In a real-life confrontation, it can be difficult to land precise punches or kicks under stress. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling based martial art focuses on leverage, technique, and control.

You’ll learn how to stay calm, stay safe and use leverage, technique and timing instead of brute force to escape various positions, defend against attacks, control someone trying to escape, and apply submissions like joint locks and chokes—while also learning to defend against them, even against larger, stronger people..

It’s especially effective for beginners, women, and kids who may need to defend themselves against larger opponents.

Some self-defence and martial arts training has become a bit of a joke. But Jiu-Jitsu has gained its reputation for one simple reason: it works.

Its effectiveness in real combat against other martial arts was first demonstrated in Brazil through challenge matches issued by the Gracie family. This legacy was taken to new heights when the Gracie's brought Jiu-Jitsu to America and created the UFC to showcase their revolutionary style.

Beyond the octagon, there are countless real-life stories and footage of people successfully using Jiu-Jitsu in critical situations. As a result many organisations have adopted Jiu Jitsu! Within the Gracie Jiu Jitsu organisation alone, we teach law enforcement, military, security staff and even healthcare professionals.

We can't speak for other Jiu Jitsu gyms but safety is our top priority at every stage of your Gracie Tameside journey. You’ll never be thrown into anything you’re not ready for. Our programs progress at your pace, with partners and instructors who prioritise control and care.

We build your foundational knowledge—positions, controls, and escapes—before introducing live sparring, which helps prevent injuries by ensuring you move with technique and confidence.

Every class follows a structured curriculum, with instructors highlighting safety tips alongside each drill, so you can train hard, grow quickly, and feel secure on the mat.

Jiu-Jitsu training involves different styles, and what you wear can significantly impact how you train.

All of our beginner classes are taught in a white Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi, which continues into the advanced classes.

The Gi is a full uniform with a belt, similar to Judo or Karate, though with a distinct fit and feel. The Gi can be grabbed and used to aid in escapes, submissions, or throws, adding a unique strategic element.

The Master Cycle will introduce No-Gi training, which involves a rash guard and shorts. With nothing to grab, the pace tends to be faster, and techniques adapt accordingly.

Fingerless gloves aren’t typically used in BJJ since there’s no striking in the sport, although, because we train Jiu-Jitsu for self-defence or an MMA setting, gloves are used to safely incorporate strikes into practice.

While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a core part of MMA, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie University Training Centres is fundamentally different. Our focus is not on winning tournaments or preparing for cage fights—it’s on teaching real-world self-defence that anyone can use, regardless of size, strength, or athletic background.

Unlike MMA, which combines striking and grappling for competition, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is designed to help you stay calm, control an opponent, and protect yourself in real-life situations—even against someone who may be bigger, stronger, or more aggressive.

You won’t be learning how to fight in a ring—you’ll be learning how to walk through the world with confidence.

Not at all. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is based on technique and leverage, not strength or size. It’s designed to help you overcome larger, stronger opponents — and anyone can learn it.

There is absolutely no fitness requirements for any of our beginner classes. You will fit right in!

Give yourself some time, and you will be astounded at what your body is capable of and how much you can improve!

Our certified instructors are trained to keep their teaching simple, effective, and beginner-focused. So even the most uncoordinated person will develop these skills! Come see for yourself.

Yes, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an interesting and engaging art/sport that has a big competition scene, and whilst some of our members have decided to test their skills in this format, we don't go out of our way to prepare students (rules, strategy etc) for competition.

However, our first priority for our students is that they learn the fundamentals of self-defence. What you need to do to survive against an aggressive, untrained opponent may be different from what you would need to learn for a sport jiu-jitsu tournament.

We understand that most people who train with us are doing so for fitness, health and confidence. When practised correctly, BJJ can be an activity to enjoy for many years!