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Disciplines
Gi
Classes
Adults ClassesBlack Belt InstructionFundamentalsKids ClassesWomen Only Classes
We have had a fantastic experience at Watford Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The classes for young children are exceptionally well structured, engaging, and age-appropriate. Instructor Ben Tippen does an outstanding job of creating a fun, positive, and supportive environment while teaching valuable self-defence skills.
What sets these classes apart is the strong focus on character development alongside martial arts training. Children learn important life values such as respect, discipline, confidence, responsibility, and kindness, which are reinforced throughout the programme.
Ben is patient, encouraging, and excellent at connecting with the children, helping them build confidence while developing practical skills.
I would highly recommend Watford Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy to any parent looking for a safe, professional, and inspiring activity for their child.
As a woman and beginner I would really recommend this place. If you ever wanted to try bjj and felt intimidated or feared being injured (most beginners in bjj give up within months due to injury sustained during sparring ) then this is your place.
Here there is a clear detailed curriculum with emphasis on technique, safety, inclusion and respect for each other . You can practice the techniques as much as you want and only when a bit more experienced you can start doing classes during which you can test your skills but still in a more gentle way than full on sparring. This systematic and gradual progression can be criticised by other schools (“sparring is the only way to learn bjj“) and I get it, but I want to learn safely and don’t want to get injured by being thrown into the deep end.
There are classes virtually every day and the women self defence on Tuesdays and Thursdays are truly mind blowing (by their effectiveness ) and every girl and young (an older ) woman should come !
Bjj is one of the most difficult martial art to learn. Here you will do it with method and fun and it is, like many other academies, a great friendly and supportive community.
I read the reviews before joining and read the one about cleanliness. I have to say the mat and place in general are always spotless. It never smells. The mat is clean. The rules about etiquette and “dress code “ are respected.
Heidi at the desk will go the extra length to help and make things as easy and pleasant as possible - and she keeps everything ultra clean and tidy !
I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to try .
Great gym, amazing instructors - structured curriculum that gives you the tools to defend yourself while having fun! Highly recommend to anyone looking to start their journey or shift!
Extremely clean and well managed school with exceptional kindness from all members of staff and students. Unfortunately I had to leave the school due to travel distance and a family issue but hopefully I can perhaps return someday. This is the best place to begin your BJJ journey if you're a beginner. What I love most about this school is the structure you're provided with. Ben Tippen has worked very hard to achieve this and the structure from America to the UK. Fantastic reception staff also and on point. Five stars
Relaxed and friendly. My 8yo son and 6yo daughter attend 2 sessions a week. I love that I can watch in class or nip next door and get a coffee. The lessons are 1 hour and you can change which lessons you attend each week. My kids go to junior grapplers, there are 5 lessons a week. Ben is the main instructor and is awesome, he gives great messages/ pep talks on anti bullying and how to deal with it and takes genuine interest in his students. My kids love it.
I train there along with my 2 sons. Absolutely fantastic school, been to lots of martial arts schools throughout the years and this has such a relaxed and easy going atmosphere. Lovely students and lovely staff. Very unique club. Highly recommended
i highly recommend Watford Gracie Jujitsu for their fantastic kids martial arts classes. My son started training here a year ago just before turning 6 years old. I’ve trained in martial arts for over 20 years including teaching kids (it’s not easy) but the coaches are brilliant with them, very patient and make the classes fun whilst giving them fundamental skills for self defence. This includes scenarios of how to deal with potential bullys or strangers out on the street. They also cycle through ‘chapters’, discussing important virtues such as being kind, responsible, polite etc. Unfortunately we’re moving out of the area so won’t be able to bring our son anymore but want to say a massive thanks to Ben Tippin and his assistant coaches, it’s been the perfect start to my son’s martial arts journey
As a woman, starting such a close contact Martial art can be stressful and intimidating, and choosing the right club is very important.
I’m entering my third year of training at the Watford Gracie jiu jitsu and I couldn't’t be happier. The main instructor Ben Tippen provides quality instructions and constant support.
The classes are really friendly, and the people you train with, really respectful, so you always feel safe trying new techniques and discovering ways to improve your game.
It is a very welcoming club, and they ease you into the process, instead of throwing you in the deep end, which, as a shy personality, I truly appreciate.
I helped with the kids for a time, and it was great fun! The classes have grown due to the club popularity, and the instructors still manage to make the class a joyful and entertaining learning experience.
Would strongly recommend it !
