


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
- 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 - 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, 2021Guy 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 - Matthew Power
Been 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, 2023Saeeda DoolanAs a girl, it can seem intimidating to join to a BJJ Gym. However, the instructors are Canary Wharf Jiu Jitsu are great at teaching, making it fun and creating... read more a community. The culture is amazing and everyone is friendly. I’ve learnt so much within the few months and met other likeminded individuals.
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 - 정하건
Perfect 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 - 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, 2023dee PaulI 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 11, 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, 2021ella 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, 2024JordanI'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 - 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, 2023Anh 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, 2023 - 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, 2024James 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, 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 - 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 - Christopher Chin
I'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, 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, 2024