Week 1
Falling
First things first: how to hit the floor safely, so you can train without fearing the mat.
Thursdays 8pm–10pm
The beginners course
Six Thursday evenings of Japanese jiu jitsu — throws, locks, and practical self-defence. If you have never trained before, you are in the right place. If you are coming back after years away, you are welcome too. A tracksuit and water is all you need; no gi for the beginners course.
The six weeks
Week 1
Week 2
Stance
How to stand and move, and how to keep your balance when someone is trying to take it.
Week 3
Locks
Wrist and arm locks for control — useful if someone grabs you.
Week 4
Strikes
Basic strikes, and how to defend against them.
Week 5
Throws
Throws that use balance and timing rather than raw strength.
Week 6
Groundwork
What to do if you end up on the ground, then a short recap of all six weeks.
Next courses
Two January–March starts
Both run Thursdays 8pm–10pm at the Ki Centre for six weeks. Book & pay and we place you on the next course with a free place (7 January first, then 18 February).
- Course A Starts Thursday 7 January 2027 Ends Thursday 11 February 2027
- Course B Starts Thursday 18 February 2027 Ends Thursday 25 March 2027
On the mat
Club rules
A few simple rules keep training safe and pleasant for everyone on the mat.
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Come clean
You'll be training up close, so arrive washed and in a clean gi or kit.
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Keep your nails short
Cut your fingernails and toenails short so nobody gets scratched.
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Jewellery off
Take off rings, earrings, watches and piercings, or tape over anything that won't come out.
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Respect your partner
Look after the people you train with, go at a pace that suits them, and stop as soon as they tap.
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Yame means stop
When an instructor shouts "Yame!", stop what you're doing straight away. It's a safety call.
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Tell us about injuries
Let your instructor know about any injuries or health conditions that could affect your training, before class starts.
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Leave your ego at the door
Everyone was a beginner once, so help each other learn and don't turn practice into a contest.
Join the waiting list
Before you ask
Is this BJJ?
No. This is Japanese jiu jitsu: throws, locks, and standing self-defence. BJJ is the sport that stays mostly on the ground. Same wider family, different art.
I am not very fit.
That is absolutely fine. Night one is about learning to fall, not a fitness test. You get fitter by turning up.
Who trains?
A mixed room — students, people after work, anyone over 16. Women and men share the same mats from the start.
Do I have to do the course?
No. It is a foundation, not a gate. If you already train, or you would rather join the main class straight away, say so on the form or email us.
Reviews
Reviews
Amazing session with Simon & Dave. They are always happy to see new faces and welcome you back no matter how long it's been. Highly recommend for an inclusive martial arts club, for beginners and higher belts alike.
Excellent instructor and taught in a friendly environment. Simon makes the classes accessible and enjoyable whilst also explaining the real life application. Cannot recommend enough, also incredibly good value
They're a welcoming and friendly bunch, always come away drenched in sweat and in a great mood.
Unfortunately I’m a sporadic club member (the type that shows up as and when I’m in Brighton)—however, it’s always a pleasure and I always learn so much when I attend this club. Jiu Jitsu has been such a game-changer in my life. It’s always fun and I always learn something new!
Sensei Simon is an amazing teacher, he is absolutely hilarious and makes learning martial arts super fun. Had a truly wonderful time and I learned a lot. Cannot recommend enough!
Sensei Simon is a very well presented teacher who always makes learning fun and enjoyable (as much as being thrown can be). I honestly couldn't recommend this club enough to anyone regardless of skill. The culture in this club is very fun and friendly and im very glad its my local club
Everyone’s welcome
Everyone is welcome at Brighton Jitsu. If you’re 18 or over, you can train with us whatever your fitness, background, gender identity or sexuality. We actively support the LGBTQ+ community, and we want the mat to be a place where you can be yourself.
We train in an older building, and its changing rooms are split into male and female. If that doesn’t work for you, talk to any instructor in confidence and we’ll go through the options with you.