Lead Instructor
Sensei Simon Hewings
3rd Dan
Started jitsu at university in '94 and began teaching in Brighton in 2001. Now the regional coordinator for the South East, assessing gradings and taking seminars across the country.
Brighton · Est. 2001
Train hard.Fight smart.
Learn Japanese Jiu Jitsu in Brighton. Martial arts for all, with real-world self-defence that's pressure-tested until it works.
2001Teaching in Brighton since
6 wksBeginners courses: Thu 7 Jan to 11 Feb 2027 · Thu 18 Feb to 25 Mar 2027
8–10pmEvery Thursday, all year
100UK clubs in The Jitsu Foundation
What is jitsu?
Not a sport.
A survival system.
Jiu Jitsu, the “yielding art”, comes from the unarmed combat of medieval Japan's samurai: a complete system of throws, joint locks and strikes built on redirecting an attacker's energy against them.
Unlike Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we focus on stand-up self-defence, training to deal with multiple and armed attackers. We're proud members of The Jitsu Foundation, Great Britain's largest single-style Jiu Jitsu organisation.
Why train with us
- 01
Multiple attackers
We train for real-world situations, not one-on-one sport rules.
- 02
Pressure-tested
Techniques are tested under pressure until they actually work.
- 03
Keep it simple
Practical, effective and easy to remember when it counts.
- 04
Ego at the door
A supportive mat where beginners and black belts learn together.
Classes & times
Thursday night.
Every week.
All year.
Thursday
8pm – 10pm
- 01Warm-upStretching and mobility
- 02TechniqueLearning and drilling self-defence
- 03Pressure testingTechniques tested in realistic scenarios
- 04Cool downStretching and recovery
The belt journey
White to black.
One Thursday
at a time.
Gradings are held every 3 months, when your instructor thinks you're ready. They're never compulsory.
- WhiteStart here
- Yellow7th kyu
- Orange6th kyu
- Green5th kyu
- Purple4th kyu
- Light blue3rd kyu
- Dark blue2nd kyu
- Brown1st kyu
- BlackShodan
Your instructors
Taught by people
who've been thrown a lot.
On the mat
Real club. Real training.
Reviews
What people say
Reviews
Amazing session with Simon & Dave. They are always happy to see new faces and welcome you back no matter how long it's been. Highly recommend for an inclusive martial arts club, for beginners and higher belts alike.
Excellent instructor and taught in a friendly environment. Simon makes the classes accessible and enjoyable whilst also explaining the real life application. Cannot recommend enough, also incredibly good value
They're a welcoming and friendly bunch, always come away drenched in sweat and in a great mood.
Unfortunately I’m a sporadic club member (the type that shows up as and when I’m in Brighton)—however, it’s always a pleasure and I always learn so much when I attend this club. Jiu Jitsu has been such a game-changer in my life. It’s always fun and I always learn something new!
Sensei Simon is an amazing teacher, he is absolutely hilarious and makes learning martial arts super fun. Had a truly wonderful time and I learned a lot. Cannot recommend enough!
Sensei Simon is a very well presented teacher who always makes learning fun and enjoyable (as much as being thrown can be). I honestly couldn't recommend this club enough to anyone regardless of skill. The culture in this club is very fun and friendly and im very glad its my local club
Come and train
Step on the mat
this January.
No experience needed. Our next 6-week beginners courses run Thu 7 Jan to 11 Feb 2027 and Thu 18 Feb to 25 Mar 2027: £60 with your licence included. Come in comfortable clothes, with water and a towel.
Open to all adults. LGBTQ+ friendly. No ego, just jitsu.