Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes in Hemel Hempstead
Train BJJ under a black belt. Gi and No-Gi, kids and adults, beginner to competitor — right in the heart of Hemel Hempstead.
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu — commonly shortened to BJJ — is a ground-based grappling martial art built on the idea that a smaller, technical practitioner can control and defeat a larger, untrained opponent through leverage, timing and positional mastery. There are no strikes. There’s no luck. There’s just the slow, careful pursuit of better position until your training partner either taps to a submission or you choose to let them go.
It’s the most-tested unarmed martial art in the world. It’s the backbone of every successful MMA fighter’s game. And it’s the reason WTF exists: to teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, properly, to anyone in Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding area who wants to learn.
Why Train BJJ at Watford Tactical Fighting?
- Black belt instruction. Head coach Jay Herridge is a Checkmat-affiliated black belt with ADCC UK National Gold, IBJJF London Open titles, NAGA Expert and English Open championships on his record. You’re learning from someone who still competes.
- Beginner-friendly fundamentals. Every week we run dedicated fundamentals classes built for people walking in for the very first time. You won’t be thrown into live rolling on day one.
- Both gi and no-gi. The same art, two flavours. Train with the kimono for grip-based BJJ, or in shorts and rash guard for the faster No-Gi format that powers ADCC and EBI.
- Real mat culture. Friendly, respectful, technical. Our adult mat is roughly 30% female and our kids and teen programmes are some of the most established in west Hertfordshire.
- Right next to Watford. Located in central Hemel Hempstead, a short drive from Watford, Berkhamsted, Kings Langley and Bovingdon.
Our BJJ Class Structure
Fundamentals
The bedrock of our timetable. Mount escapes, side control, guard retention, basic submissions, posture and pressure. If you’ve never trained before, start here. If you’ve trained for ten years, you should still be here.
Advanced / Comp Class
For coloured belts and serious blue belts working toward competition. Live rounds, situational drilling and modern guard / passing systems. Bring your sleeve.
No-Gi
Faster, sweatier, no kimono grips. Same positions, different dynamics. A natural progression for gi students and a great option for wrestlers, MMA fighters and anyone training for self defence.
Open Mat
Free-form rolling and drilling for members. Where the work happens. Visiting grapplers welcome with their home gym’s blessing.
Who Trains Here?
You’ll train next to working professionals, students, parents, blue light workers, fitness converts, MMA hobbyists, and a healthy stream of competitors on the UK BJJ circuit. We run dedicated programmes for kids and teens too — martial arts is one of the best things a young person can do for confidence, discipline and resilience.
You don’t need any prior experience, any fitness level, or any equipment beyond a willingness to learn. We’ll lend you a gi for your first class.
Pricing & How to Start
The fastest way to find out if BJJ is for you is to book a free taster class — no obligation, no kit needed, just turn up.
Full membership pricing is on the home page. We offer adult, student, teen and child memberships, drop-in rates, and a discounted plan for Blue Light Workers (NHS, Police, Fire, Ambulance).