A workout unlike anything you’ve tried before.

Introducing ARMA's Jiu Jitsu For Beginners

Come to Clapham, test your competitive streak, and experience a strength puzzle that hooks you instantly.

Expert Coaches. Other Beginners. Figuring It Out Together.

No egos, no pressure, just solid training and good banter. Bring a friend, laugh through your first drills, and move in a way different than a squat or reformer.

Fill in your details below to start your Jiu Jitsu Journey.

Surrounded by expert coaches and other beginners, there’s no better place to dip your toe into a martial art.

The ARMA Beginner’s Jiu Jitsu Trial

The People Leading Your First Session

Ffion Davies needs no introduction... A World ADCC & CJI Champion - whether gi or no-gi, Ffion is unequivocally the best female grappler in the world! She will be bringing her unrivalled skillset to ARMA and helping to develop all our students, as Head Coach. We couldn't be prouder to have Ffion aboard the ARMA coaching staff, and we know our members will be beyond excited to develop their Jiu Jitsu under her tutelage.

Head Coach

Ffion Davies

Sam Gibson began his BJJ journey in 2004 at age 14. After years of dedication, he was promoted to black belt by Dickie Martin in May 2015. In 2016, Sam made history as one of the first UK athletes to medal at the IBJJF European Championships at the black belt level, securing a bronze medal. Sam is a dedicated instructor committed to helping students reach their full potential – he is one of our Head Coaches at ARMA.

Head Gi Coach

Sam Gibson

Frankie Renda is a Brown belt at Carlson Gracie London and a regular competitor on the international scene, winning multiple medals at IBJJF tournaments, including silver at IBJJ Europeans in 2024. She’ll bring almost a decade of BJJ Gi and No-gi training and competing and will use these experiences to assist the head coaches in developing the ARMA Army, as well as supporting with the building up of our young ARMA athletes in the kids program.

Assistant Coach

Frankie Renda

Paxton Gibbons has been training BJJ for over 18 years and is a Second-Degree Black Belt, under 10-time World Champion, Roger Gracie. He’s a passionate and successful coach with 14 years’ worth of experience. His hands-on instructing style helps him pay close attention to his students, tighten up their techniques and encourage their individual styles. He’s patient and clear in his instruction, aiding easy comprehension. Paxton is still active on the competition scene too, which he finds essential for explaining techniques.

Head of Fundamentals

Paxton Gibbons

ADCC competitor Nia is one of Europe’s top grapplers. She’s a highly accomplished competitor with an impressive list of achievements, including 2 x World Champion, 4 x European gi/no-gi Champion and ADCC European Trials winner 2024. Her technical skill, competition experience, and coaching ability make her a great addition to the team.

Coach

Nia Blackman

Joss Ayres is in his first competitive season at the black belt level, having dominated in the gi throughout his coloured belt career. He is a gi specialist and his best achievements are still to come at the Black Belt level. We are incredibly excited to have him coaching at ARMA and to support him on this journey, the same way Joss will support our students with their development in their own gi training.

Coach

Joss Ayres

Why You’ll be Hooked

Everyone’s new so you’ll be training and joking through the same drills.
Jiu Jitsu forces you to problem-solve creating a total escape from daily stress and sharpening focus beyond the mats.
You’ll enjoy more than your class with the chance to lift in the gym, recover in the sauna, and treat yourself to brunch or glass of wine in Clapham.

What to Expect

Experience your first beginner’s session.
Join ARMA’s 8-Week Beginner Programme as a member and master the basics.
Embark on the rest of your jiu jitsu journey as a hobbyist or competitor.

Introductory Sessions

Surrounded by expert coaches and other beginners, there’s no better place to dip your toe into a martial art.

The ARMA Beginner’s Jiu Jitsu Trial

How We Help You Fall in Love with Jiu Jitsu

Coaching that Actually Cares

Forget the old-school “hard man” gym vibe. ARMA coaches know how to push you without posturing. You’ll get clear guidance, practical feedback, and a great atmosphere that keeps you coming back, especially when it gets tough.

Dedicated to Beginners

Everyone in your first session is new to this. You’ll all be learning, sweating, and probably laughing through the same drills. It’s the best way to ease in and build confidence. Bonus points if you drag your most competitive friend along. Nothing bonds people like trying to choke each other in a socially acceptable setting.

Stronger Body and Mind

Jiu Jitsu’s physical and also strategic. You’ll start seeing improvements in focus, decision-making, and calm under pressure. Once you land your first sweep or submission, you’ll get why people call it addictive.

More than Just a Class

When you’re done, hit the showers, grab a coffee, protein shake, or head to one of the many local Clapham pubs to debate who nailed the technique best.

Exclusive O

Surrounded by expert coaches and other beginners, there’s no better place to dip your toe into a martial art.

Real Reviews from Real Members