I started at Gorillas when the new gym opened in Waterlooville. I’ve been training with them consistently ever since. The classes and the people are all great, the training is addictive and makes you want to come back. The progress i’ve seen in such a short space of time is amazing and it’s all down to the clear cut, no BS, coaching style.

I would recommend anybody who is unsure what jiu jitsui is like to come to a class and keep an open mind. I can guarantee you would walk away feeling accomplished (and covered in other peoples sweat).

I am proud to be a part of this club and look forward to watching the team grow in knowledge and numbers over the coming years.

The best place to train BJJ if you are brand new to it or well trained.

Coaches are extremely talented, knowledgeable and genuinely want you to do well.

The gym itself is an amazing, modern space which the cleanliness and upkeep is taken seriously by coaches and students alike.

There’s a great work ethic where everyone trains hard but there’s tons of laughs along the way!

Its a great gym with great vibes and great people.

The technical knowledge of the whole training team is top class, providing coaching to both very high level competitors and complete beginners with a seamless transition.

This on top of the welcoming nature of the gym, personable coaches and high grade facilities makes this one of the best gyms I have had the pleasure of training in.

If you are looking to start BJJ/MMA or find a new gym, then please check out Gorillas, you won’t be disappointed!

Great, friendly environment to train and learn Jiu Jitsu. The coaching is high level, with different teaching styles that cater to everyone, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. They also host free open mats every Sunday, where everyone is welcome. Highly recommended!

Gorilla Grapplers, what a place! I first stepped foot in the club a year ago after years of boxing training. I half dismissed it before stepping foot on the mats, but after the first session and being absolutely man handled, it made me realise how little I knew about this side of fighting, so I was hooked!

A year on and I’ve only got positive things to say. The club is unreal, the facilities are great, and the team, culture, and affiliations are brilliant. But most of all, the coaching staff are second to none. Some of the highest ranked in the country walking you through every minor detail on your journey.

I can’t recommend it enough. I even bring my 19 month along at every opportunity, and he’ll be training as soon as he’s old enough.

What a club!

Amazing club. The atmosphere and members are really welcoming, and the coaches are 10/10. It’s great for everyone, from complete beginners to more experienced levels. There’s a strong mix of skill and support available, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to start or develop their BJJ.

Prior to discovering Brazilian Jiujitsu, I had trained for over 10 years in the competitive bodybuilding industry.

The first thing I learned when beginning BJJ, was that it is all about community. I had always trained in a solitary fashion and never knew what I was missing out on - you are constantly supported and encouraged by the team.

Gorillas is the 3rd academy I have trained within, and by far the best. The level of attentiveness shown by Adam Gunning, the Sensei in all things pain, is unparalleled in my experience.

Training became very mundane for me, as it often is for others, but since being a part of the Gorilla Grapplers I am fitter and more mobile than I have ever been. I’m still thoroughly enjoying it!

Looking forward to many more years of training with the Gorillas

Great coaching and facilities, it’s a welcoming atmosphere for beginners, families or seasoned martial artists wanting to try a new discipline or have a change up.

The diversity of the team and quality of the coaching makes its special place to train.

Ellie’s confidence and strength has grown immensely over the past three years of training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When she first started, she was a bit unsure of herself, but through consistent effort and dedication, she’s developed not only her physical strength but also a newfound belief in her abilities.

Training alongside her dad has also been a huge motivator, and together we have built an incredible bond through the sport. The lessons in perseverance, discipline, and mental toughness have transformed her both on and off the mats. Thanks to the incredible support and guidance from Gorilla Grapplers, Ellie has become more confident and empowered with every passing day.

She now faces challenges head-on with a strength she never thought possible, and she’s ready to take on anything that comes her way.

Oscar started with Gorilla Grapplers in March this year and thanks to the great coaching team he has not only developed his skills on the mat but I have also seen him grow off the mat.

BJJ has helped him to focus and become self disciplined, we’ve also noticed huge improvement at school since he started with the Gorilla Grapplers.

His confidence has gone from strength to strength.

He’s love for the sport and the team is infectious and seeing such a positive change in him and seeing how welcoming and supportive the coaches are, has inspired me to also give it a go.

I am pleased to write this recommendation for Gorilla Grapplers and share my experience as a member of this incredible training community. I began attending Gorilla Grapplers 18 months ago after watching my daughter train there. She initially joined to try a new sport, and from the beginning, I was impressed by the level of dedication, support, and expertise provided by the coaches.

Since then, both of us have experienced significant growth, both physically and mentally. My daughter’s confidence has blossomed as her skills have steadily improved; she’s now competing regularly, something she never would have imagined when she first started. The positive changes I saw in her inspired me to join as well, and I’ve personally benefited from the same level of focused guidance and encouragement. Not only have my physical abilities grown, but my own confidence and drive have increased as well, leading me to register for my first competition.

The coaches at Gorilla Grapplers are exceptional, taking time with each member to develop our individual strengths and support us in achieving personal milestones. They foster a welcoming, inclusive, and motivating environment that makes every training session something to look forward to. Beyond skills and technique, they emphasize discipline, respect, and perseverance, qualities that both my daughter and I now carry with us beyond the mat.

100% recommend this BJJ Gym - Adam and Brett are patient and supportive coaches that have helped me since becoming a member.

I’m an ‘older’ bloke and can’t do as much as I once could, but at no time am I made to feel uncomfortable and they included in the entire session.

The gym has a friendly vibe with good humour. I’d say you can find what you want at Gorilla - whether that’s hard competition training or recreational enjoyment

I first met Adam when I signed up for the Ultra MMA Portsmouth event in September 2024.

I really enjoyed the training, so I continued to train with Gorilla Grapplers.

All the coaches have great technical knowledge and are really good at teaching.

All the members and coaches are really nice people and easy to talk to

Gorilla Grapplers is everything you'd want in a BJJ gym. From the first day I walked in, I felt completely welcome. The atmosphere is friendly, supportive, and focused-there's no ego here, just great people and top-tier training.

The coaching from Adam, Jamie, and Brett is phenomenal. They're not only incredibly skilled but also fantastic teachers who genuinely care about helping everyone improve, no matter their level.

I've learned so much since joining, and the sessions are always something I look forward to.

My son also trains in the kids' classes, and he absolutely loves it. The coaches strike the perfect balance between discipline, fun, and real learning. He's grown so much in confidence, skill, and enthusiasm since starting here.

Whether you're brand new to BJJ or looking to level up your game, Gorilla Grapplers is the place to be. Couldn't recommend it more highly-for individuals or families.

Since 18 I’ve always lifted weights and been into fitness but I became very bored with my fitness routine.

I decided to start BJJ at 37 years old and it’s one of the best decisions for my fitness and mental state for a long time.

You are forever learning and is not a martial arts you easily master. There are no egos in the gym and my fitness has progressed and maintained throughout.

Since leaving the Marines I’ve always missed the brotherhood that came with being in the corps. I now have some incredible mates in which we all look out for each other.

The best BJJ gym around!

The coaches are awesome and teach the classes to a high level. Very personable and always happy to help you out.

The gym is one of the best BJJ/martial arts gym's I have been to. Plenty of high quality, sprung mat space to practice and roll.

Everyone who trains there are also very welcoming and happy to train at an intensity you are comfortable with.

If you are considering trying out BJJ, then come to Gorilla Grapplers!

I first started training at Gorilla Grapplers in 2022 and have felt fully supported every time I’ve stepped on the mats. Everyone at the club looks after each other, which creates a strong team ethos and an environment that really helps people improve consistently.

Adam and the other coaches are top class. Techniques are explained thoroughly, questions are encouraged, and alternative approaches are offered when needed because everybody moves differently and not every technique works exactly the same for every person.

After a serious mountain biking injury, the support became even stronger. I was encouraged to get back training at my own pace and shown ways to adapt sessions so I could still stay involved. That attitude of looking after your teammates builds motivation, trust, confidence, and long-term growth.

100% recommended.

Trained in a lot of places but this club is not only clean and well looked after but the environment is spot on

Everyone is friendly and the knowledge the coach have is 2nd to none

Highly recommend

I’ve been a part of the Gorillas since the first session back in 2021, the Gorillas helped me become more disciplined in all aspects of life, everyone in the room is hard working and we all push each other to do better.

Within all the hard work at training there is also fun to be had and the community that’s been built there is incredible, I feel like I finally belong in there and fit in, something I didn’t necessarily feel anywhere else.

The Gorillas built my confidence too, I went from being a nervous competitor losing match after match not doing what I knew I could do due to nerves, each time the Gorillas kept pushing me to get out of my comfort zone and improve the mistakes.

I’ve competed over 70 matches and been to competitions all over Europe, winning Numerous Matches and Medals. I’ve had many experiences that I owe to all the guys and the team for pushing me to just get back up and go again

Exciting times Gorilla Grapplers has moved!
I didn’t think it could get better than Basecamp… but I was wrong!

Head Coach Adam Gunning, newly promoted Black Belt Brett O’Brien, and Head Kids Coach Jamie Irish have branched out on their own and what a gym they’ve created. Absolutely buzzing for them!

The atmosphere in every session since opening has been incredible. A huge amount of passion and dedication has gone into building a fantastic space, and the coaching already second to none now has the facilities to match.

Come check it out for yourself you won’t be disappointed!

Great club with a very knowledgeable coaches ,the break down of the techniques and how they link together is explained very clearly which I like , it’s hard training but I love it.

I started in 2021 , had a lot of time off due to illness, and now back training in the new gym(which is quality) !!!!thanks to our coaches Adam, Brett, Jamie and everyone that made it!!

For anyone anyone interested ….take the plunge

Bjj/Grappling/Yoga/Mma/Striking take your pick gorillas got you and your family /friends covered , I look forward to moving forward in my BJJ journey….

Fantastic club, lots of strong, skilled, and friendly members, and top tier coaching; very good and intuitive explanations, and patient and supportive guidance from everyone in the club, not least the coach, Adam

I wanted to improve my self-confidence, so I decided to try something completely out of my comfort zone. I had no idea what jiu-jitsu was, and walking into the Gorillas gym for the first time was pretty intimidating. But what I found was a welcoming, supportive community led by Gunning.

Training has become an addiction; having something to focus on has gotten me in great shape, both physically and mentally. Every session leaves me feeling stronger and more motivated.

Two years ago, I would never have believed I could compete in a combat sport and win medals. But I have, which is a testament to the positive changes the club has made in my life.

Very welcoming class with an excellent instructor, suitable for beginners and above.

What I found is just how friendly and willingness to help each other was so clear!

Highly recommend this club.

Excellent club, very welcoming bunch. Adam's great with breaking down all the techniques, and focusing on specific areas.

We have some good rounds of rolling and king of the mat at the end of sessions which challenge what you have learnt.

I wanted to join a BJJ Gym at the end of last year, and glad I picked Gorilla Grapplers!

An incredible place to train the fastest growing sport in the world.

Adam is a high quality coach who teaches for all levels and generates an experience that wants you coming back for more.

The Gorilla Grapplers have taught me the importance of respect and loyalty whilst benefiting my fitness goals.

Absolutely fantastic club for both adult and children's classes. I've been training with the Gorillas just over 6 months and as a small female, I was daunted by the idea of learning a male dominated sport. However, Adam and the team have been incredibly patient, supportive and welcoming and I can honestly say I'd recommend to anyone; It's my favourite healthy obsession by far!

My eldest daughter (11, Very shy) has recently started the mini Grapplers classes and the increase in her confidence is wonderful. Diverse group(s) but each is catered to, with medal winners coming to fruition in the young female categories.

So in summary: Inspiring, inclusive, safe and fun way to get fit with transferable skills for self defence, and full support for competitive advancement if that's where you wish to progress. 100% recommend - Let's get more ladies on the mats!

When I started training at Gorillas I was by far the youngest and smallest at that time. Despite being young I was treated the same as the other team members around me and have created life long friends through training.

Training has taught me discipline in all aspects of life. Not only does it allow me to train hard but it also teaches me to focus when it comes to things like school and putting more work into my lessons.

I have also competed lots in BJJ and I am happy to say I have won 6 gold medals in the competitions that I have done. All of this couldn’t be done without the great team and coaches around me.

What can I say!!!! Great class ,Great people, everyone in the team is ready to learn and encourage others to learn. We all have that one common goal to improve!!!

On a personal level this class ,team and coach has not only helped me to improve my bjj but my general outlook on life.

Could not recommend enough!!!

Gorilla Grapplers has welcomed me into a whole new world. I am so honoured to be apart of a forever growing, gracious grappling squad.
Adam is an excellent coach, every session I have come away feeling achievement.

The start of a very wonderful Jiu-Jitsu journey!

Thank you Gorilla Grapplers x