


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
- James Borg-Clancy
Joao has established a thriving community within the gym. The curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to cater to individuals of all skill levels and ages, ensuring adaptability for both beginners and... read more advanced practitioners. Following each session, I find myself thoroughly exhausted, yet I eagerly return to acquire new techniques and insights, as well as to catch up with other students. The diverse coaching styles on offer enable students to select and refine approaches that resonate with their individual preferences, fostering the cultivation of a distinctive personal style. I cannot speak highly enough of this exceptional gym!
August 25, 2024David Khudoyan
April 15, 2024 - Wojciech Delążek
I've been looking for BJJ academy for quite a while and finally found the right one. For me as a beginner it was really important to have a safe start... read more but also be able to grow. Canary Wharf BJJ offers variety of classes from foundations to competition - everyone will find something for them, no matter if you just want to get in shape, work on your self-defence or learn advanced BJJ techniques - this is the right place for you. Great coaches, great people and great atmosphere. Hopefully see you soon!
March 15, 2024Oskar 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, 2022Stephen 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 - dee Paul
I been training at CWBJJ for nearly 2 months now and I must say I absolutely love it. Training is very well planned, we get sent weekly syllabus of what... read more each class will be covering in that week. Everyone is friendly and supportive. Head coach João & all other coaches are very patient, helpful & caring. He is very dedicated to make this a great community for everyone. Having trained at difficult martial arts gyms, its hard to find a good training place with a good atmosphere but CWBJJ is the best place. I would highly recommend trying it to anyone, even if you never had done BJJ before dont worry as there fundamentals classes for beginners to help. I hope to see you on the mats 🙂
December 11, 2023 - Paulo Muwonge
Amazing coach . Can only recommend it to everyone! Started it 7 months ago and regret that I should have started 15 years ago
December 14, 2022Kathleen CumminsGreat 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, 2024 - Guy Berry
I’d never been part of any martial arts club or ever trained properly, within 5 minutes of arriving it was clear that this was the perfect place for me. The training... read more is structured, approachable, safe, well coached and is all run in a family/team style atmosphere. All of the coaches are enthusiastic, supportive and clearly deeply knowledgable. If you’re thinking about trying out a new sport or a new place to train, Canary Wharf BJJ is perfect.
May 27, 2025Anthony BastonCanary Wharf BJJ is a fantastic place to train! I could not recommend highly enough. Headed up by the knowledgable and lethal João you’re sure to learn well and learn... read more fast. The community is also class, as everyone is committed to the sport. Membership will get you access to the club WhatsApp group too, where you get updates about what will be trained in the coming week, as well as some fun training clips and the occasional meme too. So now that you’re fully persuaded I look forward to rolling with you on the Canary Wharf BJJ Mats!
September 14, 2023 - Matthew Power
Been training with João and the team for almost 3 months now and it has been great. Friendly and fun environment with great sessions and a growing schedule of classes... read more to attend, whatever your skill level. Look forward to watching the gym grow even more!
March 14, 2023Sebastian LI recently joined this martial arts gym, and I couldn't be more impressed with their training programme. I am in my 40s with no prior experience in grappling and the... read more journey started with a Foundations class which was perfect for a beginner like me. The class is designed to help you build a strong foundation and prepare for a smooth transition into sparring. Additionally, the training has resulted in positive changes to my physique. I've noticed significant improvements in my strength, endurance and overall fitness. The club has a very welcoming atmosphere and the coaches are incredibly accommodating, always ensuring everyone feels comfortable and safe. Whether you're a beginner or experienced martial artist, you'll find the training both challenging and rewarding. Overall I highly recommend this gym to anyone looking to start or continue their martial arts journey. The combination of excellent training, welcoming community and dedicated coaches makes it a fantastic place to train.
June 20, 2025 - 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, 2024Raimo StūrītisThe classes are very well structured for all levels of entry, developing you step-by-step from the basics, which is a rarity. I’m glad I was finally able to find a... read more truly family like environment to start my BJJ journey, where everyone is very supportive and you are able to make new friends. Cannot recommend this enough.
July 15, 2024 - Quentin Poret
100% recommend these classes! You can learn safely at your own rhythm and with a friendly and welcoming group. The class are well structured and diversified. Joao goes above and... read more beyond to find new ways to train.
December 14, 2022Filipa Futscher FernandesVery welcoming space, teacher is clearly knowledgeable and very patient - even when you're not very coordinated like me 🙂
January 15, 2024JackAs a beginner, the instruction is amazing with an incredibly friendly atmosphere in the club. Starting a new sport can be intimidating but I immediately felt welcome and part of... read more the group. Everyone is extremely patient and helpful which is so important while you get to grips with new techniques! It has very quickly become my main activity and look forward to attending as much as I can throughout the year. Highly recommend!
January 14, 2023 - Andre Figueiredo
Highly recommended. João is an exceptional BJJ instructor who excels in nurturing children's confidence and fostering friendships.
January 15, 2024Alex HaiserReally nice environment and everyone is very supportive and friendly. A great place to train if you are starting BJJ as the classes are very structured and focused on the... read more basic fundamentals before learning to spar. Joao and the team are excellent teachers who are very patient and attentive to all members of the class!
June 14, 2023