


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, 2025Alex 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, 2023J 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 - Tim Whiting
Friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable, channelling, well-organised, respectful - what more can I say? An absolute pleasure to train here.
May 27, 2025Siamah 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, 2022Anthony 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 - 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, 2022ZhaoGreat teacher and good atmosphere! Joao is very patient and explains every move in details. Lovely and friendly training partners. Highly recommended!
December 14, 2022Sam WebsterIf 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 - 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, 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 - Jamil L
Great place to train. Very welcoming environment. Joao is an excellent coach and takes time to explain everything during sessions and helps out with any areas students are struggling... read more with. Always a well thought out training schedule.
December 14, 2022Raimo 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 - 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, 2024 - 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, 2021 - 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 - 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, 2021Alexandra 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, 2024 - Sebastian L
I 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