Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes in Southend-on-Sea & Thorpe Bay
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the most complete grappling systems ever developed. Every technique is pressure-tested, nothing survives on theory alone and its from here that you get to develop what feels right for you as individual, that's the beauty of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu . You will learn to control, submit, and escape in ways that work in reality, not just in drills.Training is structured. Within a few months of consistent practice you will be stronger, more mobile, and significantly fitter than when you started. More quietly, you will also notice something shift in how you carry yourself, an amazing by-product of learning to stay calm when things get difficult.
Our Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Maurício Gomes > Lee Conway > Our Coaches > YOU
In BJJ, lineage is not a marketing tool. It 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. What the Gracie family developed over the following decades, then refined by Helio, expanded by Rolls, 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 is Roger Gracie 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
Coach for all levels and the Kids programme.
Ryan Noades
Coach for the Kids programme.
Harrison
Assistant Coach for the Kids programme.
Kirsty Wilson
Fundamentals/Beginners Coach.
Kirsty Wilson
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. People come to Martial Arts for different reasons and the key to unlocking someone's potential is being able to draw and foster that person's reason.BJJ is a humbling sport, it will expose aspects of you that you never considered. It is a true refection on how we operate under pressure. Learning how to keep calm and trust your Jiu Jitsu has many cross-overs into our everyday lives.Kirsty coaches the fundamentals/beginners programme. Having worked in professional sport with her work, including athletes from Team GB, Premiership football, and professional fight camps, she brings a movement and body awareness to BJJ coaching that is genuinely unique. BJJ coaching is available as part of an integrated performance programme or as a standalone service.Safeguarding trained.Kirsty 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.- Fundamentals coaching
- Private one to one and small private group tuition available
- Injury-aware technical development
More about Kirsty and how she can help with recovery, nutrition and movement to help you stay on the mats longer.
Ryan Noades
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.Enhanced DBS and safeguarding trained.Ryan runs the below class:Tuesdays Kids BJJ
5:00PM - 5:45PM- Private one to one and small group
- Private group team building for local sports teams
Tyler Catling
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 his 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 - 4:45PMPrivate one to one and small private group tuition available.
Contact Us
PMA BJJ Southend
Based at Paper Street Combat,
36 Eastern Esplanade,
Southend-on-Sea,
Essex, SS1 2ES
Phone:
Tyler - Kids BJJ Programme 07930593085Ryan - Kids BJJ Programme 07867925549Kirsty - Beginners BJJ Course 07717324185
Email: [email protected]
Find your class
Kids BJJ — Build confidence, coordination, and discipline in a safe, structured environment. Great for children in Southend, Thorpe Bay, and across South East Essex.All Levels BJJ Classes — Beginners train alongside more experienced students in a supportive, no-ego environment. Technique is always taught before rolling.New Adults Beginners BJJ Course Starting 2026. Never tried BJJ before? This is your perfect entry point. A structured short course designed to get you rolling with confidence. Limited to 8 spaces only, 5 spaces remain.
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 | All Levels BJJ | Paper Street Combat | 7:30pm-8:30pm |
| Thursday | Kids BJJ | Paper Street Combat | 4:00-4:45pm |
| Saturday | Adult BJJ Beginners Course | Paper Street Combat | 9am-10am |
'Couch to BJJ'
Adults Beginners BJJ Course
New course now running Saturdays at 9am
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.
If you've always been curious about BJJ but never known where to start — this is the course for you!Couch to BJJ is a brand 5-week Adult Beginners course at Paper Street Combat, Southend Seafront.Saturdays at 9am. Only 6 spaces left available - £79 for 5 weeks
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
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 all-levels classes are structured so that newer students always learn fundamentals first, and our coaches make sure nobody gets left behind. If you want a more guided introduction, our beginners course launching June 2026 is the perfect starting point.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, adult all-levels classes, and a brand new structured beginners course launching June 2026. Drop us a message for the current timetable.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. Message us via Instagram or the contact form to arrange your visit.The June 2026 Beginners Course
What is the beginners course?
It's a structured short course designed specifically for people with zero BJJ experience. You'll learn the core foundations, positions, movements, basic submissions and escapes, all in a small group setting with full coaching support. By the end you'll be ready to join regular classes with confidence.When does it start?
June 2026. Spaces are limited so we recommend registering your interest early.How do I sign up?
Message Kirsty on 07717324185 and she'll get you registered.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.
| Prices | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday Adult All Levels Class | First Class Free | £10 drop in | ||
| Kids Classes | First Class Free | £30pcm for one class per week | £45 is for 2 children with the sibling discount | £5 top up for extra classes |
| Saturday Adult BJJ Beginners | £79 - 5 week Course |
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.