


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
- 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, 2025Filipa Futscher FernandesVery welcoming space, teacher is clearly knowledgeable and very patient - even when you're not very coordinated like me 🙂
January 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 - Földesi Lénárd
I 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, 2021Paulo MuwongeAmazing coach . Can only recommend it to everyone! Started it 7 months ago and regret that I should have started 15 years ago
December 14, 2022JordanI'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, 2024 - 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 - Andre Figueiredo
Highly recommended. João is an exceptional BJJ instructor who excels in nurturing children's confidence and fostering friendships.
January 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, 2022 - Diego Dubard
João e a equipe de professores são muito receptivos e atentos aos detalhes. Desde as aulas de fundamentos de defesa pessoal estamos sempre sendo apresentados a posições e golpes com... read more bastante segurança. Quem se interessa em artes marciais deve fazer uma visita.
September 11, 2024Matthew PowerBeen 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, 2023Anthony 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 - Tim Whiting
Friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable, channelling, well-organised, respectful - what more can I say? An absolute pleasure to train here.
May 27, 2025Ramji KannanWe 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, 2023 - 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, 2021JolantaMy daughter has been attending Joao's class. Sessions are run professionally with a firm but respectful attitude toward kids.
December 14, 2022Gonzalo 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 - 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, 2024Faz DarI 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 - Anna Waluda
Children classes are very good and well planned for their age. João makes sessions fun, has tons of patience and very good approach to kids and they like coming to... read more jiu jitsu.
December 14, 2021J KimExcellent 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