Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art and a combat sport that originated from the famous Gracie family in Brazil, as such, it is often called Gracie Jiu Jitsu. As a sport, the main objective of a Jiu Jitsu fighter is to force his opponent to give up (called a submission or a tap-out) by using joint locks or chokes, a fighter can also win by points, the point system is designed to reward the most dominant fighter. Jiu Jitsu’s efficiency has been put to the test since the early stages of the art, through No Holds Barred and today in MMA (mixed martial arts) and is revered as one of the most effective martial arts in the word.

In the United States, the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is already the fastest growing sport in the country, in Brazil it is considered a national sport, in Abu Dhabi it is taught as part of the national curriculum in schools and in the United Kingdom people have realised its effectiveness and are reaping all the personel, social and health benefits that come with this amazing sport. BJJ’s effectiveness makes it one of the most requested martial arts in MMA, and as the time of writing this, 6 of the current 7 UFC title holders are brown or black belts in Jiu Jitsu.

What to expect at class

During one of our 60/90 minute long classes you will work on your conditioning, through specific warm ups designed to help you learn how to move on the ground, where most of Jiu Jitsu’s action takes place. You will learn chokes, locks and how to control your opponent. You will also spar with your partners; however, members are only expected to spar if they are confident to do so.

What you need to bring

For your first class and if you are new to Jiu Jitsu we recommend you come to one of our beginner classes (sign up on the site). All you will need to bring is shorts or tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt. We have everything else waiting ready to borrow. If after a trial class you decide to follow Jiu Jitsu regularly, you will be required to purchase a kimono.