submissions, as well as engage in light sparring, known as rolling.
-
You won’t need one for your trial class, but if you want to keep training, you will need a Gi. They are available for various prices, in different colours and materials, we have no requirements of what kind of gi you train in, but make sure you wash it before the first wear so you don’t dye our nice white mats!
-
Consistent practice, attending classes and open mats regularly, and focusing on refining techniques are key to progressing faster in BJJ.
Our coaches are here to help you improve. If you’d like help outside of classes, our instructors are available for 1-1 coaching.
What People Say
Behind the scenes
London Grapple videos available on our YouTube channel offer an insightful glimpse into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Here you can see Ffion Davies (IBJJF Gi World Champion & ADCC Gold Medallist) sparring with our Head Coach, Ross Nicholls.