Who are we?
Welcome to Grapplers Den Academy, South London’s home of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Located in the heart of Balham, Grapplers Den is one of London’s longest-standing BJJ academies, proudly serving the community for over 22 years. We are a trusted affiliate of the Mauricio Gomes Legacy Team, with direct lineage to the world-renowned Roger Gracie, 10-time world champion and icon of modern jiu-jitsu.
Our founder and head instructor, Javed, is a 3rd-degree black belt under Roger Gracie and a lifelong martial artist dedicated to the art and science of BJJ. His technical precision, personal mentorship, and deep passion create a learning environment that is both authentic and inclusive, no matter your background or experience level.
Whether you're completely new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or have some experience and want to take your training further, Grapplers Den is the perfect place to start. Our classes run six days a week and offer a balanced mix of Gi and No-Gi sessions, designed to suit all levels, from beginners to advanced.
At Grapplers Den, we see BJJ as more than just a sport, it’s a personal journey that builds confidence, discipline, and resilience. No matter your age, fitness level, or background, our goal is to help you grow, on and off the mats. Come train with us and find out what you’re truly capable of.
What is brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ)
Why Try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world, and for good reason. It’s a fun, practical, and highly effective way to learn how to control, pin, or submit an opponent using leverage and technique, not size or strength.
BJJ was developed over 100 years ago by the Gracie family in Brazil. They took traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu and adapted it so that even smaller people could defend themselves against larger opponents. It’s now practiced around the world by people of all ages, from complete beginners to top-level athletes.
At Grapplers Den, we’ll teach you:
- How to take someone down, control them, and safely apply submissions like joint locks and chokes
- How to stay calm and defend yourself in real-life situations
- The fundamentals of both self-defence and sport-style BJJ
- A system where you progress through belt ranks, with the option to test your skills in competitions (if you want!)
Our sessions are open to everyone, men and women of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. You don’t need to be strong, flexible, or experienced to start.
Whether you want to build confidence, get fitter, or just try something new, BJJ is for you. Come down and try a class, you might surprise yourself.