Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu

What is BJJ?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a ground-based grappling art that teaches practitioners how to control and submit opponents using leverage, technique, and body mechanics, regardless of size or strength. It's often described as physical chess: a constantly evolving game of positions, threats, and counters.

BJJ is both an incredibly effective martial art and one of the most rewarding sports you can practise. The belt progression system provides a clear development pathway, and the community of practitioners is famously welcoming and intellectually engaged.

BJJ at Zilla Training

Our adult BJJ programme is led by George Pearse as Head Coach, supported by Richard Hardcastle. This two-coach structure means more individual attention during drilling and rolling, faster feedback loops, and a coaching team that covers different strengths and perspectives.

George's methodical approach to teaching ensures every student, from first-day white belts to experienced competitors, receives clear, progressive instruction that translates directly to improvement on the mat. His ability to diagnose technical gaps and provide targeted corrections makes his coaching exceptionally effective. Richard complements this with a detail-oriented style that is especially effective with students still building their foundational game.

Classes cover fundamental positions and escapes, sweeps and submissions from guard, passing and back control, competition strategy, and advanced concepts for experienced practitioners. We train gi and no-gi, with a structured curriculum that ensures progression at every level.

Kids BJJ

Zilla also runs a dedicated Kids BJJ programme led by Louise Stevens, Frankie Winter, and Marcus Gayle, with Louise also serving as the gym's Safeguarding Officer. Learn more about Kids classes →