Frequently asked questions

None whatsoever. Our Fundamentals class is designed specifically for people with zero prior experience. You'll learn everything from scratch in a supportive, non-intimidating environment. Most of our students started with no martial arts background at all.

For your first session, comfortable athletic wear such as a t-shirt, shorts, or tracksuit bottoms is absolutely fine. Avoid clothing with zips, buttons, or belt loops as these can catch on training partners. Once you decide to continue, you'll want to invest in a gi — we can advise on what to buy once you've had your trial.

Yes — we offer every new student a free trial class with no obligation whatsoever. Come in, try a session, meet Alex, and see if it's right for you before making any commitment.

Not at all. Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best ways to get fit precisely because you're having too much fun to notice the work you're putting in. You'll improve your fitness naturally over time as you train. Beginners are not expected to keep up with seasoned students — everyone works at their own pace.

Our junior programme is for those 14 to 18. Junior students will need a parental consent form completed before training.

Gi Jiu-Jitsu is practised wearing a traditional kimono-style jacket and trousers. The jacket can be gripped and used as a tool for control and submissions, adding an additional layer of technical complexity. No-gi is practised in shorts and a rash guard, with no grips on clothing — movement tends to be faster and more wrestling-influenced. Both are excellent, and we recommend most students train both styles.

No. New students are introduced to sparring gradually and only when they — and their instructor — feel ready. There is never any pressure to roll before you're comfortable. In your early sessions, you'll focus on drilling techniques and positional work with a patient training partner.

BJJ has a strong safety culture built around the concept of “tapping out” — when a submission is applied, the receiving partner taps to signal they want to stop, and their partner releases immediately. This makes it possible to train at near-full intensity without injury. As with any contact sport, minor bumps and soreness are normal, but serious injuries are rare when training is conducted respectfully and under proper instruction.

On average, students who train regularly (two to three times per week) can expect to reach blue belt within one to two years. However, progression varies enormously from person to person and is not something to rush. Focus on the learning, not the belt.

BJJ black belt is widely considered one of the most difficult belts to achieve in any martial art. The typical timeline for a dedicated student is between eight and twelve years of consistent training. It is a genuine marker of expertise, and that's precisely what makes it so meaningful.

Please speak to your GP before starting any new physical activity if you have a current injury or medical condition. Let our instructors know before class about anything relevant — we will always look to accommodate you where possible and can suggest modifications to allow you to participate safely.

Many of our students train as much for their mental wellbeing as for physical fitness. The focus required on the mats acts as a form of active meditation — it's very hard to think about the stresses of everyday life when you're trying to escape a triangle choke. Regular training builds discipline, resilience, and self-confidence, and the social aspect of a strong training community has immeasurable value for mental health.

Contact sparring is not advised during pregnancy. However, many expectant mothers continue with light drilling and technique work during the early stages with their instructor's guidance and their midwife's approval. Always consult your healthcare provider first, and be open with your instructor so they can look after you properly.

BJJ is an excellent tool for weight management. A typical training session burns significant calories through a combination of cardiovascular effort, strength work, and constant movement. More importantly, it gives you a reason to want to be fit — progress on the mats is a far more motivating goal than a number on a scale.