Yokai Grappling Academy

144 Hornby Blvd, Bootle, Liverpool L21 8HQ, UK

5.0 (28 reviews)

Pricing

From £10/class

Discover Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling in Liverpool. Open to all skill levels with expert instruction and a welcoming atmosphere.

Class Schedule

Monday 1 classes

09:00 – 10:30 sun - open mat

Tuesday 2 classes

06:30 – 07:30 Mon - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi) - MORNING SESSION w/ Coach Joe

19:00 – 20:30 Mon - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi) w/ Coach Phil

Wednesday 1 classes

19:00 – 20:30 Tue - Submission grappling (nogi) w/ Coach Rob

Thursday 2 classes

06:30 – 07:30 Wed - Submission Grappling (nogi) - MORNING SESSION w/ Coach Rob

19:00 – 20:00 Wed - 10 x 5 sparring night Alternates weekly between GI and NOGI

Friday 1 classes

19:00 – 20:30 Thur - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (gi) w/ Coach Joe

Saturday 2 classes

06:30 – 07:30 Fri - Submission Grappling (nogi) - MORNING SESSION w/ Coach Phil

19:00 – 20:30 Fri - Submission grappling (nogi) w/ Coach Phil

Coaches

Joe Anderson Head Coach

Black Belt 1st Degree

Joe Anderson is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and joint head coach alongside Phil Bennett at Yokai Grappling Academy. He received his black belt in 2021 and was promoted to first degree black belt by Nic Gregoriades in 2026.

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Phil Bennett Head Coach

Black Belt 1st Degree

Phil Bennett is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and joint head coach at Yokai Grappling Academy alongside Joe Anderson. He received his black belt from Roger Gracie in 2022 and the first degree on his black belt from Nic Gregoriades in 2026.

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Rob

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Membership Prices

pay as you go

£10.00 Per session

Pay as you go is perfect for dropping into classes on an adhoc basis.

PRIVATE LESSONS

£30.00 Per hour

From £30 per hour; private lessons or small group classes.

Monthly membership

£70.00 / month

Includes access to all scheduled classes and open mat sessions.

Reviews

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Benjamin Bennetzen

Dropped by during a stay in Liverpool. Great vibes and lovely rolls.

Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 month ago
Rob R

Just done my first session. Absolutely loved it. The guys were brilliant and really knowledable. Always happy to show you anything and really patient with me as an absolute beginner. Would certainly recommend!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 month ago
Gareth

Exceptional gym, with exceptional coaches and just outstanding people all round. If you’re looking to learn high-quality grappling/BJJ skills, this is the place. Super-welcoming, beginner friendly, and high-level training. Learnt so much here. 💪

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 month ago
James Cameron

Been to 3 sessions with each of the 3 coaches they have and one open mat. All brilliant, everyone friendly and welcoming. looking forward to getting back in

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 months ago
alex oneill

Amazing Gym , Friendly and helpful members , Excellent Coaches

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 months ago
paul sheridan

Excellent jitz club, excellent coaches. We visited for open mat and we were welcomed and made to feel like family. If your in the bottle area pop along to some top class bjj and a top team

Instructors Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 6 months ago
Beau Harrington

I can’t think of a more welcoming, professional and energized Jiu Jitsu academy to train with! I’ve known Phil since I was a trial class white belt. He’s always been a gentle giant with enthusiasm and charisma and I make the extra effort to travel and train with him when I’m back home from work! The lessons are structured and balanced for both beginners and intermediate practitioners, with techniques you’ll use for years to come! If you want to start Jiu Jitsu then I couldn’t recommend Yokai Grappling enough. 5 stars all round!

Instructors Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 9 months ago
Jaki Taylor

If you’re serious about learning real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this is the place. Gi or no Gi Phil and Joey don’t just teach — they coach. Two black belts with deep experience and zero ego, and it shows in every session. From the very first class you get clear, practical instruction that makes techniques click, and every coach takes time with you no matter your level. Beginners are welcomed without judgment, advanced guys get thoughtful challenges, and everyone on the mats genuinely supports each other — no bull, no ego’s. What this really means is you’ll get better and enjoy the journey while you do it. The vibe here is supportive and friendly but focused. You’ll get pushed in the right way, learn solid fundamentals, and come away feeling like you’ve invested in yourself. If you want technical BJJ with great people, Yokai’s where you want to be. Ten out of ten.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 months ago
Phil

Fantastic gym ran by two very talented and experienced blackbelt coaches, Joey and Phil. Their contrasting approaches to grappling complement eachother very well and create an amazing learning environment. The lads are a great bunch and every class has a fantastic atmosphere from start to finish. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grappler, get down and train 🤼🥋

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago