


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
- Deepika Bangarh
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 15, 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 - Alice Schofield
I was terrified starting BJJ as a very small woman but have never once been made to feel like I couldn’t do it! Everyone is lovely and so supportive. Ladies... read more if you’re reading this: definitely give it a go!!!
June 15, 2024Сабина ТекучанMy 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, 2024 - Rofiq Noor
Extremely well structured, everyone is very patient and understanding how daunting it can be when you’re new. Highly recommend if you’re interested in BJJ or just for self defence.
November 14, 2023Christy OConnorJoão and his incredible team create a healthy environment where students of all levels can get what they need to progress within each session. I really would recommend CWBJJ to... read more anyone. Since starting at the club a few months a go, I've gained so much confidence from joining such a thriving Martial Arts community...Oss!
February 15, 2024 - 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, 2024Thibaud Saint-RomainJoao is an excellent coach, very patient. His goal is that no matter your level from beginner to competitor you will find what you are looking for during the classes.... read more I genuinely highly recommend the club.
July 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 - Stephen 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, 2024Jack GriffithsJoão 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, 2023Guy BerryI’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, 2025 - 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, 2022 - Gonzalo C.S
Amazing 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 - ella sn
Amazing 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, 2024 - Ruhel Amin
Definitely recommend this place. Instructor is great with the kids. My son has been attending for couple years and absolutely loves it.
August 14, 2023saul 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, 2024정하건Perfect place to start Jiu jitsu! As a foreigner, starting a new physical pursuit in London was a big attempt. However, as soon as I set my feet on the... read more mat, all the worries went away. People were friendly, instructions were very precise, the atmosphere was great! Now Jiu jitsu became part and parcel in my life along with a sense of contentment. I highly recommend this gym for anyone who is considering to join 🙂
July 14, 2023 - Alexandra Beneduce van Cruysen
My 7 year old son started BJJ in January of this year. He enjoyed classes from day 1. The coach, Joao, is highly experienced and great with kids, finding a... read more great balance between having fun and more serious learning. My son has tried a few martial arts classes and this one is the one he has enjoyed the most and stuck with the longest. The children's classes are becoming quite popular and therefore busier than ideal, but Joao is introducing additional time slots (weekends too) and that should help with numbers. It's got a family feel to it, I'd recommend it to any parent considering BJJ for their child. Note adult classes are also available!
August 15, 2024