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Women’s Jiu-Jitsu in Thamesford

A women's-only class on Friday evenings, open to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced students. You don't need experience, fitness or a gi to join. Your first class is free.

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What the women’s class is like

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling art with no punches or kicks. You learn how to control positions, escape bad ones, and win with leverage and timing, not size or strength. The women's class teaches the same jiu-jitsu as every other class. You just train alongside other women.

The hour itself

A warm-up you can dial down if you need to, two or three techniques taught in detail, drilling them with a partner, then live rounds at the end. On your first night you can roll light, roll only with a coach, or watch and ask questions. All three are normal.

All levels in one room

Complete beginners and women with years of training share the class. You are paired with someone suited to your level or size.

Self-defence, honestly

We won't promise you a self-defence system in six weeks. What jiu-jitsu does build is real skill and real confidence. You practise against a resisting partner every week, so you learn to stay calm and defend yourself under pressure.

Training the rest of the week

Many of our women train only on Fridays and still make great progress. Others add the mixed adult classes once they feel settled. You can choose morning, midday or evening, gi and no-gi, all included in your membership.

There is no expectation either way.

Come with someone, if that helps

Bring a friend, a sister, your mum or your daughter. The first class is free!

Your first class, step by step

The unknown is the hardest part, so here is exactly how a Friday goes.

01
Arrive fifteen minutes early
Ask for a coach at the desk and say it is your first class. Nothing to book, nothing to pay, no forms at the door.
02
Wear leggings and a fitted top
Anything without zips, buckles or pockets. Nothing loose, and hair tied back. We will lend you a gi if you want to try the jacket.
03
Warm up with the class
Movement, not a fitness test. Sit out anything that does not agree with your body.
04
Learn and drill with a partner
A coach demonstrates, then you practice it slowly with a partner. 
05
Live rounds, or watch them
Roll light, roll with a coach, or sit on the side and watch. On night one it is entirely your call and nobody will push you.
06
Go home and think about it
No sign-up pressure at the end of the hour and no follow-up sales call. Come back next Friday if you liked it.

When the women’s class runs

Women’s Only
Friday, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
All levels, including complete beginners. No booking needed — turn up fifteen minutes early on your first night.

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Frequently asked

Do I have to train with men?
Not in this class — the Friday session is women only. Every other class on the schedule is mixed and open to you whenever you want it, but nobody will push you into one.
I have never done a martial art in my life.
That is the normal starting point here. The class is taught so a first-timer can follow it, and there is always someone else near the beginning of their own learning.
Do I need to be fit first?
No, and waiting until you are is the most common reason people never start. You set the pace, you can stop any round, and the fitness follows the training rather than the other way round.
What should I wear?
Leggings or shorts without zips or pockets, and a fitted top or rash guard. Hair tied back, nails short, no jewellery. Bare feet on the mats. We lend a gi for your first month if you want to train in the Gi.
Is it close contact? I am not sure how I feel about that.
It is a grappling art, so yes. It is also a class of women, the grips are taught precisely, and you can tell a partner or a coach at any moment that you want to stop or slow down. That is normal and respected, not awkward.
Will I get hurt?
There is no striking, which removes most of the risk people picture. As in any sport, injuries can happen. We keep them rare by teaching you to tap early and by coaching you closely. 
Am I too old to start?
No. You can start jiu-jitsu at any age. Our members begin in their thirties, forties, fifties and even seventies. Tell your coach about any injury or limitations and they'll adjust the training to fit you.
Can my teenage daughter train with me?
From thirteen, students can train in the adult program, and plenty of mothers and daughters train together. Talk to a coach and we will make sure she is placed well.
Can I bring a friend?
Please do. Both first classes are free, and walking in with someone makes the first night much easier.

Come and try a Friday

Your first class is on us. Turn up fifteen minutes early and ask for a coach. No cost, no obligation, and no follow-up sales call.