Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes in Southend-on-Sea & Thorpe Bay
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport centred around grappling, ground fighting and submission techniques. It is predominantly ground-based, focusing on controlling an opponent through positional dominance before applying techniques such as joint locks and chokes to achieve a submission.Rather than relying on strikes or kicks, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uses principles such as leverage, angles, pressure, timing and body positioning to overcome an opponent. By applying these principles alongside an understanding of human movement and anatomy, practitioners can control and submit an opponent using technique rather than strength or force.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is powerful and liberating, it has no gender barriers and is for everyone. PMA Southend is where you can learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu within a comfortable and supportive community. Our classes are designed to help you understand the benefits of BJJ for both self-defence and overall fitness, while building confidence on and off the mats.
Our Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Maurício Gomes > Lee Conway > Our Coaches > YOU
BJJ lineage is a chain of knowledge passed from one practitioner to the next, tested on the mat at every stage. Ours begins with Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka who carried the art to Brazil in the early twentieth century and taught it to a young Carlos Gracie. The Gracie family developed this system over the following decades. It was then refined by Helio Gracie, expanded by Rolls Gracie, and carried forward by Mauricio Gomes, becoming the foundation of modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as the world now knows it.Mauricio Gomes is one of the most respected figures in global BJJ. His son, Roger Gracie, is 10 time Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, and is widely considered the greatest competitive BJJ practitioner of all time. That is the standard this lineage holds itself to.
"You have to learn to lose — because you're not going to win always. Not every day is a sunny day. There's rainy days and windy days. You just have to persevere."
— Master Mauricio Gomes-Master Maurício Gomes
Unlock Your True Potential
The journey is yours. We do not measure progress against other people in the room. We measure it against who you were when you walked in. Every tap is a lesson. Every session is progress, even when it does not feel like it.
Our Values
PMA BJJ Southend fosters a culture of respect, encouragement, and teamwork, creating an place where members support one another both on and off the mats.Jiu-Jitsu is a beautiful art, and we have a vision of how it should be taught as a means for individual development and success.
We train out of Paper Street Combat, a dedicated private combat sports facility located along Southend Seafront, one of Essex's best-kept training secrets.Our coaches hold brown belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and bring years of experience to every session. As part of the PMA BJJ affiliation is anchored by the well-established PMA BJJ Rayleigh and Mauricio Gomes Legacy, you're joining a structured, respected lineage with a clear path of development.
Development
No matter your reason for starting, PMA BJJ Southend is dedicated to providing a professional, supportive, and inspiring environment where every student can thrive.For those who wish to test themselves, PMA BJJ Southend supports competition training and performance development. At the same time, we recognise that competition is a personal choice, and many members train purely for enjoyment, health, and personal progression.
If you've enjoyed your experience training with us, your review really helps other local people find us and supports our small business.
The Team
We are practitioners first and coaches second. We still train, still test ourselves, and are still learning through our own mat time. That keeps us honest, and it keeps the teaching grounded.
Tyler Catling
Head Coach
Ryan Noades
Coach for the Kids Programme
Harrison
Senior Student - Kids Programme
Kirsty Wilson
Beginners Coach
Kirsty Wilson - Beginners Coach
Our Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Maurício Gomes > Lee Conway > Our Coaches > YOU
Kirsty started her martial arts journey back in 1999. Starting with Kickboxing and Boxing, she has competed and coached in both disciplines. Kirsty moved to grappling sports in 2006. She is passionate about developing men and women in sports.Kirsty coaches the beginners class, bringing a unique viewpoint of movement, body awareness and physical preparation to her BJJ coaching. Drawing on her bodywork expertise gives her a wealth of knowledge in understanding how the body moves and adapts under pressure.She combines this with her own BJJ journey to help beginners develop sound movement, body awareness and technical foundations from the very start.- Safeguarding trained
- First Aid trainedKirsty runs the below class:Saturday Adult Beginners
9:00AM - 10:00AMWhether you are new to grappling, returning from injury, or looking to develop a more technical game, sessions are tailored entirely to where you are now.- Private one to one tuition available
- Injury-aware technical development
Ryan Noades - Kids Program Coach
Our Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Maurício Gomes > Lee Conway > Our Coaches > YOU
He started his Martial Arts journey in his early 20s training Wing Chun Kung fu for 10 years. Always looking for something competitve he started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2016 spending 10 years on the mats alongside his 4 sons.Also Competing in every belt level up to when he received his Brown belt in 2025.
Ryan has coached kids classes for over 3 years and has vast experience of working with children between ages 5-16.Ryan runs the below class:Tuesdays Kids BJJ
5:00PM - 5:45PM- Private one to one tuition available
Tyler Catling - Head Coach
Our Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Maurício Gomes > Lee Conway > Our Coaches > YOU
Tyler has grown up around martial arts his entire life. His dad, Lee Conway, is a 4th degree BJJ black belt and has been his coach since the beginning, meaning training has always been a huge part of Tyler's life.Between kids and adult training, Tyler has spent around 16 years on the mats, earning his blue belt at 16, his purple belt at 18, and now achieving his brown belt at 21.Tyler is passionate about helping students develop their skills, confidence and enjoyment of BJJ, whether they're stepping onto the mats for the first time or already have experience.Tyler runs the below classes:Wednesday All Levels BJJ
7:30PM - 8:30PMThursdays Kids BJJ
4:00PM - 4:45PM- Private one to one tuition available.
Contact Us
PMA BJJ Southend
We are placed along Southend Seafront in the unassuming Paper Street Combat Club. Coffee shop at the front, through there is the Martial Arts Club. Perfect for you post session Coffee.
PMA BJJ Southend
Based at Paper Street Combat,
36 Eastern Esplanade,
Southend-on-Sea,
Essex, SS1 2ES
Start your BJJ journey today.
Adult Beginners BJJ Class
New or returning to BJJ? This is your perfect entry point. A structured class designed to give you the fundamentals of BJJ in a non-hurried way. Plenty of time to ask questions and practice.Adult All Levels BJJ Class
Beginners train alongside more experienced students in a supportive, no-ego environment. Technique is always taught before rolling.Kids BJJ
Build confidence, coordination, and discipline in a safe, structured environment. Great for children in Southend, Thorpe Bay, and across South East Essex.Private Sessions
Private one to one sessions available upon request. Please contact for more details.
For those who wish to test themselves, PMA BJJ Southend supports competition training and performance development. At the same time, we recognise that competition is a personal choice, and many members train purely for enjoyment, health, and personal progression.
Our instruction focuses on strong technical foundations, helping students understand both the mechanics and strategy behind each movement. Our coaches are committed to helping you succeed.
| Day | Class | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Kids BJJ | Paper Street Combat | 5:00-5:45pm |
| Wednesday | Adult All Levels BJJ | Paper Street Combat | 7:30 - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | Kids BJJ | Paper Street Combat | 4:00-4:45pm |
| Saturday | Adult BJJ Beginners | Paper Street Combat | 9:00 - 10:00am |
'Couch to BJJ'
Adults Beginners BJJ Course
Most people who try BJJ quit within the first few months. Not because it is too hard but because they have not yet found out who they are on the mat. Give yourself the chance to find out.We are practitioners first and coaches second. We still train, still test ourselves, and are still learning through our own mat time. That keeps us honest, and it keeps the teaching grounded.
Now running Saturdays at 9am
If you've always been curious about BJJ but never known where to start then this is the course for you!Couch to BJJ is a 5-week Adult Beginners course at Paper Street Combat, Southend Seafront.Saturdays at 9am. Only 2 spaces left available - £79 for a 5 week block.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Never Trained Before? Perfect.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts in the world and also one of the most welcoming communities you'll ever step into. This course is designed for complete beginners who want to try something new, get fit, and learn real self-defence skills.No fitness required. No experience required.
Learn the fundamentals of BJJ from scratch
Safe, structured, and beginner-friendly environment
Build confidence, fitness & mental resilience
Finish the course confident to roll (spar) with others
Small group, 8 spots, so everyone gets attention
PRIVATE LESSONS AVAILABLE TO LOCK IN THE FUNDAMENTALS
FAQ
Do I need any prior BJJ experience?
Absolutely not. This course is designed from the ground up (pun intended) for complete beginners to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you've never set foot on a mat, this is exactly where you should start.What do I wear?
Comfortable sports clothing is fine for week one shorts and a t-shirt or rash guard. No gi (uniform) is required for the course, but we can advise on kit if you want to continue after the 5 weeks.What happens after the 5 weeks?
You'll be ready to join the regular adult classes at Paper Street Combat. Most people who complete the course carry on, that's the whole point. You'll already know the people on the mats.Why only 8 spaces?
Because smaller groups mean better learning. You won't get lost in a big class. 8 people means the coach can see every person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you based?
PMA BJJ Southend is based at Paper Street Combat, 36 Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-sea, Essex, SS1 2ES. It is situated opposite the Sea Life Centre. Free parking along the backroads and paid parking is available along all of Southend Seafront.Which areas do you cover?
PMA Southend serves members from Southend-on-Sea, Thorpe Bay, Leigh-on-Sea, Shoeburyness, Rayleigh, and across South East Essex. Our facility at Paper Street Combat on Southend Seafront is easily accessible from all of these areas, with free parking nearby.Do I need any experience to join ?
Not at all. Complete beginners are welcome at PMA BJJ Southend. Our classes are structured so that newer students always learn fundamentals first, and our coaches make sure nobody gets left behind.What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a ground-based martial art that uses technique, leverage, and positioning to control or submit an opponent regardless of their size or strength. It's often called "human chess" because every roll is a problem to solve. It's practical, physical, and genuinely addictive.I'm not fit enough, should I get in shape first?
No, and this is one of the biggest myths about BJJ. You get fit by training, not before it. Come as you are. Your fitness will follow.What age do you need to be?
We have classes for children and adults. Get in touch and we'll point you to the right session for your age group.Classes & Timetable
What classes do you run?
We currently offer kids classes, an adult all-levels class and a beginners class.Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend getting in touch before your first session so we can welcome you properly and make sure you're in the right class.What to Expect
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable athletic wear is fine for your first session, joggers and a t-shirt work perfectly. You don't need a gi (the traditional BJJ uniform) straight away. We'll advise you on kit once you decide to join properly.Will I have to spar straight away?
No. In your early sessions the focus is on learning movement, positions and technique. Live sparring (called "rolling") is introduced gradually when you're ready.Kids Classes, is BJJ suitable for my child?
Absolutely. BJJ builds confidence, discipline, focus, and resilience in children in a way few other activities can. Our kids classes are safe, structured, and genuinely fun. Many parents find their children carry the lessons learned on the mat into everyday life.Will my child be safe?
Safety is our top priority in kids classes. All sessions are age-appropriate, closely supervised, and coached by experienced instructors who specialise in working with younger students.
Pricing
Our Standards
BJJ Gym Rules & Training Etiquette
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a close-contact sport. Keeping our training environment clean, respectful and safe is everyone’s responsibility.1. Keep Yourself Clean
Please arrive for training clean and wearing clean training clothes.- Gi and rash guards must be washed after every training session.
- Never train in a previously worn Gi or rash guard.
- Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean.
- Shower as soon as reasonably possible after training.
- Cover any cuts, grazes or open wounds securely before training.
- Avoid wearing jewellery, watches or anything that could injure yourself or your training partner.2. Skin Infections & Illness
Skin infections can spread quickly in a close-contact sport.- Do not train if you have a suspected or confirmed contagious skin infection, open or weeping wound, or other condition that could put your training partners at risk.- If you are unsure whether something is safe to train with, speak to a healthcare professional and let your coach know.- Please do not try to cover an infection simply so you can train.- If you develop symptoms of a potentially contagious skin infection, stay off the mats until it has been appropriately assessed and you are safe to return.3. Keep the Mats Clean
- No outdoor shoes on the mats.
- Wear clean indoor footwear when walking around areas where appropriate.
- Do not walk onto the mats barefoot after being outside.
- Keep bags, coats and outdoor clothing away from the training area.
- Mats are cleaned regularly, but everyone has a responsibility to help keep them clean.
- If you notice a spill, blood or anything else that needs attention, tell a coach immediately.4. Be Ready to Train
- Arrive on time and be ready to start when class begins.
- Give yourself enough time to change, prepare and get onto the mat without disrupting the class.
- If you arrive late, enter quietly and follow the coach’s instructions.
- Bring everything you need for training, including a clean Gi or appropriate training clothes, water and any required protective equipment.5. Respect Your Training Partners
Your training partner is not your opponent. They are helping you learn.- Treat everyone with respect, regardless of age, gender, size, belt rank or experience.
- Communicate before and during a roll.
- Ask about injuries or limitations before training.
- Pay attention to your partner’s body language and breathing.
- Tap early and respect your partner’s tap immediately.
- Do not deliberately hurt, intimidate or punish your training partner.
- Match your intensity appropriately to your partner and the purpose of the training.
- Control your techniques rather than relying on strength or speed.6. Be Coachable
Come to training prepared to learn.- Listen when the coach is teaching.
- Give the technique your full attention.
- Ask questions when you don't understand something.
- Be willing to try something differently, even when it feels unfamiliar.
- Accept constructive feedback without taking it personally.
- Remember that being experienced does not mean you have stopped learning.7. Train With a Growth Mindset
BJJ is a long-term practice. You will have good days and bad days.- Don't measure your progress only by whether you win or lose a roll.
- Mistakes are part of learning.
- Difficult training partners are opportunities to develop your problem-solving skills.
- Focus on what you can learn from each session.
- Compare yourself with where you were yesterday, not with someone else on the mat.
- Stay curious, patient and willing to improve.8. Train the Person in Front of You
Every roll has a purpose.Some rounds may be hard and competitive. Others may be technical, positional or focused on a particular skill.- Don't treat every roll like a competition.- Learn to adjust your intensity, recognise what your partner needs and work together to make both of you better.9. Look After the Gym
This is a shared space.- Keep personal belongings tidy.
- Respect the facilities and equipment.
- Tell a coach if something is damaged or needs attention.10. The Standard
- Clean body. Clean Gi. Clean mats. Respect your training partners. Listen to your coaches. Train intelligently. Keep learning.**We want everyone who walks through the door to feel safe, respected and able to improve.
BJJ is the new Padel - PMA Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, covering Southend on Sea and Thorpe Bay in Essex | Beginners BJJ starting June 2026
Couch to BJJ is the new class starting 6th June 2026. It starts after Parkrun so you will be fully warmed up beforehand. If you like Padel or Tennis then you will love BJJ. It's a thinking persons and problem solving sport. We are only a short walk away from Thorpe Bay Tennis Club.PMA BJJ Southend on Sea is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club, covering the areas of Southend-on-Sea Shoeburyness, Rochford, Chalkwell and Thorpe Bay in Essex. We are Not Southend Combat Academy.