Brazilian Jiu-jitsu(known as BJJ) is one of the world's fastest-growing martial arts. It is a self-defence martial art and combat sport that includes grappling, submissions, and ground fighting. Its core strategy is to take the opponent to the ground, gain dominant positions, control the opponent, and use jointlock and choke to win the match.
The BJJ legend begins in Japan. The earliest form of Jiu-Jitsu was invented on the battlefield of the samurais, as their last line of defence. However, their armours restricted them from grappling and jointlock. Over time, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu evolved into many different styles, but all were shifting to self-defence.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu was invented in 1920. Japanese Judoka Mitsuyo Maeda taught the Gracie family in Brazil. One of the Gracie brothers, Hélio, had difficulty practising judo's techniques due to his short height and lack of strength. Consequently, Hélio began to make adjustments to the judo techniques and turned them into new techniques that utilise the ground as leverage. These techniques could be applied by anyone, even much bigger and stronger opponents. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu was born.
BJJ is an excellent way to improve fitness and strength. You can learn valuable self-defence skills in our class. It will improve your physical health, mental wellbeing and overall confidence and outlook on life. BJJ is not just a hobby, it's a lifestyle. Gauntlet Fight Academy offers the best Brazilian jiu-jitsu in London. We welcome all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities.
Our Head Coach Neto Nunes is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt 3rd degree, under Henrique Lima. Born in Brazil, Neto has been living and teaching BJJ in London for the past 12 years. He coaches BJJ every weekday afternoon and evening. We are part of Team Checkmat, one of the largest and most successful jiu-jitsu teams in the world.
Start your journey on our beginners BJJ London programme, and progress through to all levels ad intermediate classes. Experienced practitioners, competitors and visitors are welcome.