Gracie and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are essentially the same thing with slight differences in terms of the purpose for training. To understand this more, you need to look back at the history of Jiu Jitsu...

When it was originally founded by Grand Masters Carlos and Helio Gracie in the early 1900’s, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu only had one purpose – effectiveness in real "no-holds barred" fights.

Several decades later, when sportive competition was introduced and popularised, there was a distinct shift in training objectives at most BJJ schools causing them to neglect the self-defence aspect of jiu-jitsu, such that students could train for many years without ever learning how their grappling skills would apply against a striking opponent in a real fight.

At all Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Centres, street self-defence remains the top priority throughout all of our training programs.

From your very first class, every technique you learn was specifically chosen due to it’s like likelihood of being used, and proven effectiveness, in real combat.

Our belief is that only once a student learns all the necessary skills to stay safe in a real fight, should he or she begin exploring the sportive aspects of jiu-jitsu.

We have a full time facility dedicated to teaching Gracie Jiu Jitsu! Our address is:

Unit 1 Vale Mill, Huddersfield Rd, Mossley, OL5 9LL

All classes are taught by certified Gracie University instructors that completed and passed the instructor certification program overseen by Ryron and Rener Gracie in person.

You can learn more about the team here.

Jiu-Jitsu training involves different styles, and what you wear can significantly impact how you train.

All of our beginner classes are taught in a white Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi which continues into the advanced classes.

The Gi is a full uniform with a belt, similar to Judo or Karate, though with a distinct fit and feel. The Gi can be grabbed and used to aid in escapes, submissions, or throws, adding a unique strategic element.

The Master Cycle will introduce No-Gi training, this involves a rash guard and shorts. With nothing to grab, the pace tends to be faster, and techniques adapt accordingly.

Fingerless gloves aren’t typically used in BJJ since there’s no striking in the sport, although because we train Jiu-Jitsu for self-defence or an MMA setting, gloves are used to safely incorporate strikes into practice.

We have multiple membership options starting from £45 per month depending on how many classes per month you would like to attend.

All memberships include:

✅ Flexible classes so you don't have to stick to set days

✅ No extra charges for joining the intermidate or advanced classes

✅ A free Gracie Univeristy online subscription that mirrors your in person classes

✅ Free training at any other Certified Gracie Jiu Jitsu Training Centre

On your first class, we'll send you home with a membership pack with more details on the different options, plus links to sign up.

We believe anyone can train Jiu Jitsu, but not every gym is for everyone.

Every beginner class is taught with no previous experience necessary, so you will not feel left behind.

Our program is structured by class number (23 group classes), so you will always know exactly what techniques you will be learning on any given day. You can even check out the techniques of the day on GracieUniversity.com before class to get a head start!

Yes! We understand that most of our members aren't planning on becoming a pro fighter and are doing this to improve their health, lifestyle and confidence so getting injured isn't an option.

Safety is the number one concern in all of our classes regardless of if you're a beginner or trained for years. Anyone who doesn't prioritse the safety of their partners is not welcome at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Tameside.

This will depend on how much experience you have. The best idea would be to give us a call on 0161 527 1193 and ask to speak to Alex so you can get more specific information on which classes would suit you.

Not at all. In fact, many students starting in our adult martial arts classes may have described themselves like that before they started. There is absolutely no experience necessary for any of our beginner classes. You will fit right in!

Give yourself some time, and you will be astounded at what your body is capable of, and how much you can improve! Our certified martial arts instructors are trained to keep their teaching simple, effective, and beginner-focused. So even the most uncoordinated person will develop these skills! Come see for yourself!

Absolutely! Specifically because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has proven reliable in defending against larger opponents for nearly a century, it is the perfect martial art for women.

Many women train in our ladies only classes and then transfer into our mixed adult Gracie Combatives classes. However, both programs are suitable for female beginners.

We love seeing the physical confidence develop in our female students as they gain self-defence skills on the mat!

No. Our first priority for our martial arts students is that they learn the fundamentals of self-defence. What you need to do to survive against an aggressive, untrained opponent may be different than what you would need to learn for a sport jiu-jitsu tournament.

Beyond this Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an interesting and engaging art/sport that has a big competition scene and whilst some of our members have decided to test their skills in this format, we don't go our of our way to prepare students (rules, strategy etc) for competition.

We understand that most people who train with us are doing so for fitness, health and confidence, when practised correctly, BJJ can be an activity to enjoy for many years!

If competition is your primary goal for training, gyms like Stealth BJJ may be a better fit.