BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
We offer Kids and Adult BJJ Classes. If your a beginner , or any level within BJJ you are welcome to join us & let our experienced team of coaches assist you.
Click HERE to see when our kids and adult BJJ sessions take place, and book into classes.
Because it is easier to dominate an opponent by using the floor to assist in balance and control, most of the training in BJJ takes place on the ground. Being able to dominate and neutralize a larger, more aggressive opponent is a hallmark of the art. This is achieved through ground control positions and leverage-maximizing techniques.
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BJJ students develop a deep understanding of the mechanics of the human skeletal and muscular systems. Using this knowledge they are able to subdue an attacker without causing him injury, should they so choose. Acquiring these skills is not easy, and requires mental and physical effort on the part of the student. The rewards however, are great, and include massive improvements in stamina, strength, flexibility and mental clarity. In addition to this, social skills are improved as a result of interacting with individuals and the group as a whole.
The sessions consist of a strength and endurance building warm-up, followed by an explanation by the instructor of a specific technical skill. Students then grapple with others of similar skill level in controlled sparring matches. Some have described BJJ as “chess on a mat”. It is an incredible workout that will challenge and strengthen the practitioner both physically and mentally.
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HISTORY OF BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
The history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) goes back through the Gracie family to their original teacher, Mitsuyo Maeda (Conde Coma) and his training in the Kodokan, the home of Judo.
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Mitsuyo Maeda (1878-1941) was a martial arts prodigy who eventually became one of the greatest fighters in the history of Judo. Maeda originally practiced classical styles of Jiu Jitsu, eventually entering the Kodokan to study Judo. After remaining undefeated in Judo tournament competition, Kano sent Maeda to the U.S.A. in 1904 to spread the message of Kodokan Judo. Over the course of his career, Maeda fought in literally hundreds of matches, grappling with and without the gi, and fighting in "mixed" matches (that included striking and kicking, commonly referred to as "no-holds-barred" fights). During his travels, Maeda fought in the United States, Great Britain, continental Europe, Cuba, Mexico and finally Brazil. Throughout his career as a professional fighter, after engaging in over 1,000 free fights, Maeda retired without ever losing a match. The culmination of Maeda's training in classical Jiu Jitsu and especially Judo, tempered by his extensive combat experience against all types of challengers, resulted in a realistic, street effective method of fighting.
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Mitsuyo Maeda finally settled in Brazil and opened an academy of "Jiu Jitsu" . One of his students was a young man named Carlos Gracie. After studying with Maeda for several years during the 1920's, Carlos opened his own academy in 1925. Carlos and his brothers established a solid reputation by issuing the now famous "Gracie Challenge" . All challengers were welcome to come and fight with the Gracies in no-holds-barred (NHB) matches. The Gracie fighters emerged victorious against fighters of all different backgrounds. The Gracies continued to develop the strategies and techniques they learned from Maeda, honing their skills with the realities of real fighting.
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Several members of the Gracie family began to emigrate to the United States in the late 1980's. BJJ became world famous in the mid 1990's when Royce Gracie won a string of victories in the early Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) competitions, an event pitting martial artist and fighters of various disciplines against each other in an NHB format. Shortly after, Royce's brother Rickson went undefeated in similar events in Japan, and other members of the Gracie clan were equally as successful in MMA events around the U.S. It became quickly apparent that fighters versed only in punching and kicking lost every time they faced a BJJ trained opponent. At present, all fighters in open rules events (now popularly called "mixed martial arts" or MMA) train in BJJ to some extent. The emergence of the Gracies and their particular brand of Jiu Jitsu, with its time tested and proven effectiveness in challenge matches and MMA fights, has had a major impact on martial arts worldwide.
INSTRUCTORS
Ray Stevens is a 7th dan judoka, Olympic Silver Medallist, and a Roger Gracie 3nd degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. He is the head instructor at Ray Stevens Academy. He is also a senior instructor at the Budokwai, the oldest martial arts club in Europe. He has a special ability to assess the specific individual needs of his pupils within a group class, allowing you to work on exactly what is needed for you to succeed, helping you to improve faster. Ray has a wealth of experience, having competed and trained at the most elite level for nearly 20 years, culminating in him winning a silver medal for Judo in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. What do Brad Pitt, women looking to get fit and aspiring martial artist all have in common? They have all been trained by Ray and will agree that his calm, friendly and extremely knowledgeable approach to training all gave them the results they were looking for..
Tom Buckmaster holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Roger Gracie and is a 1st Dan black belt in Judo. He started both disciplines at the Budokwai, where he still teaches to this day. Thomas teaches adults and childrens classes at the academy and places a large emphasis on fundamentals and efficient application of technique. He believes that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone and if you give it time and patience, no matter how big or small you are, you can become a much stronger version of yourself. Remember a black belt is just someone who never gave up!.
Roberto Almeida started Judo at the age of four and has been a Judo black belt for over thirty years. He is currently a fourth Dan Black belt. Roberto started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the age of sixteen and he was a black belt by the age of twenty three. He is currently a fourth Degree Black belt. Roberto was also a member of the Brazilian Judo National Team and five times all Brazilian Judo champion. Roberto is a former Judo coach to the Junior Brazilian National team. He is also an international Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu referee.
Sophie Ablett is currently ranked Brown Belt in BJJ & is also a retired professional MMA fighter, British Nationals silver medallist, Naga Gi & No-Gi gold medallist & Battle grapple competitor. Sophie's been training martial arts since 2011 & holds a wealth of knowledge & experience from her years of competing. Currently instructor for our ladies BJJ classes, Sophie says she loves teaching & learning Jiu-jitsu & finds it amazing to be able to travel around the country & world to train with other likeminded & talented martial artists.
'As the little guy, my game is to use my size to my advantage and my goal is to help others to do the same.'.