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 that 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..

This makes Jiu-Jitsu the perfect martial art for women who want to learn to defend themselves, even against larger opponents.

Some women's 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 women specifically, successfully using Jiu-Jitsu in critical situations. As a result, many organisations have adopted Jiu Jitsu! Within the Gracie Jiu Jitsu network 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.

Yes! Jiu-Jitsu is a fantastic confidence-builder for women.

As you learn and refine techniques, reaching new milestones, you gain a real sense of progress and achievement.

Overcoming challenges on the mat—whether it’s successfully executing a move or defending yourself—helps you feel empowered and capable.

The strength, fitness, and endurance you develop also boost your self-assurance, while training in a supportive, welcoming community allows you to connect with others and celebrate your growth.

Jiu-Jitsu helps you feel stronger, more confident, and ready to take on challenges both on and off the mat.

Yes! Jiu-Jitsu is a full-body workout that not only builds strength and cardiovascular fitness but also burns a significant number of calories—potentially hundreds per session, depending on the intensity—making it an effective way to lose weight and get fit.

You'll also enhance flexibility, mobility, balance, and coordination, helping you move better and reduce the risk of injury. It’s a fun, dynamic way to transform your fitness while learning practical self-defence skills.

Please note: Jiu-Jitsu is not a quick-fix solution. It's about changing your lifestyle, not about "dropping a dress size in 6 weeks with our new bootcamp". It takes time and consistency, but it is well worth it!

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.