Martial arts are a gateway to a better, stronger, and more confident version of yourself… but the first step is the hardest. The idea of going in to a Martial Arts gym and training with a load of big, sweaty guys can be quite intimidating and off putting! It’s one of the many reasons we’ve made sure we have Women only classes - even if all the guys here are actually lovely.
We have Women’s classes in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Kickboxing. Both are taught by black belt female coaches. Both are as much fun as they are hard work.
Many of the ladies who signed up with the intention of only doing the Women’s classes now join in with the mixed classes too, with quite a few also going out and competing as well!
Come and give our classes a go, it’s free to try, and we’re sure you won’t regret it!
We are registered with the UKBJJA AND IBJJF ensuring the quality and PReserving THE integrity of our standards
Proud to be a Mauricio Gomes Legacy Affiliate
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Often called the Godfather of BJJ here in the UK, Mauricio began training in Jiu-Jitsu at just four years of age. His father, who was a brown belt, started his journey and took him to classes at João Alberto Barreto’s academy.
As a teenager, Mauricio began training with the legendary Rolls Gracie. Under Rolls' guidance, he became a highly successful competitor and won the absolute division of the Rio de Janeiro State Championships in 1981. Shortly after this victory Rolls would award Mauricio his black belt. Mauricio continued training with Rolls until his tragic death in 1982.
Through his close ties with the Gracie family, Mauricio met Reila Gracie, the daughter of Carlos Gracie Sr. The two married and, although their relationship didn't last, they had a son, Roger Gracie. Roger would go on to become a ten-time World Champion and is widely recognised as being the greatest Jiu-Jitsu competitor of all time.
In the late 1990s, Mauricio came to the UK and established the very first Gracie Barra gym there. Through his teaching, many new gyms would open and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is now the fastest growing martial art in the UK.
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On August 25th 2017 Master Mauricio Gomes, along with Masters Marcio Stambowsky, Romero ‘Jacare’ Cavalcanti and Sergio Penha, were promoted to 8th degree red and white belt. This momentous achievement represents 38 years as a black belt and over 50 years training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
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Mauricio started training with the legendary Rolls Gracie in 1977, and became one of only six people to be promoted to black belt by him in 1981.
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Mauricio also happens to be the father and coach of one of the greatest BJJ athletes of all time, Roger Gracie!
We are a REORG approved training facility providing a fully-funded BJJ training programme designed to support the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of veterans, military and emergency services personnel.