Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Join our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classes and develop real-world grappling skills in a structured, engaging, and supportive environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our expert instructors will guide you through every step of your BJJ journey, helping you build confidence, technique, and strength.
What you'll learn
- 🥋 Fundamental & Advanced Techniques – Master essential positions, submissions, and transitions, including armbars, triangle chokes, and rear-naked chokes.
- 💪 Takedowns & Sweeps – Learn how to effectively bring your opponent to the ground and transition into dominant positions.
- 🛡️ Self-Defense & Control – Develop leverage-based techniques to control and neutralize opponents of any size.
- 🔄 Positional Awareness – Improve your ability to move between guard, side control, mount, and back control with precision.
- 🔥 Live Sparring & Drilling – Test your skills in a controlled setting to build reflexes, confidence, and strategy.
BJJ is more than just a martial art—it’s a challenging yet rewarding discipline that enhances both physical and mental strength. Whether you’re training for self-defense, competition, or fitness, our classes offer the perfect space to grow and improve.
Where Are We?
176 Nobes Avenue, Gosport, Hampshire, PO13 0HY
Experienced Coaches
Learn from experienced coaches dedicated to helping you improve your skills, technique, and confidence in every session.
Classes 6 Days a Week
Check out our timetable and book onto unlimited classes 6 days a week
Once you’ve signed up you can then click on the buttons below and download the Gymdesk from your app store.
The History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Origins, Evolution & Legacy
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most effective martial arts in the world, known for its emphasis on grappling, ground fighting, and submission techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, understanding the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can deepen your appreciation for the art. In this blog, we’ll explore BJJ’s origins, evolution, and how it became a global phenomenon.
The Origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be traced back to Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, modified traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu techniques to create a more practical and efficient combat sport.
One of Kano’s top students, Mitsuyo Maeda, played a crucial role in the spread of Jiu-Jitsu. In 1914, Mitsuyo Maeda arrived in Brazil, where he introduced Jiu-Jitsu and Judo techniques to the local population.
The Birth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Gracie Family
The Gracie family, particularly Carlos Gracie and Hélio Gracie, were instrumental in shaping modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Carlos Gracie, after training under Mitsuyo Maeda, adapted and refined the techniques to focus on leverage and technique over brute strength.
- Hélio Gracie, a smaller and physically weaker individual, further developed BJJ to allow a smaller person to defeat larger, stronger opponents using technique, positioning, and submissions.
The Gracie family began teaching and testing their skills in challenge matches, proving the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu against various fighting styles.
The Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Its Global Expansion
As BJJ developed, it became a dominant force in martial arts, gaining international recognition in the 1990s with the rise of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
- 1993: Royce Gracie showcased the power of BJJ in UFC 1, defeating multiple opponents and proving that ground fighting was essential in combat sports.
- The Gracie Challenge and various Vale Tudo (No Rules) fights further demonstrated BJJ’s effectiveness.
- With its success in MMA and self-defense, BJJ schools started spreading worldwide, leading to the formation of international BJJ federations and competitions.
Modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Sport & Self-Defense
Today, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is practiced worldwide, with thousands of academies and practitioners competing in gi and no-gi tournaments.
The Two Main Forms of BJJ:
🥋 Sport Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi) – Focuses on technique, points-based competitions, and submissions.
🛡️ Self-Defense Jiu-Jitsu – Designed for real-world combat situations, teaching techniques to defend against strikes, chokes, and takedowns.
The Legacy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
With the rise of MMA, UFC, and grappling tournaments, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to evolve, producing elite competitors like Rickson Gracie, Marcelo Garcia, Gordon Ryan, and André Galvão. Whether for fitness, self-defense, or competition, BJJ offers something for everyone.
Why Learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
✅ Effective self-defense for real-life situations.
✅ Improves fitness, flexibility, and mental resilience.
✅ Builds confidence, discipline, and problem-solving skills.
✅ A welcoming community that promotes continuous learning and growth.
Join the BJJ Revolution!
If you’re interested in learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there’s never been a better time to start! Whether you’re training for self-defense, competition, or personal growth, BJJ is a life-changing martial art that continues to inspire generations worldwide.
Book your first BJJ class today and become part of this incredible martial arts tradition!
Frequently asked questions
You have questions?lets answer these
These are some of the questions we get asked the most.
At the top of every page is a button that says Join Today! Just click on this to get started. From there you will receive a text to download the Gymdesk app and you will be able to book onto classes.
Yes. A team member will introduce themselves before you get on the mats, guide you through, and support you throughout the class. All members are extremely friendly and will go out of their way to help you and make you feel welcome.
Wear anything that you feel comfortable in. After a few weeks you will find yourself buying clothing as you get a buzz for you chosen sport.
When you walk in, people will notice that you're a new person. They will identify with you and tell you how overwhelmed they felt. They'll want to come say hello and if they see you struggling will offer you help and support.
Still Have A Questions?
Send us a message via this form and we will text or email you back within a few hours.
"Been once just started out here with martyn and I must say it's the best thing I've ever done also he's great person he's helped me out when I needed it I was nervous at first but I feel like I'm going to fit in here and can't wait to see what this will hold for me once again absolutely brilliant"
BENEFITS & ANSWERS
What We Do & Our Benefits !
Congue duis blandit do maiores magnis, dicta congue perferendis. Magna sollicitudin possimus, debitis quos.
Yes. Via your Gymdesk app you can buy a credit to use on your chosen class.
Memberships are not monthly contracts. They can be cancelled with fourteen days' notice. You can request a cancellation via the Gymdesk app.
Amazing! We will work with you every single step of the way to achieve all your goals and turn you into a champion!