Who Trains Here?
Our adult members come from all over County Durham — from the city itself to Chester-le-Street, Consett, Bishop Auckland and beyond. They're in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. Some train in the morning before work. Some come in the evening to decompress after it. Some joined solo. Some joined because their kids were already here.
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What they have in common is that they came looking for one thing — and found several.
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Most people start for the fitness, the challenge, or the community. Within a few months, they have all three.
"Absolutely the best thing I've ever done in my life. Training at 5th Element under Reece has been nothing short of transformational." — Stuart, member
Is This For You?
You don't need to be fit, young, or experienced. You need to be curious enough to try.
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This programme is built for you if:
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​To build genuine confidence & resilience.
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Training in a safe & structured environment.
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Wanting to try something new & fresh.
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Want to something challenging in their life.
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Less screen time & more action.
"A great place to find your limits — and great people to help you push past them." — Kyle, member
The Honest Bit
"I'm not fit enough to start." This is the most common thing we hear — and it's never been true. Your fitness improves through training, not before it. Turn up as you are.
"I'll be the oldest person there." Unlikely. We have members who started in their 40s and 50s who now train four times a week. Jiu Jitsu rewards patience, body awareness and intelligence over raw athleticism — qualities that tend to improve with age, not decline.
"I joined just over 2 years ago at the age of 55. The coaching staff and members are absolutely brilliant. Anyone who thinks they're too old — please give it a go." — John, joined aged 55
"Started as an unfit 50+ year old. Now nearly one year in I've dropped over 20 lbs, I'm fitter, and I've made lots of new friends." — Steven, joined aged 50+
"Is it full of aggressive guys?" No. Our culture is one of the things members mention most — studious, friendly, no egos. The mix of ages, backgrounds and experience levels in every class makes it impossible for that culture to take hold.
"I'm a woman — will I feel comfortable?" Completely. We have female training partners, proper changing facilities, and a gym where looking after your training partners is just part of how everyone trains — regardless of size or experience.
"As a female in a male dominated sport, 5th Element offers a safe training space for women. I have had nothing but continuous support from all training partners." — Jodie, member since age 13
"I've got a specific injury or condition — can I still train?" Get in touch before your trial and we'll have an honest conversation about what's possible. We cater for a wide range of needs and we'd rather talk it through than have you rule yourself out unnecessarily.
What Makes Us Different
Our adult programme runs across four levels, structured so that every member — from their very first session to competition-level training — is always in the right environment for where they are.
Foundations
The starting point for complete beginners. Focused on the core principles and fundamental techniques of jiu jitsu — building confidence, movement, and understanding from the ground up. If you've never done anything like this before, this is your class.
All Levels
Brings the whole team together. As a beginner you'll train alongside members at different stages, which accelerates your learning and immediately puts you inside the community. Most beginners move between Foundations and All Levels in their first few months.
Fundamentals
Higher intensity with a deeper focus on one area of the sport per session. For members who've built their base and want to sharpen specific skills and push their training further.
Advanced
The highest tier — competition preparation, high-level sparring, and advanced techniques. For experienced members with serious goals.
What The Sessions Look Like
Our beginner classes aren't structured like a typical martial arts class. Rather than a single technique drilled for an hour, every session covers three distinct areas — standing work, guard work, and pins — giving you a complete picture of jiu jitsu from your very first session.
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Techniques and light sparring games are woven throughout, so you're always applying what you've just learned. You leave having actually experienced jiu jitsu, not just watched it.
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Training alongside members at different levels is deliberate. It means you're constantly exposed to different approaches, different physicalities, and different levels of understanding — something you simply can't replicate training only with other beginners.
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Every class has a minimum of two coaches on the mat. All coaches are enhanced DBS checked, first aid and safeguarding trained, and qualified in accordance with the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association.
When The Click Happens
Most people come in uncertain. A few sessions in, something shifts. For most of our members it's not the technique that hooks them — it's the people.
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Grappling creates a strange and genuine bond between training partners. You're problem-solving together under pressure. You're helping each other improve. You're laughing at the same mistakes. Before long, the gym becomes somewhere you actually want to be — not somewhere you force yourself to go.
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"Very welcoming — feel like I've got a new family." — Tommy, member
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"I've been training for almost 2 years. Starting anything new, especially martial arts, at the age of 47 was daunting — but I was made very welcome from day one." — Carl, joined aged 47
The Facility
Beyond the mats, 5th Element offers weight training equipment and a sauna — available to members alongside their training. Morning and evening classes run Monday through Saturday, making it straightforward to build training around work and family commitments.
Hygeine
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NO SHOES ON THE MATS
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NO BARE FEET OFF THE MATS
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MAINTAIN GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE (WASH BEFORE & AFTER CLASS)
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KEEP NAILS CUT AND FILED
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WASH YOUR GEAR AFTER EVERY SESSION
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IF YOU'RE SICK OR SUSPECT SKIN INFECTIONS, STAY HOME
Etiquette
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TRAIN SAFELY AND RESPECTFULLY WITH ALL PARTNERS
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ADJUST INTENSITY FOR YOUNGER, LIGHTER, OR LESS EXPERIENCED PARTNERS
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NO OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR ON THE MATSIDE CARPET
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NO POCKETS OR JEWELLERY ON THE MATS
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LOANER GIS MUST BE WASHED & RETURNED ASAP
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SHOW RESPECT TO STUDENTS, COACHES, AND THE GYM
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KEEP THE GYM CLEAN & TIDY
Responsibility
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PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNERS
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TAP EARLY, TAP OFTEN
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MAINTAIN SPATIAL AWARENESS
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(AVOID COLLISIONS)
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KEEP TRAINING INTENSITY CONTROLLED
Effort
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TRAIN WITH INTENTION & PURPOSE
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BE FULLY PRESENT AND FOCUSED DURING CLASS
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BE COACHABLE AND OPEN TO CORRECTION
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BE THE TRAINING PARTNER OTHERS WANT TO WORK WITH
Get Trained by the Best
5th Element Jiu Jitsu Academy is proud to be community-focused. We foster an inclusive culture where everyone is treated with respect and encouraged to support one another.
50+
Tournaments held in the past 5 years.
15+
Differentt programmes for all age & skill levels.
200+
Active students taught by winners.
20+
Years we have we have been training students.
Learn all jiu jitsu skills & techniques
Master All Techniques
Through consistent training, adults develop improved fitness, strength, and mobility while learning practical Jiu Jitsu skills that build real confidence. Classes help sharpen focus, relieve stress, and develop mental resilience, all within a supportive and respectful training environment where progression is encouraged at every level.
Located in the heart of Durham
Adults Training Environment
Our academy provides a clean, controlled, and welcoming training environment where safety and respect come first. Every session is structured, well-coached, and tailored to the experience level of those on the mat.
Frequently Asked Questions
For No-Gi classes you can wear a sporty shirt and shorts without pockets or zips. However, after a few weeks, you will be expected to wear grappling specific gear like a rashguard and shorts with spats (male and female are encouraged to wear shorts over spats).
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For Gi classes we can lend a Gi for your free trial class. If you become a member, you are expected to have grappling specific gear like a Gi, a belt, and a rashguard.
We have our own 5th Element Jiu Jitsu branded training gear, ask one of our coaches for more information.
As a standard, we only accept black or white Gis in our classes.
We have multiple coaches offering private lessons, you can contact us directly or ask one of our coaches in person for more information.
We do quarterly gear orders so make sure to message us directly or ask a coach in person for our product catalogue and order form to get your order in.
Start your Jiu Jitsu journey
Free Trials Available
Your first session is free. No kit, no commitment, no experience needed.
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Got a question first? We're on WhatsApp, email, and social media — and we respond within 24 hours.
Who We Train
At 5th Element Jiu Jitsu Academy, we believe training goes beyond techniques and drills. Our academy is a place where people come to build confidence, discipline, and resilience.
Kids
Bronze Level
Teens
Bronze, Silver & Gold Levels
Adults
Bronze, Silver & Gold Levels