BJJ Academy Rottingdean | Grand Union Brighton

At Grand Union Jiu Jitsu, we go beyond teaching self-defense—we empower kids with essential life skills like discipline, respect, and confidence. Led by experienced instructors Cesar and Rocko, our program is tailored for different age groups to help children grow into strong, confident individuals.

Ages 4–6: Fun, games, and activities introduce the basics of Jiu Jitsu and anti-bullying, building balance, self-awareness, and confidence.

Ages 7–09: Kids develop a strong foundation in Jiu Jitsu through submission techniques, defense strategies, and disciplined training.

Ages 10–13: Students refine their skills with advanced techniques and a focus on teamwork, leadership, and personal growth.

Our program fosters resilience, teamwork, fitness, and a champion’s mindset—all while ensuring kids smile, have fun, and enjoy the journey! Join us for an empowering experience.

Our Teen classes are designed specifically for young people aged 14 to 17, providing a positive and supportive environment where they can learn valuable self-defence skills, build confidence, and develop lifelong fitness habits. Whether your teen is completely new to martial arts or has previous experience, our structured classes focus on technique, teamwork, discipline, and personal growth. Through training, students improve their physical fitness, resilience, and problem-solving skills while making new friends and becoming part of a welcoming community. Every class is led by experienced instructors who ensure that learning is both challenging and enjoyable, helping teenagers grow in confidence both on and off the mats.

This class is perfect for beginners and anyone who wants to improve their basic jiu jitsu techniques. During the 45-minute class, you will go through a warm-up, drills to practice basic techniques, and specific sparring to help you get a solid foundation in the sport. All belt ranks are welcome to join.

This class is designed to give students a deeper understanding of jiu jitsu techniques. In 60 minutes, you will go through a warm-up, drills to practice general techniques, and specific sparring or sparring to help you improve your overall knowledge and coordination. All belt ranks are welcome to join.

This class is for students who want to take their jiu jitsu skills to the next level. You will spend 60 minutes exploring more advanced techniques and receiving in-depth instructions. This class is only suitable for Blue belt and above, not beginners.

This class is for students who want to put their jiu jitsu skills to the test. You will have the opportunity to spar and gain more confidence for competitions. This class is only suitable for white belts with three stripes to black belts, not beginners.

Do I need any experience to start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
No. Our classes are suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Our coaches will guide you through the fundamentals and help you progress at your own pace.

What should I wear for my first class?
For your trial class, comfortable sports clothing such as a t-shirt and shorts is perfect. We simply ask that clothing does not have any zippers, buttons, or metal parts that could injure training partners or damage the mats.

Do I need to buy a gi before my trial?
No. There is no need to purchase any equipment before your first class. If you decide to join after your trial, our team can help you choose the appropriate training uniform.

Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu safe?
Safety is one of our top priorities. All classes are supervised by experienced instructors, and students are taught how to train safely and respectfully.

Will I have to spar?
Sparring is an important part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but beginners are introduced to it gradually. Our instructors will ensure you feel comfortable and understand the basics before participating.

How often should I train?
Most students train between two and three times per week, but you can train more or less depending on your goals, schedule, and experience level.

What are the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu improves fitness, confidence, self-defence skills, mobility, discipline, and problem-solving abilities while providing a welcoming community and a fun way to stay active.

Can I try a class before joining?
Absolutely. We offer a free trial class so you can experience the training environment, meet our coaches, and see if Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is right for you before committing.