What is Jiu Jitsu?
The gentle art, explained in plain English — what it is, what a class looks like, and why complete beginners of every age and shape do brilliantly at it.
Grappling, not punching
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling martial art — no striking, no kicking. It's about taking an opponent to the ground and using leverage, angles and technique to control them or make them give up.
Because it runs on technique rather than muscle, a smaller, weaker person can genuinely beat a bigger, stronger one. That's the whole point of the art — and why it works for kids, women, and blokes who haven't exercised since school.
What a class looks like
Light movement and grappling-specific drills to get you loose. No burpee bootcamp nonsense.
The coach breaks down one or two moves step by step. You watch, then you try it — slowly, with a partner.
Repetition with a cooperative partner until the movement starts to feel natural. This is where the learning happens.
Live sparring — BJJ's version of a friendly game. Totally optional as a beginner, and always at your pace. Tap, reset, laugh, go again.
Two ways to play
Gi is the traditional kimono — you use grips on the jacket, collar and trousers, and it's where the belt system lives. No-Gi is shorts and a rash guard — faster, more scramble-heavy, closer to MMA grappling.
SPG trains both across the week, and you don't need to own a gi to start — come in comfy sportswear and we'll sort the rest.
Earned, never given
Adult belts take years, not months — which is exactly why they mean something. Kids have their own belt pathway with more frequent gradings to keep them motivated.
"But I'm not..."
Nobody is when they start. BJJ gets you fit — you don't get fit for BJJ. Go at your own pace, rest when you need to.
Our mats run from age 3 to 60+. Masters divisions exist at every competition for a reason. It's never too late for a white belt.
Most people here aren't. BJJ is closer to full-contact chess than a fight — thoughtful, technical, and genuinely fun.
You'll be sore in new places, but BJJ has no punches to the head and everything stops the instant you tap. Beginners are looked after — that's the culture here.
One free class explains it better than any website
Come watch, or come train. Either way, you'll get it within ten minutes of walking in.
Book a free trial