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What is BJJ?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art, combat sport, and self-defense system whose techniques focus on using biomechanical leverage to overcome disadvantages in size and strength - most notably by applying joint locks, strangles, and reversals.
But why start?
BJJ is effective - this is why it is a staple in MMA, meaning that nearly all fighters must know BJJ in order to survive in the ring against other fighters. Some notable practitioners include Ryan Hall, Angela Lee (the youngest person to win a world title in MMA), and Charles Oliveira (#1 ranked fighter who also holds the record for most submission wins).
Many celebrities also practice it, such as Scarlett Johansson, Keanu Reeves, Joe Rogan, and others.
You need no prior experience to start BJJ. Most of our members start BJJ while in university as beginners. Training sessions are specially structured to accommodate people of all skill levels. More experienced practitioners would be delighted to help you along if you have questions - everyone was a beginner once!
You do not need to be fit, strong or huge to start BJJ. While being fit would make certain movements easier at the start, regular attendance will naturally make you fitter, stronger, faster and leaner! Perhaps that is the point of all exercise - to become better with every session - and BJJ at LSE is no different.
Membership benefits
We aim to keep costs low and transparent for members. This is why LSE BJJ is about 50% cheaper per session than most outside training. To attend coached sessions, purchase both a training membership and standard membership. Our coached sessions are conducted by an accredited black-belt coach.
Standard Membership: £10 (For access to coached sessions, open mats, discounted merch, discounted self-defense seminars, and the chance to represent LSE at competitions)
One-off training sessions: £10 (For non-members who want to attend a single session)
Training Membership Autumn Term: £85
Training Membership Winter Term: £85
Training schedule, GIAG sessions and Welcome Week
All training sessions will take place in the Marshall Building (either the Sports Hall or the Weston Sudio).
Welcome week stall:
- 20 Sept (Wed)
GIAG sessions:
- 25 Sept (Mon) 1-3pm
- 29 Sept (Fri) 6-8pm
Regular sessions for AT starting on 2 Oct (Mon):
- Mondays 6-8pm - Weston Studio (coached)
- Thursdays 7:30-9:30pm - Sports Hall (coached)
Contact Us
Get in touch with us if you have any questions:
- Instagram: @lse_bjj
- Email: bjj@lsesu.org
- Link to Whatsapp group for announcements: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DJSjqlVBKdJ9RN9PPuEYdY
FAQs:
1. What does a typical training session look like?
- Warm-ups (basic movements to get the body accustomed to BJJ movements)
- Technique demonstration and practice (we learn a couple of moves a session)
- Technical sparring (shorter, lighter chances for us to practice the moves of the day against a resisting opponent)
- Sparring
2. What equipment do I need?
Bring yourself, some water, and a Gi (This is a jacket we wear while training which we use to perform certain techniques - it can simulate the clothes people wear in the street. A karate/judo Gi works too. New members will be given some time to get one, so don't worry about bringing one to your GIAG session)
3. Can you tell me more about what I will learn?
- How to escape from bad positions (eg. being pinned or choked by a bigger person in side control, mount)
- How to go from bad positions to good positions (eg. sweeps, where you go from being squashed to squashing someone)
- How to attack submissions from good positions (eg. kimuras, armbars, chokes and more from various positions)
- How to think calmly under pressure
4. What if I'm afraid of sparring? What IS sparring?
BJJ advocates battle-testing ourselves constantly. This way, we know that our techniques work against actual resisting opponents, rather than merely being for show. During sparring, two people aim to apply the techniques they learn against each other. When one person taps out, the round is over and all chokes/joint-locks are released no matter what. You can, at any point, tap out if you feel uncomfortable.
Nobody will be forced to spar against any opponent. But it is highly recommended that you try it to the best of your abilities, against opponents of different shapes and sizes. This will greatly hone your technique in real-life settings and help you understand the movement and abilities of others in relation to yourself.
A general rule we follow is to discuss the rules before starting the round (Eg. Let's go light this round! Please match my strength level) and for the stronger person to avoid 'out-muscling' their sparring partner, instead focusing on applying their techniques.
5. What will I gain from joining LSE BJJ? (If the above isn't enough for you)
- Look good. BJJ can burn more than 1000 calories in a single session, and can develop serious strength and muscular definition in practitioners. People tend to look good in a Gi as well.
- Feel good. You'll become more in control of your body in everyday life, you'll have a community to turn to, and you'll leave every session as a fighter.
- Be good. Enough said.