


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
- saul ames-reddin
I’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 - Jordan
I'm in the beginning of my BJJ journey and finding Canary Wharf BJJ has been great. The coaches have such amazing attention to detail, patience as well as fostering a... read more safe and exciting environment to learn. CWBJJ has a great community that I'm glad to be a part of. Would definitely recommend!
July 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 - 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, 2024 - Ramji Kannan
We have been there for 4 classes so far. My 5 year old is enjoying it a lot and also he is learning some self defence techniques with the same... read more set of children. I'm sure it will help any children to tackle the bullying and increase self confidence. The master is very patient with children and dedicated. Now summer holidays have started. Hence looking forward to resume in September. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for it. Thanks.
August 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 - 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, 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, 2023Oskar 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 - Filipa Futscher Fernandes
Very welcoming space, teacher is clearly knowledgeable and very patient - even when you're not very coordinated like me 🙂
January 15, 2024Alexandra Beneduce van CruysenMy 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, 2024Christy 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 - Owen Perlo
This club has an incredible atmosphere. The team are very skilled, and capable teachers. Everyone is very welcoming to beginners - and people new to martial arts join the club... read more every day. And the rates are cheap, especially for London.
May 27, 2025Mikhail ManA great BJJ community of passionate athletes from all skill levels. You will always be welcomed, respected and then humbled!
February 15, 2024Siamah BegumJoão 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 - Andzelika Borowska
Joao run fun clases for younger kids as well as great sessions for adults. My son is always happy to go and train.
December 14, 2021Nitin RawalIt is a nice place to train. BJJ classes are well structured and professor Joao pay attention to each student and try to bring best out of them. we also... read more visit to other dojo’s for rolling sessions and higher belts also visit to the gym to roll and that helps in providing diverse training experience.
December 14, 2022 - 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, 2023Quentin Poret100% 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, 2022ella 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, 2024 - J Kim
Excellent instructors and great mat culture. A safe, respectful and clean gym to learn BJJ. All the classes are structured and so you have a clear idea of what you... read more are going to learn each week. Classes include self defence, takedown/throws and then the focus is on BJJ techniques, with sparring at the end - so you get well rounded training. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to begin or continue their BJJ training, or just visiting by.
April 15, 2024