As noted in previous blog posts, certain cities in the UK became hotbeds of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, one of these being the BJJ Birmingham scene. Jiu Jitsu in Birmingham grew rapidly after one of the best competitors in the world, Braulio Estima, set up his academy in Birmingham. In this article, we go through some of the best Birmingham BJJ academies and the Jiu Jitsu scene in Birmingham overall.

Gracie Barra Birmingham

Gracie Barra Birmingham is one of the original academies in the Birmingham BJJ scene, run by multiple world champion Braulio Estima in both the Gi and NoGi, being an ADCC Openweight champion and superfight champion. The academy has a number of Black Belt coaches and competitors, including Polish phenom Jakub Zajkowski, who was invited by Braulio to teach and train out of Birmingham. Jakub is a multiple medalist at major competitions such as Europeans and Abu Dhabi World Pro.

What is Available?

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi)
• Kids Classes (starting from 3 years old)
• Fitness Programs

Pricing

• £7 Pay as you go
• £70 per month

Pro Jiu Jitsu

Pro Jiu Jitsu is a ZR team affiliate run by Norbert Nowak, a second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Ze Radiola. Pro Jiu Jitsu is home to multiple black belt and brown belt coaches. Jiu Jitsu classes are available 7 days a week, with both Gi and No-Gi options along with wrestling and striking classes. There are also Ladies-only classes available.

What is Available?

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi)
• Wrestling Classes
• Striking Classes
• Ladies-only Classes

Pricing

• Tiered Pricing for Members and Visitors
• Children's Classes
• Pay Per Class Available

Nexus BJJ

Nexus BJJ is one of the newer academies in the Birmingham BJJ scene, founded by 3rd-degree black belt Kevin Webb and black belt Tom Caughey. The academy is supported by 8th-degree black belt Mauricio Gomes, father of Roger Gracie. Kevin Webb has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2003 and is an active competitor. The academy offers both Gi and No-Gi classes, along with wrestling classes and kids classes.

What is Available?

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi)
• Wrestling Classes
• Kids Classes

Pricing

• Tiered Membership for Adults and Kids
• Pay Per Class, Day Pass, or Double Class Option for Visitors

Team Fearless MMA

Team Fearless MMA was established in 2009 by brothers Kaish and Kamby Banger. Kaish, a former British Thai Boxing Champion, and Kamby, an accomplished freestyle wrestler, have contributed to making Team Fearless MMA a renowned name in Birmingham’s combat sports scene. The academy is known for its high-level wrestling, with members from other Birmingham BJJ academies training here to sharpen their skills.

What is Available?

• MMA
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi)
• Wrestling
• Striking Classes
• Kids MMA Classes

Team Renegade

Team Renegade is one of the premier MMA academies in Europe, run by BJJ black belt Chiu Kwong Man and UFC athlete Tom Breese. The academy is home to some of the best MMA fighters in Europe, including Leon Edwards and Jai Herbert. The academy also runs grappling classes and regularly participates in BJJ competitions.

What is Available?

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi)
• MMA
• Wrestling

Competitors and Well-Known Practitioners

Key figures in the Birmingham BJJ scene include Braulio Estima, Laura Barker, Jakub Zajkowski, Kevin Webb, Tom Caughey, Shane Curtis, and many others.

Final Thoughts

These are five of the top BJJ academies in Birmingham, but the city boasts a thriving Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scene with many more gyms and practitioners contributing to its success. Keep your eye out for similar articles on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scene in the UK and other places around the world. Wishing you all the best out there on the mats!

- Team Progress Jiu Jitsu