What is Japanese Jiu Jitsu?

We teach a modern form of the traditional Japanese martial art Jiu Jitsu, and pride ourself on acknowledging the history and practice of traditional martial arts whilst also advancing them for a modern setting and changing society. Our style focuses on:

• A system of defensive techniques which use an attacker’s momentum against them
• Locks, strikes and throws adapted for the modern day
• The flexibility to cater for individual and group attacks by both armed and unarmed assailants.

Jiu Jitsu is one of the oldest and best known martial art forms and our style was introduced to the UK by the late Shihan Brian Graham in the 1960s. We are part of the Jiu Jitsu Foundation, a progressive martial arts organisation that unites all clubs of our style across the UK, and beyond!

What to expect as a beginner

As a beginner, you can attend your first two sessions completely free with no obligation to continue. This is the perfect way to start to Jiu Jitsu in a safe, no pressure environment to see if the style is right for you.

A beginners' session is between 90 minutes and 2 hours and includes a warmup. During the initial stages, the focus will primarily be on low-stress techniques, gradually incorporating striking and strategies to counter different attacks. As you progress, you will advance to more complex maneuvers, including throws, where you will be taught the proper techniques to fall. Jiu Jitsu is a contact sport where injuries can occur, but we will help you train at your own pace.

With regular training, within 8 weeks you will have learnt:

• Effective and appropriate striking both as a standalone and complementary technique
• Awareness and understanding of different threats
• Body movement and stances
• Breakfalling, allowing you to fall and be thrown without injury
• Basic techniques to deal with attacks from multiple ranges
• How to recover from being on the ground, along with some simple ground-fighting techniques

After your first two sessions, if you wish to continue, you will need to purchase insurance at a cost of £35 annually (£22 for juniors).

By participating in these beginner sessions and committing to regular practice, you will embark on a rewarding journey of self-improvement, acquiring essential skills in self-defense, discipline, and physical fitness.

When is training?

We train Mondays 7pm-9pm and Thursdays 7pm-9:30pm. 8:30-9pm Mondays and 9-9:30pm Thursdays are 18+ only.

How much is it to train?

Your first two sessions are free, to allow you try the style to see if it is right for you. Standard fees are £7 for adults and £5 for juniors (under 18s). Concessions for students and unwaged and family discounts are available, at £5 for adults and £4 for juniors. Training also requires an annual licence (which includes insurance) at £35 for adults and £22 for juniors.

Are there any restrictions on who can train?

We are a mixed club of male and female members and we welcome children age 10 and up. Many of our members are parents who train with their children. As long as you have a clean bill of health, we look forward to seeing you on the mat!

If you have any specific requirements, feel free to drop us an email.

What equipment do I need?

All you need to do is turn up wearing tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt and you will be able to start straight away! If you begin to train on a regular basis you will be expected to purchase a gi (the white pyjamas!) in which to train. These are available through the club as availability dictates, or from various sport retailers.

Can I bring family members?

Yes! Jiu Jitsu is definitely an activity you can do as a family, and many of our members are parents who train with children. We also offer a family discount. Drop us an email for more details.

Do you take card?

Payment is accepted in either cash or card. Your first two sessions are free.

If you have any further questions, feel free to drop us an email.

Ready to begin? Complete this form to register for your first session.

Full class timetable

You are welcome to come to any session appropriate to your grade. If in doubt, come and chat to an instructor when you arrive so we can properly assess your skill level.

Your first 2 sessions are free no matter what!