Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a highly effective martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques. The discipline teaches practitioners how to take an opponent to the ground, control their movements, and secure victory through joint locks and chokeholds.

Recognised worldwide as one of the most effective forms of self-defence, BJJ is also a core discipline in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and has produced countless UFC champions thanks to its emphasis on strategy, leverage, and technique over strength.

The BJJ Belt System & Grading

Unlike more traditional martial arts, grading in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu does not follow a fixed syllabus. Progress is based on a combination of:

Technical ability and effectiveness

Time on the mats

Competition performance

The BJJ belt system is famously challenging, with students progressing through White, Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black belts, earning stripes or tags to mark development within each grade. On average, it can take up to 10 years of consistent training to achieve a Black Belt in BJJ, making it one of the most respected martial arts worldwide.

Our grappling programme in Portsmouth is led by First Degree BJJ Black Belt Adam Gunning, ensuring top tier coaching and guidance for students of all levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to learn self-defence through BJJ or an experienced martial artist aiming to refine your ground game, our classes provide a safe, structured, and challenging environment.

Our May Thai & K1 Kickboxing classes combine effective striking techniques from both disciplines, with additional influences from traditional kickboxing, boxing & karate.

The classes focus on developing proper technique, fitness and confidence in a competitive and welcoming environment.

Sessions cover the fundamentals of Muay Thai and K1, including movement, combinations, pad work, partner drills and technical development.

Whether you’re completely new or already have experience, our classes are suitable for all levels. Beginners can learn at their own pace while more experienced members can continue to develop and improve.

Classes are led by Matt Hooton, who brings over 15 years of experience in Muay Thai, K-1 and traditional Kickboxing, alongside real competitive experience and a BSc in Sports & Exercise Science.

No previous experience is needed. Come down, meet the team and give it a try.

NoGi Grappling and Submission Wrestling have evolved from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) into a discipline of their own. Unlike traditional BJJ, NoGi training is done without the kimono (Gi), a practice that originated with Vale Tudo and MMA fighters who wanted to replicate the reality of fight scenarios more closely during training.

Why Train NoGi Grappling?

The popularity of NoGi Jiu Jitsu has grown massively thanks to its:

Faster pace compared to traditional Gi grappling

Expanded techniques, including submissions like heel hooks and cranks, which are often illegal in Gi competitions

Dynamic matches with more wrestling-based takedowns, explosive scrambles, and high-intensity transitions

Without the friction and grips of the Gi, athletes must rely on speed, body control, and fluid movement - making NoGi an essential discipline for anyone looking to improve their submission grappling or prepare for MMA competition.

Head Coach Adam Gunning firmly believes that to become a truly well-rounded grappler, students should train both Gi and NoGi regularly.

Our NoGi classes in Portsmouth blend techniques from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Submission Wrestling & MMA Grappling. This ensures that every student develops a broad skill set that translates effectively into self-defence, competition, and mixed martial arts.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your ground game for MMA, compete in NoGi tournaments, or simply challenge yourself with a new style of grappling, Gorilla Grapplers offers expert NoGi training in Portsmouth for all levels.

At Gorilla Grapplers Portsmouth, our Kids Martial Arts Programme helps children aged 5–16 build confidence, discipline, fitness and real self-defence skills in a fun, safe and supportive environment.

We teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), No-Gi Grappling and Junior Combat classes, helping children improve co-ordination, resilience, teamwork and focus while learning takedowns, positional control, submissions and striking techniques.

To give every child the best learning experience possible, our classes are split into two age groups:
• 5–10 years
• 11+ years

This allows us to tailor the coaching and intensity to suit each age group for better development and faster progress.

Our Kids Combat class every Wednesday combines striking and grappling in a fast-paced, high-energy session that kids love while building confidence and practical self-defence skills.

All coaches are DBS checked, and parents can relax in our viewing area with drinks and snacks available. We also run a free Family Open Mat every Sunday at 9am where parents and children can train together.

If you’re looking for kids martial arts classes in Portsmouth that develop confidence, discipline and resilience both on and off the mats, Gorilla Grapplers is the perfect place to start.

Book a FREE trial class today.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact fighting sport based on striking and grappling, incorporating techniques from various combat disciplines from around the world.

It has become arguably the fastest growing sport in the world today largely thanks to promotions like Pride, Bellator, PFL, Rizin, One and the UFC.

At Gorilla Grapplers we teach various disciplines that contribute to becoming a well rounded mix martial artist including BJJ, Wrestling and Striking alongside our dedicated MMA sessions.

So regardless if you are looking to compete yourself or just looking to become as fit as your favourite UFC fighters the Gorillas are here to help.

Yoga, an ancient practice and meditation, has become increasingly popular in today's busy society. For many people, yoga provides a retreat from their chaotic and busy lives

Yoga as practiced worldwide consists of posture-based physical fitness, stress-relief and relaxation techniques.

Our Yoga classes contain a mixture of meditation and Asanas to offer both emotional stress relief and physical benefits, including improved strength, balance and flexibility, Pain Relief and increased vitality.

All classes are taught by our qualified instructor Fleur who has a real passion for fitness and wellbeing.