AVAILABLE CLASSES & TIMETABLE

NoGi Grappling and Submission Wrestling has evolved from BJJ respectively almost as another discipline entirely. The removal of the Gi likely originated with Vale Tudo/MMA fighters, looking to closer emulate the fight itself during training camps. The growing popularity of NoGi Grappling can be attributed to the faster pace of the matches and also the techniques available. Many popular NoGi techniques including heel hooks and cranks are illegal in most Gi based formats so removal of the kimono allows more exploration of those techniques. NoGi is usually faster paced than traditional Gi grappling due to the lack of friction created by the clothing and also the obvious lack of grips available, this creates more wrestling based takedowns and usually increases the amount of scrambles during a match.

All our classes are taught by Gorilla Grapplers Head Coach Adam Gunning. Adam firmly believes that to become a fully competent grappler you should train both Gi and NoGi regularly. NoGi classes include elements of BJJ, Submission Wrestling and MMA Grappling to ensure all students have a broad skill set.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art / combat sport based on ground fighting and submission holds. It focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, utilizing control to gain a dominant position and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds. It is widely regarded as the most effective form of self defense and is one of the core disciplines taught to prospective MMA fighters. BJJ has become more prominent in recent years mainly due to the rising popularity of MMA and the amount of UFC champions who specialize in ground fighting techniques.

Grading in BJJ is different from more traditional martial arts as there is no fixed syllabus. Students are graded based on various criteria like technique effectiveness and time served, BJJ students are also encouraged to compete regularly in order to display their competence. Despite there being less belts in BJJ than any other martial art it is well documented to take an average of 10 years to achieve a Black Belt. The belt system goes White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black with tags or stripes displayed on each colour signifying your progress on that grade.

All our classes are taught by Gorilla Grapplers Head Coach Adam Gunning. Adam is a BJJ black belt under Jack Magee, a multiple tournament gold medalist and a committed member of the Madhatters. Adam has trained under Jack since 2014 and emulates his practical approach to combat sports.

Gorilla Grapplers are pleased to offer a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program created specifically for children aged 5-13 years. Following the huge success of the Mad Hatters kids curriculum in Chichester, we decided to expand our classes and offer it to the budding martial arts enthusiasts of Portsmouth.

The classes focus on teaching students fundamental life skills like discipline, perseverance, resilience, team work and communication. All while improving their self defense through BJJ. We have a safe and welcoming atmosphere at Basecamp where the kids will make new friends, develop new skills, gain confidence and improve both their mental and physical capabilities.

For parents our facility includes a viewing area from the mezzanine floor where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat while you wait - alternatively why not make use of the gym or partake in a class yourself.