Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a grappling art built on leverage and timing. You learn to control a partner on the ground, escape bad positions and finish with chokes and joint locks. You can learn it in Norfolk at Union Thai in Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth.
This is the main BJJ guide at Union Thai. It is for people who have never tried it. Each section starts with a short answer.
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
BJJ is a ground-based grappling art. You do not punch or kick. You use technique to control your partner and to make them submit.
A submission is a choke or a joint lock. When your partner taps, you let go. That is the rule that keeps training safe.
The big idea is leverage. A smaller person can control a bigger one with good technique. That is why many people call it a physical chess match. You can play it for life.
Do I need to be strong or flexible to start BJJ?
No. Technique beats strength. Flexibility comes with training.
Beginners are paired with patient partners and taught from day one. Nobody expects you to be fit, bendy or strong. The moves are built to work with leverage, not muscle.
BJJ suits a wide range of people. Some want fitness. Some like the mental side. Others want to compete. All of them start in the same place, with the basics.
What happens in a BJJ class at Union Thai?
A class has four parts. You warm up, learn the technique of the day, spar from set positions and finish with live rolling if you are ready. A class usually runs like this:
- Warm-up and movement drills
- Technique of the day
- Positional sparring
- Live rolling for those ready
Positional sparring starts from a set position. For example, one person starts on top and the other tries to escape. It lets you practise one skill with less chaos.
Live rolling is full sparring on the ground. It comes later, when you are ready. Check the timetable for BJJ session times.
Will I roll on day one?
No. First sessions are drills and basics. Live rolling comes later.
Rolling is the word for live sparring on the ground. You build up to it. Training is slow and controlled. You can tap at any time and your partner lets go.
Read our guide to your first sessions for more detail: BJJ for beginners in Norfolk: your first roll.
Do I need a gi for BJJ?
Not for your first session. A gi is the heavy cotton jacket used in many BJJ classes. Wear shorts and a fitted t-shirt to start.
Ask us before you buy any kit. We would rather you try a class first. Bring water and arrive a few minutes early.
Is BJJ safe for beginners?
Yes. Training is slow and controlled. Tap any time and your partner lets go.
The tap is the key to safety. Anyone can use it at any time, for any reason. Good partners respond at once. You will be paired with someone patient. If you have an injury or a worry, tell the coach before the class.
How long does it take to get good at BJJ?
You pick up the basics fast. Belts take years. Turn up regularly and it adds up.
Twice a week is a good start. Do not compare yourself with others. Everyone starts as a beginner. Progress comes from showing up and being patient.
Who coaches BJJ at Union Thai?
Marcos Lopes, our head coach and owner, coaches BJJ alongside Muay Thai, boxing and MMA. He has over 40 years of experience in Muay Thai.
Meet the full coaching team on the coaches page.
Is BJJ suitable for women and complete beginners?
Yes. All levels are welcome at Union Thai. You do not need experience to start.
Read more in Martial arts for women in Great Yarmouth.
Can I train BJJ one to one?
You can book 1-to-1 sessions with our coaches. See the 1-to-1 section of the coaches page for details.
One to one coaching suits people who want faster progress or who feel nervous about a group. Read 1-to-1 martial arts coaching in Norfolk.
What are the benefits of training BJJ?
BJJ builds fitness, problem solving and confidence. A class is a workout for your whole body. It is also a mental puzzle, because you are always looking for the next move.
Many people say it is the best stress relief they have found. For an hour you cannot think about anything else. You are working with a partner, solving a problem and breathing.
It is also a skill for life. You can keep learning for years. There is always another detail to improve.
What is the difference between gi and no-gi BJJ?
Gi BJJ is trained in a heavy cotton jacket. No-gi is trained in shorts and a fitted top. The jacket gives you something to grip. Without it, the game is faster and more slippery.
You do not need either to start. For your first session at Union Thai, shorts and a fitted t-shirt are fine. Ask us before you buy any kit. For more, read BJJ for beginners in Norfolk.
What are the BJJ etiquette rules?
Be on time, keep your kit clean and look after your partner. Close contact makes hygiene important. Wash your kit after every session. Keep your nails short. Take off jewellery.
Tap early and tap often when you learn. Let go at once when your partner taps. Thank your partner at the end. These habits keep everyone safe and keep the room friendly.
How do I choose between BJJ, Muay Thai and MMA?
Pick the one that sounds most fun. There is no wrong answer. BJJ is ground grappling. Muay Thai is stand-up striking. MMA mixes both with wrestling.
The monthly membership covers all disciplines, so you do not have to decide for good. Pay as you go lets you try one session with no commitment. Check the timetable and the memberships page to plan your first week.
Where can I train BJJ near Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft?
Union Thai is on the east Norfolk coast, in Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth. Lowestoft is the nearest large town to the south. See a martial arts gym near Lowestoft for more.
Read the BJJ class page for what we teach. Check the timetable for session times. See the memberships page for the options. Pay as you go has no commitment, so it works well for a first class.
Which guides go with this one?
Each guide below goes deeper on one question.
- BJJ for beginners in Norfolk: your first roll. Your first class, your first roll and the words you will hear.
- Martial arts for women in Great Yarmouth. All levels are welcome. What to expect and how to start.
- 1-to-1 martial arts coaching in Norfolk. Who it suits and how to book a private session.
- A martial arts gym near Lowestoft. Muay Thai, MMA and BJJ in Gorleston-on-Sea, just up the A12 from Lowestoft.
