Welcome to the first of a series of blogs going in depth at some of the top gyms in the UK.

We begin with one of the most impressive gyms we have ever visited, Fightzone London. The gym was the brainchild of Checkmat blackbelt Marco Canha, his wife Cristina, and James Roach, established in 2012. They have continued to invest in the facilities, creating probably the best multi-combat sports academy in the UK.

The academy itself has dedicated areas to BJJ, Grappling (NoGi and Wrestling), and a striking area. The Striking area has a ring, a large matted area, and punch bags. The 'Grappling' area is a typically matted area with wall mats and a black-and-red colour scheme. The BJJ area is one of the most aesthetically pleasing training rooms in Europe, bright white with plants dotted around the ceiling.

Where is it?

Based in the heart of East London, in the Cambridge Heath area, the gym is a 5-minute walk from Cambridge Heath Station and a 10-minute walk from Bethnal Green Underground Station.

16-22 Pritchard’s Road
London, E2 9AP
United Kingdom

What is Available?

• BJJ
• Muay Thai
• Boxing
• MMA
• Wrestling
• No-GI
• HIIT
• Yoga
• Kids Classes

Coaches

Fightzone has a wide range of high-level coaches, with dedicated coaches for Muay Thai, Boxing, and MMA. However, we are particularly interested in the BJJ and Grappling coaches. Marco Canha is the head coach, a product of the famous Fightzone gym in Rio de Janeiro, earning his black belt from the legendary Ricardo Vieira. As a competitor, Marco has medalled across Europe in IBJJF competitions and won the UAEJJF Grandslam (for a full list of his accomplishments, check his website page here). As a coach, he has helped develop multiple World and European champions. One of Marco's right-hand men is Rafael Colonhese, a multiple IBJJF medalist with a Brazilian National title at the coloured belts.

Cost

Despite being in London, Fightzone's pricing is very affordable for most, with multiple membership options:

• £65 per month enables you to attend any 2 classes per week.
• £90 per month enables you to attend unlimited classes! (7 classes per week while restrictions are in place). These membership options allow you to switch between different combat styles, so you don't have to stick only to Jiu Jitsu classes.
• £65 per month for Kids (from 4 to 15 years old) unlimited classes.

There is also a one-off joining fee of £25 and an insurance cost of £10.

Competitors and Well-Known Practitioners

Many high-level competitors have trained and been made at Fightzone. World Silver medalist and ADCC medalist, Jackson Souza, when he first came to Europe, would train at Fightzone, being a Checkmat competitor himself. They also have homegrown champions such as Samantha Cook, one of the most decorated athletes the UK has produced, a European Champion and multiple black belt World medalist. Fightzone has one of the best crops of coloured belts, including Blue belt Adult World Champion and Progress Athlete Junior Fernandes, one of the UK's top prospects. Rodrigo Mariani, junior world champion, and fellow youngsters Nia Blackman, Anabel Lopez, and Isa Rahman, all have Pan Kids and European medals.

Fightzone Contact Info

Email: fightzonelondon@gmail.com

Number: 020 7729 3907

Address: 16-22 Pritchard’s Road
London, E2 9AP
United Kingdom