


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
- 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, 2024Paulo 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, 2022JackAs 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 - 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, 2021Manu HegdeReally enjoyed my experience at Canary Wharf BJJ. The coach is very helpful and community is super friendly
February 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 - 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, 2021 - Anh Nguyen
I’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, 2023Raimo 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, 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 - 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, 2024Filipa Futscher FernandesVery welcoming space, teacher is clearly knowledgeable and very patient - even when you're not very coordinated like me 🙂
January 15, 2024ella 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 - 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, 2023Alex 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, 2023Dan AyodeleJoao is an excellent teacher for those who are worried about the experience I can reassure you that you won’t be disappointed. In the short time I have been... read more working with Joao I can already see and feel the improvements in my game. I strongly urge people to step out of their comfort zone and give it a try with someone who is actually trying to teach people not just money grabbing like other clubs I had previously been too.
December 14, 2022 - 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, 2022Christopher 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 - Charles Anthony Chu
Friendly and educational brazilian jiu jitsu classes ! Joao is patient with his teachings and gives detailed information on different techniques. Amazing and respectable people to work and spar with... read more too!
April 14, 2023 - Nitin Rawal
It 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, 2022James Borg-ClancyJoao 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, 2024 - 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, 2024Gonzalo 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