


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
- Thibaud Saint-Romain
Joao is an excellent coach, very patient. His goal is that no matter your level from beginner to competitor you will find what you are looking for during the classes.... read more I genuinely highly recommend the club.
July 15, 2024Alice SchofieldI 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, 2024J 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 - 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, 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, 2024Stephen F.Canary Wharf Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers exceptionally well-structured and engaging classes, catering to a wide array of ages and backgrounds. The gym atmosphere is welcoming, with members eager to share... read more their experiences and insights. If you ever find yourself puzzled during training, the coach takes the time to break down the steps thoroughly, ensuring clarity and understanding. Each week is methodically organized into a syllabus, detailing the focus of upcoming sessions. Conveniently nestled in the Isle of Dogs, CWBJJ is a gem that's easy to locate. Beyond the excellent training and community, it's a perfect choice for those looking to maintain health and fitness while minimizing injury risk, thanks to the guidance of seasoned practitioners. I wholeheartedly recommend CWBJJ for anyone looking to embark on or continue their Jiu Jitsu journey!
January 15, 2024 - Manu Hegde
Really enjoyed my experience at Canary Wharf BJJ. The coach is very helpful and community is super friendly
February 15, 2024JolantaMy daughter has been attending Joao's class. Sessions are run professionally with a firm but respectful attitude toward kids.
December 14, 2022정하건Perfect 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 - Jack
As 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, 2023Faz 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, 2021saul 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 - 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 - 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, 2024 - Dan Ayodele
Joao 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, 2022dee 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 - 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, 2024Saeeda 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, 2023