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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in London: Academies and Lineages
London has the deepest BJJ scene in the UK, from Roger Gracie in Hammersmith to Carlson Gracie Team and dozens of affiliates across the city. Here is how to navigate it.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in London is the deepest and most competitive scene in the UK. The city has internationally recognised academies, a dense network of affiliates in nearly every borough, and enough training volume that a committed beginner can find a class within walking distance most days of the week. Rather than ranking every gym, this guide covers the names worth knowing and how to choose between them.
Internationally Recognised Academies in London
- **Roger Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy** — in Hammersmith, West London, led by Roger Gracie, a 10-time IBJJF World Champion widely regarded as one of the greatest competitors in the sport's history. Teaches gi and no-gi BJJ plus kickboxing for children, teens, and adults of all levels. Address: Glen House, 22-24 Glenthorne Road, W6 0NG. Contact: 020 8741 0231, academy@rogergracie.com.
- **Carlson Gracie Team London** — one of Europe's original full-time BJJ academies, with more than 100 black belts produced over two decades and a lineage tracing directly to the founding Gracie family. Runs BJJ alongside MMA, wrestling, judo, and K1. Address: 89 Richford Street, W6 7HJ. Contact: 020 8743 9336, info@bjjlondon.com.
- **London Shootfighters** — founded in 1994, based on Western Avenue in West London with a second gym in Poplar. A long-established MMA gym with a strong grappling programme that has developed several UFC fighters.
Beyond these, London has affiliates of Gracie Barra, Checkmat, Alliance, Ze Marcello, and 10th Planet, plus independent black-belt-run academies in Islington, Brixton, Mile End, Clapham, and Stratford. Coverage across the city is genuinely even.
Choosing a London Gym
Because London is large and transport-dependent, travel time matters more here than in any other UK city. A world-class academy that takes 50 minutes each way will beat you on consistency compared with a solid gym 10 minutes from home or work. Work out which academies are realistically on your commute before you shortlist on reputation.
Check the instructor's lineage, the number of weekly beginner classes, and whether the timetable has classes when you can actually attend. Most London academies charge a monthly membership plus a one-off gi cost — see our gi size chart before you buy your first one. Our guide on choosing a BJJ gym close to you covers how to weigh proximity against a big name.
What Training Costs in London
London memberships sit at the top of the UK range, with central and West London academies generally the most expensive and outer-borough gyms lower. Unlimited plans cost more than limited ones. Confirm whether no-gi classes, open mat, and seminars are included before comparing prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tagged with:#London#UK#city guide#gyms
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Roger Gracie teach in London?
The Roger Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is in Hammersmith, West London. It offers gi and no-gi BJJ plus kickboxing for children, teens, and adults at every level.
Is Carlson Gracie Team London a good academy for beginners?
Yes. It is one of Europe's original full-time BJJ academies, has produced over 100 black belts, and runs structured beginner classes alongside its competition programme.
How much is BJJ in London?
London memberships are the most expensive in the UK, with central and West London academies at the top of the range. Expect a monthly membership plus a separate one-off cost for a gi.
Which London borough has the best BJJ?
West London has the highest concentration of internationally recognised academies, but strong black-belt-run gyms exist across Islington, Brixton, Mile End, Clapham, and Stratford. Pick by commute, not postcode prestige.
Can I try a London BJJ class for free?
Almost every reputable London academy offers a free trial class. Use it to check the mat culture and how beginners are treated during sparring before committing.
Sources & Further Reading
About the Author
Mohsin AyubBJJ practitioner, 6 years — Gracie Barra
Founder & Editor, BJJ Sportswear
Mohsin has trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for six years at Gracie Barra and has competed at IBJJF-affiliated tournaments. He writes about competition, gear, and athlete careers, and founded BJJ Sportswear to help grapplers find equipment and information they can trust.
- Six years training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra
- Competed at IBJJF-affiliated tournaments
- Writes on BJJ competition, gear testing, and athlete careers
This article was last reviewed and updated on 2026-08-28.