


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
- 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, 2024Guy BerryI’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, 2025 - 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, 2022Alex 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, 2023 - Andre Figueiredo
Highly recommended. João is an exceptional BJJ instructor who excels in nurturing children's confidence and fostering friendships.
January 15, 2024James Borg-ClancyJoao has established a thriving community within the gym. The curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to cater to individuals of all skill levels and ages, ensuring adaptability for both beginners and... read more advanced practitioners. Following each session, I find myself thoroughly exhausted, yet I eagerly return to acquire new techniques and insights, as well as to catch up with other students. The diverse coaching styles on offer enable students to select and refine approaches that resonate with their individual preferences, fostering the cultivation of a distinctive personal style. I cannot speak highly enough of this exceptional gym!
August 25, 2024 - Jack Griffiths
João is a great instructor, very knowledgeable, patient and explains everything clearly. The classes are fun and super friendly, a good variety of different sessions too. All the club members... read more are really nice as well. Very enjoyable, glad I joined!
April 14, 2023Gonzalo C.SAmazing club to learn not just proper BJJ, but also real self-defence. BJJ, No Gi, Real fight situation and some MMA techniques. This is one of the few places... read more where you can do BJJ sparring starting on your feed, so you will learn and practice a lot of takedowns. The coach João follow a serious disciplined program with his students, sending week by week the techniques to be done during the next sessions.
December 14, 2022 - Ramji Kannan
We have been there for 4 classes so far. My 5 year old is enjoying it a lot and also he is learning some self defence techniques with the same... read more set of children. I'm sure it will help any children to tackle the bullying and increase self confidence. The master is very patient with children and dedicated. Now summer holidays have started. Hence looking forward to resume in September. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for it. Thanks.
August 14, 2023Marina Walker
January 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 - Deepika Bangarh
I 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 15, 2023Manu HegdeReally enjoyed my experience at Canary Wharf BJJ. The coach is very helpful and community is super friendly
February 15, 2024Alex PattleI'd not trained in jiu-jitsu for about two years when I decided to restart, and Joao was really welcoming – as was everyone else at the club – making it... read more an easy transition back into BJJ. Joao is attentive during the sections of class in which we drill techniques, clear in his instruction, and club members are supportive and considerate during sparring – while still being competitive in a friendly way. There are also classes every day of the week (and at a variety of times), meaning there's sure to be something that works for you. Would wholly recommend.
September 14, 2023 - 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, 2025Matthew PowerBeen training with João and the team for almost 3 months now and it has been great. Friendly and fun environment with great sessions and a growing schedule of classes... read more to attend, whatever your skill level. Look forward to watching the gym grow even more!
March 14, 2023saul 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 - Anthony Baston
Canary 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, 2023Kathleen CumminsGreat 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 - Owen Perlo
This club has an incredible atmosphere. The team are very skilled, and capable teachers. Everyone is very welcoming to beginners - and people new to martial arts join the club... read more every day. And the rates are cheap, especially for London.
May 27, 2025