The ground game

Jiu Jitsu

Ground fighting techniques, submissions, and positional control. Perfect for self-defense and fitness.

Book Jiu Jitsu Your first class
Focus
Grappling and submissions
Uses
Whole body, leverage
Levels
Beginner to advanced
Price
Pay per session

The basics

What is Jiu Jitsu?

Jiu Jitsu is a grappling martial art. Instead of punches and kicks, you learn to take the fight to the ground, control your opponent and finish with a submission: a joint lock or a choke that makes them tap.

Technique and leverage matter more than size or strength, which is why it is so popular for self-defense. Every roll is a puzzle, and the sport is often called human chess.

  • Self-defense
  • Fitness
  • Problem solving

6Benefits

Why train Jiu Jitsu

What people get out of it, on and off the mat.

  • Self-defense

    Learn to control and escape from a larger, stronger person using leverage.

  • Full-body fitness

    Grappling works your core, grip, legs and cardio at the same time.

  • Problem solving

    Every position is a puzzle. You learn to stay calm and think under pressure.

  • Confidence

    Knowing you can handle yourself on the ground carries into the rest of life.

  • Train for life

    Low-impact compared with striking, so many people keep rolling for years.

  • Community

    You learn with a partner every class, and the mat builds friendships fast.

4Key positions

Learn the map

Positions come before submissions. These are the four you will hear about in your very first class.

  1. Guard

    You are on your back with your opponent between your legs. A strong guard lets you attack, sweep or stand up from the bottom.

  2. Side control

    You are on top, chest to chest across your opponent, past their legs. A heavy, stable pinning position.

  3. Mount

    You sit on your opponent's torso. One of the most dominant positions, with many attacks available.

  4. Back control

    You are behind your opponent with hooks in. Widely seen as the strongest position for finishing a submission.

The bar shows how dominant each position usually is, from bottom to top.

3Progression

What you will learn

A typical path from your first class onwards. Each gym sets its own curriculum, so check the class description when you book.

Level 1 of 3

Beginner

  • Safe falling, posture and base
  • Escapes from mount and side control
  • Closed guard basics
  • Fundamental submissions

Level 2 of 3

Intermediate

  • Guard passing and sweeps
  • Transitions between positions
  • Chaining submissions together
  • Positional sparring

Level 3 of 3

Advanced

  • Open and modern guard systems
  • Takedowns and stand-up grappling
  • Building your own game plan
  • Live rolling and competition prep

4Parts of a class

Your first class

Most classes follow the same rhythm. Here is what to expect when you walk in.

  1. 01

    Warm-up

    Movement drills like shrimping and bridging that you will use all the time.

  2. 02

    Technique

    The instructor shows a move or sequence, step by step.

  3. 03

    Drilling

    You practise it with a partner, slowly and cooperatively.

  4. 04

    Sparring

    Positional or live rolling. Beginners can ask to watch or go light.

What to wear

Gi classes

Traditional kimono-style uniform with a belt. Grips on the collar and sleeves are part of the game, so it tends to be slower and more technical.

No-gi classes

Rash guard and shorts or spats. Faster and closer to grappling in MMA. Check the class listing to see which one you are booking.

Ready to try Jiu Jitsu?

Find a gym near you, choose your slot and pay for that session only. No membership, no contract.

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?Jiu Jitsu FAQ

Common questions

Something else? Send us a message.

Is Jiu Jitsu good for self-defense?

Yes. Jiu Jitsu focuses on ground fighting techniques, submissions and positional control, and relies on leverage rather than strength, which makes it a strong choice for self-defense.

Do I need to be fit before I start?

No. Classes are designed for every level from beginner to advanced. Your fitness improves as you train.

Should I book a gi or no-gi class?

Either is a good place to start. Gi classes use the traditional uniform and grips; no-gi classes use a rash guard and shorts. The class listing tells you which one you are booking.

Is Jiu Jitsu safe?

Training is controlled and you can tap out at any time to stop a technique. Beginners usually drill cooperatively before they spar, and you can ask the instructor to go light.

Do I need a membership to train Jiu Jitsu?

No. With Gear Up MMA you book and pay per session, so you can train Jiu Jitsu as often or as rarely as you like.

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