Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Basingstoke
About our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) classes for Adult Beginners
- Ages: 16+
- Class length: 60 or 90 minutes
- Gi based Classes
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tuesday 7:30 – 9:00 and Thursday 8:30 – 9:30pm
- Where: Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy, Unit A, Daneshill Central, Armstrong Road, Basingstoke RG24 8NU
- Sparring: no to light contact depending upon age and experience with safety equipment
- Coach: Our BJJ classes are led by Matt Batten, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Professor Roberto Meneguetti Almeida. All our coaches are DBS checked, first aid trained and insured.
- First step: a free taster class, no obligation – book a free taster here or call 01256 364104
Welcome to BJJ at Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes are for complete beginners and experienced grapplers alike.
You will learn takedowns, escapes, positional control and submissions step by step, at a pace that suits you, in a friendly and respectful environment.
Classes take place at our full-time, professionally equipped academy in Daneshill, Basingstoke, with specialist mats that are washed after every session. Whether you want to get fitter, learn practical self-defence or take on a new challenge, BJJ gives you a skill you can keep developing for years
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Discover Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
The Gentle Art of BJJ is a Martial Art and Combat sport focussing on groundwork and submission holds.
It focuses on the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger and even stronger opponent using correctly applied body mechanics and the understanding the principles of leverage and proper technique. BJJ is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that enhances strength, flexibility, and confidence.
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
BJJ originated in Brazil in the early 20th century , with its roots tracing back to Japanese Judo and traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese Judo teacher, emigrated to Brazil in 1914 and began teaching Judo, then known as Kano Jiu-Jitsu, to Carlos Gracie. Carlos and his more famous brother Helio Gracie adapted the techniques to focus more on groundwork and leverage to allow a much smaller person to defeat a larger, heavier and stronger opponent. This adaptation resulted in the development of what is now known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The Gracie family have played a pivotal role in popularising BJJ, not only in Brazil but around the world. The creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993 by Rorion Gracie and others was instrumental in demonstrating the effectiveness of BJJ in mixed martial arts (MMA), bringing it into the global spotlight and helping to ensure its continued popularity today and into the art that we teach in Basingstoke.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a Martial Arts is grappling or ‘wrestling’ based where the central theme is learning to apply the principles of controlling a non compliant opponent to make them submit. Due to the fact that controlling an opponent is usually easier on the ground rather than standing, many of the techniques of our Basingstoke Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) club are focussed around the skill of throwing an opponent and then ‘wrestling’ for a position from which the opponent has to submit.
To control and pacify someone of greater size, strength, and even aggression from someone smaller and with less strength is a key part of BJJ. This is achievable by utilising superior position, grip and leverage, upon your training partner.
BOOK A FREE TASTER CLASS!
Experience a class, meet our professional coaching team and discover whether Shin Gi Tai is right for you. No previous experience is required. There’s absolutely no obligation to join, it’s simply an opportunity to discover whether we’re the right fit for you.
Training safely in BJJ
Training safely at our Basingstoke Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) club involves several key practices to keep safe and to ensure a positive experience whilst training and as importantly longevity in the sport. Classes begin with a thorough warm-up and a cool-down routine to prepare your body for exercise and to aid recovery post class.
BJJ is a martial art and combat sport built around groundwork, control and submissions. Its core idea is simple: a smaller, weaker person can control and defeat a bigger, stronger opponent by using leverage, good position and correct technique rather than strength
Wear appropriate clothing such as a properly fitted gi (or uniform) plus rash guards and shorts, and use a mouthguard for protection.
Maintain personal and mat hygiene is key for such a close range activity. Showering before and after training, keep your nails trimmed and clean. We in turn, make sure that the mats are washed after every class.
Focus on learning and practising techniques correctly under our qualified coaches, rather than learning from YouTube. When you ‘roll’ together, engage in a controlled exchange with an emphasis on technique and be respectful of your current partners skill level. Communicate clearly with training partners, tapping early to avoid injuries and informing them and coaches of any pre-existing conditions and listen to your body,
Creating a positive, safe and productive training environment is the responsibility for all of us.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Questions Answered
Starting BJJ naturally comes with a few questions. Here are the answers to the things people most often ask before joining our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes in Basingstoke.
Is BJJ suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Most of our members started BJJ with no grappling experience at all. Coaches teach the fundamentals step by step, including how to move, escape and hold positions safely, before you progress to more advanced techniques.
Do I need to be fit before starting BJJ?
No. Your fitness, strength, flexibility and stamina will improve as you train. You work at a pace and intensity that suits you, so you can go as easy or as hard as you are ready for.
Am I too old to start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
No. BJJ relies on leverage and technique rather than strength or speed, which is why many people start in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Coaches adapt training to your fitness and mobility, and you control how hard you roll.
When are the BJJ classes?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu runs on Tuesdays from 7:30pm to 9:00pm and Thursdays from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, in our upstairs training area.
Please check our current Basingstoke timetable before attending, as advance registration is required and class times can occasionally change.
What age can join the BJJ classes?
Our BJJ classes are for ages 16 and over. Younger students can train in our children's and teenage martial arts classes, which include groundwork and throws.
What happens in a BJJ class?
Each class starts with a thorough warm-up, followed by technique instruction and drilling with a partner. Depending on your experience, classes may finish with controlled rolling (BJJ sparring) and a cool-down to help your body recover.
Do beginners have to roll or spar?
No. Rolling is introduced gradually once you understand the basic positions and how to tap safely. When you do roll, it is a controlled exchange focused on technique, and partners adjust to each other's experience and size.
Is BJJ safe?
Safety comes first in every class. You will learn to tap early and communicate with your training partners, every session includes a warm-up and cool-down, and our qualified coaches supervise all training.
Please tell your coach about any injuries or medical conditions before you start, so they can help you adapt your training.
What should I wear to my first BJJ class?
For your free taster, wear comfortable sports clothing without zips or pockets, such as a fitted T-shirt or rash guard with shorts or leggings. Please remove jewellery and make sure your fingernails and toenails are trimmed. A mouthguard is recommended.
Do I need a gi?
You don't need a gi for your free taster class. Our classes train in a gi (the BJJ uniform), and your coach will advise you on getting the right one when you join.
How do you keep the mats clean?
Hygiene is important in any close-contact sport. We wash the mats after every class, and we ask members to shower before and after training, keep nails short and wear clean kit each session.
Is BJJ good for self-defence?
Yes. BJJ teaches you how a smaller, weaker person can control and escape from a bigger, stronger opponent using leverage, position and technique. Because you practise against a resisting partner, you learn what really works under pressure.
Can women train in BJJ?
Absolutely. BJJ is built on leverage rather than size or strength, which makes it an excellent martial art for women. Our classes are welcoming and respectful. Women looking for a female-only class can also try our Ladies Only Kickboxing.
Should I choose BJJ or Muay Thai?
BJJ is a grappling art focused on groundwork, control and submissions. Muay Thai is a stand-up striking art using punches, kicks, knees and elbows. If you enjoy problem-solving and close contact, start with BJJ; if you prefer pad work and striking, try Muay Thai. Many members train in both.
How often should I train?
Training twice a week, on both Tuesday and Thursday, gives you enough repetition to remember techniques and improve steadily. As you progress, your coach can advise if you want to add more training.
Where is the academy, and is parking available?
Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy is at Unit A, Daneshill Central, Armstrong Road, Basingstoke, RG24 8NU. Free parking is available on site and on the surrounding roads.
Who coaches the BJJ classes?
Our BJJ classes are led by Matt Batten, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Professor Roberto Meneguetti Almeida. All our coaches are DBS checked, first aid trained and insured.
Can I try a BJJ class before joining?
Yes. You can book a free, no-obligation BJJ taster class, meet the coaching team and take part at a pace that suits you. Afterwards, you can ask any questions before deciding whether to join.
Ready to Try BJJ in Basingstoke?
Meet the coaching team, experience a class and discover whether Shin Gi Tai is right for you. No previous experience is required, and there is no obligation to join.
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