


Empower yourself with the perfect blend of self-defense, sport, and martial arts
Empower yourself with the perfect blend of self-defense, sport, and martial arts
Empower yourself with the perfect blend of self-defense, sport, and martial arts
Head Coach
Joao has over 8 years of experience as a black belt, under Luiz Ribeiro from London Fight Factory. During his journey, he has acquired a significant amount of knowledge learning from different reputable sources including several elements from the Gracie family and World renowned competitors.
The Canary Wharf Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club focuses on providing you the best possible experience, by learning through a carefully crafted methodology in a safe and fun environment.
Sign up here for a free trial class
- Kathleen Cummins
Great club, tried a few in the past and this one is definitely the best for a number of reasons. Firstly, they teach a style of BJJ that I... read more enjoy, more of an old school style and with takedowns and judo throws. They also have foundations class which is more self defence based (but any of the classes would honestly teach you that too!) and great for those starting out (especially the ladies!). Secondly, there is very much a community vibe here. Everybody is nice to roll with, and your safety is always considered. Take it from a petite female - I've never once felt uncomfortable rolling with anybody in this club. Lastly, the team of instructors here are all highly skilled and great people. They always take time with each person to make sure they understand. Not much else to add other than come and try it you will not regret it 🙂
July 15, 2024Tim LThis is a great BJJ gym. Coach João cares a lot about the development of each of his students and goes out of his way to help them. The classes... read more are well structured and there is a lot of emphasis on safety when sparring and learning new techniques. 100% recommend!
March 14, 2023Stephen F.Canary Wharf Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers exceptionally well-structured and engaging classes, catering to a wide array of ages and backgrounds. The gym atmosphere is welcoming, with members eager to share... read more their experiences and insights. If you ever find yourself puzzled during training, the coach takes the time to break down the steps thoroughly, ensuring clarity and understanding. Each week is methodically organized into a syllabus, detailing the focus of upcoming sessions. Conveniently nestled in the Isle of Dogs, CWBJJ is a gem that's easy to locate. Beyond the excellent training and community, it's a perfect choice for those looking to maintain health and fitness while minimizing injury risk, thanks to the guidance of seasoned practitioners. I wholeheartedly recommend CWBJJ for anyone looking to embark on or continue their Jiu Jitsu journey!
January 15, 2024 - Sam Webster
If you're looking to get into Jiu Jitsu then I highly recommend this club. Joao's classes are professional and have a great atmosphere with people there from all ages and... read more differing martial art abilities. I'd never attempted to learn a martial arts before so it was daunting at first, but his classes are super welcoming and well structured and I'm already seeing progression after 1 month. Highly recommend.
December 14, 2022Saeeda DoolanAs a girl, it can seem intimidating to join to a BJJ Gym. However, the instructors are Canary Wharf Jiu Jitsu are great at teaching, making it fun and creating... read more a community. The culture is amazing and everyone is friendly. I’ve learnt so much within the few months and met other likeminded individuals.
July 14, 2023 - Jolanta
My daughter has been attending Joao's class. Sessions are run professionally with a firm but respectful attitude toward kids.
December 14, 2022Jamil LGreat place to train. Very welcoming environment. Joao is an excellent coach and takes time to explain everything during sessions and helps out with any areas students are struggling... read more with. Always a well thought out training schedule.
December 14, 2022Oskar WismierskiStarted my journey with BJJ about 5 months ago and have been training with João for a month and I have learned a tone! João has a great, structured approach... read more to training with both Gi and noGi classes one after another. Can also mix it up with combatives to put it all into practice. Everyone is super friendly and great to work with.
December 14, 2022 - Faz Dar
I was nervous about trying BJJ for the first time. I needn't have been. Joao and the coaching team have created a fantastic, welcoming, inclusive and supportive culture.... read more The beginners sessions are short a d focused, there is a well structured syllabus, safety is taken seriously, and the whole club just screams quality. If you are thinking of giving it a go, I thoroughly recommend it.
May 27, 2025 - Jack Griffiths
João is a great instructor, very knowledgeable, patient and explains everything clearly. The classes are fun and super friendly, a good variety of different sessions too. All the club members... read more are really nice as well. Very enjoyable, glad I joined!
April 14, 2023ella snAmazing atmosphere, great community. Classes conducted at a high level, teachers are always professional, helpful and with outstanding sense of humour. Everyone will learn something, regardless of their level of... read more advancement. Both KIDS and ADULT classes are highly recommended. Nowhere better to start and continue your journey with BJJ (and to develop sensible life approach ;)). Thank you Joao, all coaches and participants for your hard work, commitment, patience, motivation and mostly for creating such an amazing and welcoming hub! My daughter(7yo) said: "I really love Joao because he teaches us different techniques, super stuff; he is friendly and funny but we know when to be serious and we learn a lot. We don't mess up." Me: always look at Joao!
April 15, 2024Földesi LénárdI started BJJ with Joao and I learned from him so much. I like how he approaches the classes and focuses a lot on the technics. I love that we... read more have combatives, gi and no-gi classes as well, so I can learn all aspects of this martial art. There is a great community as well and the people are really nice and helpful. My son joined the kids class and he loves it. He learned a lot and I like how is more confident in a few new situations. Joao is amazing with kids and knows how to keep them entertained while they learn a technics.
December 14, 2021 - Сабина Текучан
My daughter has attended the BJJ here for one term, cannot wait to start the new one from September! She absolutely enjoys the classes and is always excited. João and... read more his assistants are on top, always helpful and caring, the environment here is very friendly. Great job, a big THANK YOU from our family!
August 15, 2024saul ames-reddinI’ve been training at CWBJJ for about 4 months, starting as a complete novice. One of the stand out features of the gym is the welcoming and friendly atmosphere, everyone... read more from the coaches to other members are really encouraging and supportive, and patient! The other major plus is that there are plenty of classes to choose from for all abilities including MMA. The classes are structured well which helps when learning and all the coaches really experienced and knowledgable and will make every effort to get to know you on a 1:1 basis which is nice to see. I’d definitely recommend to anyone on their BJJ journey!
September 12, 2024 - Andre Figueiredo
Highly recommended. João is an exceptional BJJ instructor who excels in nurturing children's confidence and fostering friendships.
January 15, 2024Anh NguyenI’m so pleased to have found CWBJJ. Joao is friendly, knowledgeable and a great teacher. The club has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with a diverse mix of members. The... read more classes follow a syllabus which provides a good structure for learning. I look forward to each of the classes, and whole heartedly recommend the club to anyone interested in BJJ.
July 14, 2023Gonzalo C.SAmazing club to learn not just proper BJJ, but also real self-defence. BJJ, No Gi, Real fight situation and some MMA techniques. This is one of the few places... read more where you can do BJJ sparring starting on your feed, so you will learn and practice a lot of takedowns. The coach João follow a serious disciplined program with his students, sending week by week the techniques to be done during the next sessions.
December 14, 2022 - Siamah Begum
João is an excellent teacher! My brother currently attends his classes and leaves them with a massive smile on his face, excited for his next lesson. Everyone is so incredibly... read more friendly and talented, eager to do well which has not only empowered my brother but also new beginners to push themselves to try new things. They’re a community who welcome you with open arms and leave you feeling accomplished and empowered. I cannot express my gratitude enough for their dedication to ensuring everyone feels safe, welcome and accepted. Definitely recommend investing in a membership!
December 14, 2022 - Mikhail Man
A great BJJ community of passionate athletes from all skill levels. You will always be welcomed, respected and then humbled!
February 15, 2024Filipa Futscher FernandesVery welcoming space, teacher is clearly knowledgeable and very patient - even when you're not very coordinated like me 🙂
January 15, 2024Christopher ChinI've been training bjj for a few years and found this gem of a place a few months ago. João is a fantastic instructor and really strives to provide a... read more well rounded curriculum that covers all the fundamentals and more. You get a variety of classes to pick from in gi and no gi. You get lots of constructive feedback and I have always found myself learning something new from the classes. Most importantly the community here is very welcoming and it's a safe and positive environment to train. I feel very lucky to be part of this club.
May 15, 2024 - Alex Pattle
I'd not trained in jiu-jitsu for about two years when I decided to restart, and Joao was really welcoming – as was everyone else at the club – making it... read more an easy transition back into BJJ. Joao is attentive during the sections of class in which we drill techniques, clear in his instruction, and club members are supportive and considerate during sparring – while still being competitive in a friendly way. There are also classes every day of the week (and at a variety of times), meaning there's sure to be something that works for you. Would wholly recommend.
September 14, 2023