London Kodokan Academy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - BJJ School

Reviews

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  Daniela Kadinopoulou

  Kodokan is a true anchor in our neighbourhood, and has become a second home for our family. My children have trained there for two years and it genuinely feels like a small community that nurtures a love of sport, discipline and mutual respect. Coach Jared is wise, grounded and refreshingly old‑school, always prioritising the children’s wellbeing and solid technique, while instilling real commitment to both the sport and the academy’s ethos. Alexia is just an angle on earth in disguise! Our children are so connected to Kodokan that they cannot imagine leaving, and it is one of the main reasons we choose to stay in the neighbourhood. It is hard to imagine finding another place quite like this anywhere else.

  Instructors Classes Location Atmosphere

  Posted 9 months ago
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  Rafael Camargo

  I have been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the Kodokan Academy for 4 months, and I have to say it has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life recently. Coach Jared is amazing and very experienced, he truly loves Jiu-Jitsu, and we can feel it during every class. The manager, Alexa, is very kind and welcoming. This place makes you feel at home, like part of a second family. Plus, you get the bonus of training hard and learning Jiu-Jitsu. I’m so glad I found this place, and I only wish I had found it sooner! Thank you for everything! Oss

  Instructors Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 11 months ago
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  Adrian Iacob

  It has been 1year since a started at The kodokan Academy and a i can say that it was the best decision I've ever made to start this sport ,thank you guys ,thank you Kodokan 👏

  Posted 1 year ago
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  Pete Abson

  I can’t recommend Kodokan highly enough! My daughters absolutely love training here! The atmosphere is incredibly positive — supportive, respectful, and focused on helping each student grow not just in skill, but in confidence too! Jared is a fantastic coach — super supportive, professional and the teaching is second to none. The balance of discipline with fun, make sure the kids are learning proper technique while also enjoying themselves. Jared and Alexia have created a family-like environment, which is always welcoming, and they genuinely care about each student’s progress and wellbeing, which has made such a difference for my kids, growing in skill, strength, resilience, and self-belief since starting here. For anyone looking for a top-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in South East London, look no further!

  Instructors Classes Location Atmosphere

  Posted 1 year ago
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  Luke Warren

  Absolutely the best BJJ gym I've trained at, every time I turn up there's always a positive atmosphere and everyone there will make you feel welcome and have your progression in their best interests. Couldn't recommend enough no matter what skill level you may be!

  Atmosphere

  Posted 1 year ago
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  Max Bullinga

  I’ve been training at the Kodokan for about six months now. Before that, I tried a trial class at another gym in London, but something about the atmosphere felt off — it didn’t click. So I kept looking. That’s when I found Kodokan online and decided to give it a shot. From the start, the application process stood out — professional, intentional, and trustworthy. I had to wait a few weeks for my trial because the owners were on holiday, but more importantly, they’re selective about who joins. They care deeply about maintaining the culture and community of the gym — and that says a lot. After just a few sessions, I felt completely at home. Kodokan isn’t just a gym; it’s a family. Training here reignited my passion for the sport in a way I didn’t expect. The gym is led by two exceptional professionals. Alexia brings a level of support and organisation that keeps everything running smoothly, and coach Jared lives and breathes Jiu Jitsu — his dedication is mastery. I couldn’t be happier to be part of this place. Os.

  Instructors Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 1 year ago
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  Paris Miserlis

  Great experience for our kids in Kodokan Jiu Jitsu school!! We started our twin boys at 5 y.o and found a very welcoming and calm environment. Alexia made everything so easy and always welcomes us with a smile at the -academy. Jared made it clear that he is not only about the martial art but also working to develop mental strength and teaching values and discipline! Our boys have had an amazing journey in the past months and their level of confidence has grown immensely! Highly recommended for all kinds of characters - kids and adults!

  Instructors Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 1 year ago
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  James Sapsford

  Such a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to train BJJ. From white belt to black belt every member of the club treats everyone with respect and looks after each other to create a safe environment to train. What sets this club apart from the others though is the coach and how the lessons are taught. It’s common in most clubs nowadays to have a string of different instructors teaching random techniques followed by free training but at Kodokan there is a schedule that makes sure all students have an understanding of the positions being taught as well as positional training designed to allow everyone to fully understand the techniques being taught. The main coach Jared has a huge wealth of experience and sincerely cares about each and every person’s progression in Ju Jitsu. He knows exactly what’s needed for each person to improve and no one is left behind. Could not recommend this club enough wether you’re a seasoned pro looking for extra training or someone interested in the martial arts

  Posted 4 years ago
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  Usman Syed

  I joined Kodokan BJJ Academy as a complete beginner with no prior martial arts experience whatsoever. I am so glad to have picked Kodokan to start my BJJ journey after few trial classes which is definitely something more than an academy. So, how has my experience been at Kodokan? See my breakdown below. - Academy Administration: Coach Jared is a great teacher and has a wealth of knowledge which is evident in his teaching methods during the class and training sessions. Alexia does an incredible job in organising and welcoming the students and helping them settle in. They are both extremely personable and responsive and make the students feel like part of the family. My key callout is how Alexia and Coach Jared went above and beyond during lockdown period to keep the students engaged organising online classes, setting up individual coaching sessions and arranging separate small group training sessions to keep our BJJ journey going while gyms were closed. - Coach Jared: In my trial classes, I couldn't help but notice how deeply knowledgeable Coach Jared is. His in-class BJJ techniques demos along with the ability to explain technicalities in an articulate fashion and to be able to answer students' questions in a calm and easy-to-understand way is something that really stood out for me. In addition to that, he is very personable and has a great ability to adapt his coaching style to suit your personality and goals. - Culture: The culture of any academy/organization is hugely important in establishing if you vibe or not. Coach Jared and Alexia both do a great job of creating a positive culture and encouraging the students to be part of the Kodokan clan. The academy's motto "Never Venture. Never Win" taken from Sun Tzu's The Art of War is truly evident in the training sessions and Coach Jared's addresses in the assemblies. - Training Partners and Skillsets: Although the academy is still relatively young, it's fantastic to see students from all sorts of backgrounds (mixed gender to encourage diversity) coming to train and with varying skillsets. It's great to train and practice BJJ in a safe environment and learn from high ranking students as well as from junior members. - Tournaments: During my time here, I have noticed a key factor in training sessions and classes is to prepare for competitions. The intensity of the classes increases as the tournament dates approach closer which is a great motivator and gives an opportunity to the students to challenge themselves and offer their best. Coach Jared is really good at encouraging students to bring the best out of them. - Feedback: One thing I really admire about Alexia and Coach Jared is their openness to feedback. They really do take into consideration what students are saying and how to improve things. One prime example of this is how Kodokan has now additional classes over the weekend to offer options to those who are unable to make certain days during weekdays. In conclusion, whether you are a beginner or an experienced BJJ practitioner, Kodokan is a great place to learn and improve your BJJ skills. 5 STARS & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

  Posted 4 years ago
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  Aisling Clery

  Kodokan is an amazing place to learn Jiu-Jitsu! Jared (coach) and Alexia have instilled a great ethos in the club whereby everyone makes an effort to get to know one another which creates a really relaxed and welcoming environment. I was pretty nervous on my first session as I have never done any sort of contact sport before and being female I wasn't sure how comfortable I would be. Delighted to say I was put at ease straight away. I still have plenty to learn skill wise but at the very least I get a full body workout at each session! Can't recommend it enough!

  Posted 4 years ago
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  Jon R

  Been training with Jared and the team for nearly a year now, there is a truly fun vibe until the class starts and then it's all business, you can expect to be pushed mentally, physically and emotionally but these challenges will help you grow and develop within yourself and within the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I lost nearly 2 stone of weight within 6 months of training 2-3x a week and it hugely helped my cardio and strength. For those unaware of, the best way I can describe it is a martial art where you look to control your opponent and submit them. There is no striking. I would recommend the sport and Kodokan to anyone interested, Jared is a former Bronze Medalist in the elite world championships, his family based in California run a high level gym so it's safe to say BJJ runs in his blood. The core group is very diverse, all shapes and sizes and extremely welcoming to new comers. Thanks for reading, hope to see you on the Mats Jon R

  Posted 4 years ago
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  Michael De'Burg

  I have been with the Kodokan for 2 months+ now. This is my first BJJ gym. During my first session, i was greeted by every member present and i felt very welcome, despite me being a little nervous, i massively enjoyed my first time there, and was eager to continue! Jared the coach is incredibly knowledgeable, and is clearly very skilled in the ways of BJJ. He adapts his teaching methods in order for everybody to be able to absorb the lessons and build a better BJJ understanding for themselves. The fellow students are all nice and supportive, and I've felt like this is a great atmosphere for new students who really want to learn the sport. I would encourage anybody reading this review to give Kodokan a try, and i highly suspect that you wouldn't regret it. We will all welcome you and help you learn with us this incredible martial art.

  Posted 4 years ago