BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU CLASSES

WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is possibly the premier ground-fighting martial art. Made famous by Royce Gracie in the early UFCs in the mid-1990's, it specializes in submission grappling when both fighters are on the ground. Techniques include positional control and submissions such as chokes and arm locks.
In 1914, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu champion Esai Maeda migrated to Brazil, where he was instrumental in establishing a Japanese immigrant community. His efforts were aided by Gastão Gracie, a Brazilian scholar and politician of Scottish descent. As a statement of his gratitude for Gracie's assistance, Maeda taught the Brazilian's oldest son Carlos the essential secrets of the ancient martial arts technique.

In 1925, Carlos and his brothers opened their first jiu-jitsu academy, and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was born in Brazil.
At this point, the base of techniques in BJJ was similar to those in Kano's Judo academy in Japan. As the years progressed, however, the brothers (notably Carlos and Helio) and their students refined their art via brutal no-rules fights, both in public challenges and on the street. Particularly notable was their willingness to fight outside of weight categories, permitting a skilled small fighter to attempt to defeat a much larger opponent.
They began to concentrate more and more on submission ground fighting, especially utilizing the guard position. This allowed a weaker man to defend against a stronger one, bide his time, and eventually emerge victorious.

In the 1970's, the undisputed jiu-jitsu champion in Brazil was Rolls Gracie. He had taken the techniques of jiu-jitsu to a new level. Although he was not a large man, his ability to apply leverage using all of his limbs was unprecedented. At this time the techniques of the open guard and its variants (spider guard, butterfly guard) became a part of BJJ. Rolls also developed the first point system for jiu-jitsu only competition.

The competitions required wearing a gi, awarded points (but not total victories) for throws and takedowns, and awarded other points for achieving different ground positions (such as passing an opponent's guard). After Rolls' death in a hang-gliding accident, Rickson Gracie became the undisputed (and undefeated!) champion, a legend throughout Brazil and much of the world. He has been the exemplar of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique for the last two decades, since the early 1980's, in both jiu-jitsu competition and no-rules MMA competition.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Ray Stevens Academy at The Budokwai

Tuesdays 19:30-21:00: Gi, mixed with Ray Stevens 

Wednesdays 19:30-21:00: Beginners, with Joseph Grogan

Thursdays 19:30-21:00: No gi, mixed with John Kilibarda

Fridays 19:45-21:00: Gi, mixed with James Grogan

Saturdays 14:00-15:30: Open mat with Ray Stevens 

Saturdays Children's BJJ 4years - 16 years: 13:00 - 14:00. Ray Stevens 

BJJ ABC Course 

Sign up to our exciting BJJ ABC Course with Ray Stevens Academy at The Budokwai, starting Wednesday 17th September 2025, 10 90 minute classes. 

This course will run for 10 weeks and will cover the fundamentals of BJJ, how to defend yourself and learn specific attacks and escapes. 

New BJJ training jacket, trousers and belt and graduation grading of 1st stripe. 

Attendees will receive half price membership of the Budokwai on completion of the course.  

Secure your place with the Reception team.

MEMBERSHIP & CLASS FEES