The gentle art of grappling
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Guildford
The ground game that completes your striking. Beginners are welcome, you'll learn the technique long before anyone rolls, and your first class is free.
- Good for
- Grappling · self-defence
- Levels
- Beginner friendly
- Ages
- Adults
- From
- Ask us (not in Muay Thai membership)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is the art of fighting on the ground — using leverage, position and clever technique rather than size or strength. If most of your training so far has been on your feet, this is the half that completes the picture: what to do when a real situation ends up on the floor, and how to stay calm and in control when it does.
At Shin Kick, BJJ sits alongside our Muay Thai, boxing and MMA as part of one full-time martial arts and fitness centre in Guildford, just a 10-minute walk from the town centre and mainline station. It makes brilliant cross-training — strikers who add a ground game become far more rounded, and people who come for BJJ alone get a smart, technical workout that's kinder on the body than you might expect.
One thing we want to be straight about from the start: BJJ is a separate class and is not included in a Muay Thai membership. It's priced on its own. We'd rather tell you that plainly here than surprise you later — see Memberships & Prices for the detail, or give us a call on 01483 578358 and we'll talk it through.
New to this?
What your first BJJ class is really like
You won't be thrown to the wolves. A typical class starts with a gentle warm-up, then you'll spend most of your time drilling — that just means repeating a move slowly with a partner until it starts to feel natural. Nobody expects you to know anything on day one, and you certainly won't be the only beginner on the mats.
"Rolling" is the BJJ word for light sparring on the ground, where you try out what you've learned against a willing partner. It always comes after the technique, never before, and it's controlled — the whole point is to learn, not to get smashed. If you'd rather just drill for your first few sessions, that's completely fine. You set the pace.
Wear comfy clothes you can move in for your first class and bring water and a clean pair of trainers for off the mats. BJJ is usually trained in a "gi" (the heavy cotton jacket-and-trousers uniform you've probably seen), and we'll point you in the right direction on kit before you commit to anything. There are changing rooms and showers on site, and on-site parking when you arrive.
Why you'll love it
- Learn real ground defence — the leverage-based skills that work when a confrontation ends up on the floor, which striking alone can't cover
- Brilliant cross-training: add a ground game to your Muay Thai, boxing or MMA and become a far more complete martial artist
- Technical, not just brutal — BJJ rewards timing and problem-solving over raw strength, so it suits all sizes and ages
- A genuinely good workout that builds real-world fitness, mobility and calm under pressure
- Beginner-safe by design: you drill technique first, rolling is always controlled, and you go at your own pace
- Train at a full-time, dedicated centre with three matted areas, coaches who make regular trips to Thailand, and a friendly, family atmosphere
This is for you if…
- You want to learn proper grappling and ground defence, not just striking
- You already train Muay Thai, boxing or MMA and want to round out your skills with a ground game
- You're a complete beginner who likes the idea of a technical martial art over a purely physical one
- You want something that gets you fit while teaching you a genuine, useful skill
- You're happy to start with a separate BJJ class, knowing it's priced on its own rather than bundled with Muay Thai
Good to know
Common questions
Is BJJ included in my Muay Thai membership?
No. BJJ is a separate class and is not included in any Muay Thai membership — it's priced on its own. We flag this clearly so there are no surprises on your direct debit. Check Memberships & Prices for the current detail, or call us on 01483 578358 and we'll explain exactly how it works.
Will I get smashed as a beginner?
No. You'll spend your early sessions drilling technique slowly with a partner, and "rolling" (light, controlled ground sparring) only comes after you've learned the moves. It's about learning, not winning, and you'll never be the only beginner on the mats. If you'd rather just drill at first, that's absolutely fine.
Do I need a gi?
A gi is the cotton uniform BJJ is usually trained in. You don't need to rush out and buy one before you've tried a class — wear comfy clothes you can move in for your first session and we'll guide you on kit before you commit to anything. Pop in or call 01483 578358 and we'll sort it out with you.
Do I need to be fit or have any experience?
No experience and no particular fitness level required. BJJ rewards technique and timing over raw strength, which is exactly why it suits all sizes, ages and starting points. You'll build fitness as you go, at a pace that works for you.
Is this a serious BJJ class or just an add-on?
It's a genuine class with a real coach, taught at a full-time martial arts and fitness centre with three matted areas. We're honest about who we are — Guildford's home of authentic Muay Thai, with BJJ as the grappling half of a complete striking gym. Come and try a class and judge it for yourself.
Can I try it before I commit?
Yes — your first class is free. Drop in, see how it feels, meet the coaches and the other beginners, and decide afterwards. Check the timetable for the next BJJ session, or call 01483 578358 to book your free first class.
Get started
Your first class is free
No experience needed, no contract to try. Come and see why beginners feel at home here — book a free trial or just give us a call.