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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Northampton: Where to Train
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Northampton runs through a Roger Gracie Academy affiliate and a ZR Team academy, plus a Brazilian Top Team gym.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Northampton is a modest scene with three recognised lineage academies. For a beginner, the choice is mostly about which lineage and timetable suit you, and the town is compact enough that consistent training is realistic.
Academies in Northampton
- **RGA Northampton** — a Roger Gracie Academy affiliate carrying the lineage of 10-time IBJJF world champion Roger Gracie. It operates from the BST MMA academy at 17 Spring Lane, Northampton.
- ZR Team Northampton — part of the ZR Team network founded by José Olímpio da Rocha Neto (Mestre Ze Radiola), a 5th-degree black belt and direct student of Carlos Gracie Jr. It runs a structured fundamentals curriculum from Benham Sports Arena.
- BST MMA (Brazilian Top Team) — a mixed martial arts academy in the Brackmills area that includes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in its programme.
Choosing a Northampton Gym
The main decision is between the Roger Gracie lineage at RGA, the ZR Team curriculum, and the MMA-inclusive approach at BST. All carry verifiable lineages. Confirm the head coach's black belt lineage, check the weekly beginner class count, and take the free trial.
Our guide on choosing a BJJ gym close to you covers how to weigh the options.
What Training Costs in Northampton
Northampton memberships are mid-to-lower range for the UK. Most academies bill monthly with a separate one-off gi cost. Confirm what open mat and no-gi access are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tagged with:#Northampton#UK#city guide#gyms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Roger Gracie Academy in Northampton?
Yes — RGA Northampton is a Roger Gracie Academy affiliate operating from the BST MMA academy at 17 Spring Lane, carrying the lineage of 10-time IBJJF world champion Roger Gracie.
What is ZR Team Northampton?
Part of the ZR Team network founded by José Olímpio da Rocha Neto (Mestre Ze Radiola), a 5th-degree black belt and direct student of Carlos Gracie Jr. It runs from Benham Sports Arena.
How much does BJJ cost in Northampton?
Mid-to-lower range for the UK. Expect a monthly membership plus a separate one-off gi cost. Confirm open mat and no-gi inclusion before comparing.
Is Northampton BJJ good for beginners?
Yes. All three academies run beginner classes and offer trial sessions. No martial arts background is needed to start.
Can I train no-gi BJJ in Northampton?
Yes. RGA Northampton, ZR Team, and BST MMA all offer no-gi alongside gi BJJ. Confirm the current weekly schedule with each.
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.