


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
- Lorenzo Olivati
I have been longing to come back to practice BJJ for a very long time. Joao has created an amazing community and I can’t wait for then next session.
May 27, 2025Oskar 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 - J Kim
Excellent 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, 2024Anthony 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 - Rofiq Noor
Extremely well structured, everyone is very patient and understanding how daunting it can be when you’re new. Highly recommend if you’re interested in BJJ or just for self defence.
November 14, 2023Anna WaludaChildren 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, 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 - 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, 2023Sam 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 - Guy Berry
I’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, 2025David Khudoyan
April 15, 2024 - Andre Figueiredo
Highly recommended. João is an exceptional BJJ instructor who excels in nurturing children's confidence and fostering friendships.
January 15, 2024Сабина ТекучанMy 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 - 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, 2024Charles Anthony ChuFriendly 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, 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 - Hector Gosselin
June 15, 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, 2023JackAs 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 - Jolanta
My daughter has been attending Joao's class. Sessions are run professionally with a firm but respectful attitude toward kids.
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 - Christy OConnor
João and his incredible team create a healthy environment where students of all levels can get what they need to progress within each session. I really would recommend CWBJJ to... read more anyone. Since starting at the club a few months a go, I've gained so much confidence from joining such a thriving Martial Arts community...Oss!
February 15, 2024Tim WhitingFriendly, welcoming, knowledgeable, channelling, well-organised, respectful - what more can I say? An absolute pleasure to train here.
May 27, 2025Dan 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