FAQs
General
What memberships are available at London Grapple?
Please see our membership options for more info about the pricing.
How do I buy some London Grapple kit? What kit do you have available?
We sell male and female hoodies, sweaters, shorts, rash guards and spats at the gym.
You can also buy the above items plus our branded BJJ Gis via our online shop.
Do you offer private 1-1 coaching?
We do. Please email info@londongrapple.co.uk for details.
Beginners
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, you can claim one free trial class.
Note: trial classes are only available to those looking to join London Grapple as members. Please don’t register for a free trial if you’re a visitor dropping in—instead, please read this visitor guide.
I’ve signed up for a trial class. Do I need to book one?
No need to book. Just check our timetable and come down to the class you’d like to participate in - we’ll take it from there.
I’m a brand new beginner. What class should I attend first?
We recommend you attend the Thursday ‘5:30pm Introduction to BJJ’ session for your first class. Alternatively, we recommend attending any of the Gi or No Gi ‘Fundamentals’ classes - see our timetables for more details.
Any of the Kids BJJ classes on our timetable are suitable.
We recommend attending the Tuesday evening fundamental class.
We recommend attending the Monday or Wednesday 6:00 pm Striking classes.
All of our MMA classes are catered to a mixed level. All classes on our timetable are suitable for beginners to attend.
What should I wear to my first session?
If you don’t own any Gi or No Gi kit, please wear a T-shirt and shorts (without zippers) to your first session.
I participated in a trial class and want to become a member; how do I do this?
Please email members@londongrapple.co.uk to get your membership set up.
How young can my child begin training with you?
Children can train at London Grapple from age four; please see our Kids BJJ page for full information.
Am I too old to train?
If you’re thinking about starting BJJ or one of our other martial arts, don’t let age hold you back. People of all ages can benefit from martial arts training. Our coaches will work with you to ensure your training is safe and beneficial for you.
I want to start training at London Grapple but don’t want to compete, is this a problem?
Absolutely not. A large portion of our members don’t compete but still enjoy the benefits or training in martial arts.
What’s involved in a martial arts class?
Classes will vary depending on the coach and the martial art. You can expect the class to be roughly fifty percent technique based (using drills to improve skills) and the other fifty percent will be controlled, relaxed sparring, either situational or open, to help develop timing and decision making.
Most coaches will not allot class time to ‘traditional’ warm-ups so feel free to turn up to your class early and take some time to loosen off.
I want to try all martial arts, which is the best one to start with?
This generally depends on the individual, read more about what is involved in each martial art here and decide which best suits your needs and interests. Any of our beginners or fundamentals classes will give you a great taste of training in each martial art.
How old is too old to begin training martial arts?
You are never too old to start! Our coaches will work with you to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe experience. However, if you do have any specific health concerns, we recommend speaking to your doctor before you begin training.
Do I need to get fit before I start training martial arts with you?
You do not. The best way to get fit for martial arts is by training martial arts! Our coaches will let you work at your own pace and you will probably be surprised by how quickly your fitness improves with regular training.
How many times per week should I train?
Generally, the more you can train the quicker you will improve. However, everyone is different and rest and recovery in between sessions is important. Progress is made gradually by consistent training over time, whether you train twice or ten times a week, the real secret is to keep showing up.
Gym Facilities
London Grapple is undergoing an exciting multi-stage expansion, which will see the gym triple in size over the next two years. Learn about our current facilities below:
Unit 17 (Mat 1), located under two railway arches is our original facility. Here, you will find our reception, changing facilities, toilets, showers, lockers and mat space. A full-timetable of grappling classes runs here seven days a week, including no-gi grappling, BJJ, and wrestling classes for beginners and advanced students.
Unit 1 (Mat 2), located in a unit at the entrance to the Titan business estate, is a short 50m walk from Unit 17. This is is our brand new mat space where all our striking and MMA classes will take place, including numerous other grappling classes. Please note, in this stage of the expansion, there are no changing or toilet facilities in Unit 1, so please use the amenities located in Unit 17 before and after your class.
Is there car parking available at your gym?
We do not provide car parking spaces. There is free parking in the neighbouring Deptford streets. We recommend you try Adolphus Street first.
Are there bike racks available at your gym?
We provide bike racks outside our gym. Make sure to bring your own lock or chain.
What facilities are available at London Grapple?
Toilets, changing rooms for men and women, lockers, three shower cubicles and plenty of mat space to train on.
Do you have lockers available for storage during training?
Yes, we do. Please bring a padlock if you’d like to secure your items.