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Durham's most established Grappling gym - training kids and adults across County Durham since 2018.
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At 5th Element Jiu Jitsu Academy we offer structured, high-quality Grappling martial arts mixing
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling and Judo.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a parent researching the right martial arts gym for your child, this is where you start.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling & Judo Classes for 14+ yr olds
Why start Jiu Jitsu?
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Challenge yourself mentally and physically.
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Get fitter while learning a new valuable skill.
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Become part of a friendly community.
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Invest time in your own wellbeing and growth.
"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
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling & Judo Classes for 4-14 yr olds
Why martial arts for Kids?
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​Help with emotional regulation, confidence and resilience.
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Train in a safe and structured environment.
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Interact and learn discipline with kids of different ages.
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Learn balance, coordination and core movement skills.
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Improve social skills alongside problem solving.
"Both of my kids train here. It's a place they look forward to going each week and it's been amazing to see how much they've grown through the training." — Jon, member and parent
Why train at 5th Element Jiu Jitsu?
At our sports club, we blend Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling and Judo, taking the most effective techniques from each and delivering them through a structured curriculum. Our training programmes are specially designed for kids and adults taught by qualified, DBS checked coaches.
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We teach a unique and an all-encompassing Grappling martial arts programme, with techniques and sparring methods from where our students quickly develop their own styles from. Our community is genuinely welcoming and committed to learning to grow together - be it in fitness, confidence, competition, or all three.
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"Great vibes, amazing standard of coaching, and accessible for anyone - whether you're looking to compete, get fitter, or just pick up a new hobby." - Mani, member
FAQ
1. Book online, It takes two minutes. From there, you have two options:
Option one: You can look on our timetable and find a suitable session for your age and level and turn up.
Option two: You can reply to the email you will receive after booking your trial to get guidance on the best session for you or your child.
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2. Come a few minutes early. You'll be welcomed in, shown around, and have a chance to ask any questions before starts. The atmosphere is relaxed - nobody is going to make you feel like the new person.
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3. Our beginner classes are structured differently to most martial arts gyms. Rather than a single technique repeated for an hour, every session covers three distinct areas - standing work, guard work, and pins - giving you a complete picture of grappling from your very first class.
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Techniques and light sparring games are woven throughout, so you're always applying what you've just learned rather than drilling in isolation. It keeps the session engaging and means you leave having actually experienced grappling, not just watched it.
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As a trial student you'll follow along with the group, with a coach close by to guide you through each section. When it comes to partner work, you'll be paired with an experienced member who knows how to work with someone new - it's relaxed, low intensity, and nothing to worry about.
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One of the things our members notice quickly is the mix of experience levels in the room. Training alongside people at different stages means you're constantly learning from different bodies, different approaches, and different levels of understanding - something you simply can't get training only with other beginners.
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4. After the session your coach will ask your feedback, answer any questions, and if you'd like to continue, they will explain how to get started.
For kids programme: the membership price will depend on the number of sessions your child attends a week. The more sessions they train the cheaper the price per session, for full kids membership details click here.
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For adult programme: if you're new to the sport we recommend our beginners membership for 2-6 months then move towards our full membership, for full adults membership details click here.
After your free trial class if you would like to join us as a member you can follow these steps:
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1 - Respond to our message after the trial to get your payment link.
2 - Set up your direct debit with the payment link.
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No specialist kit needed for your trial. Wear a t-shirt and shorts or joggers - no zips or pockets. We'll provide everything else on the day. Once you join we'll guide you through what to get and when.
Fitness comes from training, not before it. Nobody expects anything from you on day one except showing up.
As with any contact sport, minor bumps are part of the journey. Grappling is widely regarded as one of the safer martial arts disciplines - no striking, techniques applied progressively, and partners stop immediately upon submission. Every class is supervised by a minimum of two qualified coaches. The safety of every training partner is central to our culture and how we train.
We have members who started in their 40s and 50s who now train multiple times a week and love it. Jiu Jitsu rewards patience and intelligence over raw athleticism.
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"I joined at 55, not sure if I'd be fit enough or able to learn something new. The coaching staff and members are absolutely brilliant. Anyone who thinks they're too old — please give it a go." — John, member
No. The culture here is studious, friendly and inclusive - and it's the thing our members mention most.
All coaches are DBS checked. Every class has at least two coaches on the mat. Our Bronze programme - where every child starts - is age-appropriate and confidence-first before intensity ever increases.
Yes. Get in touch before your trial and we'll make sure everything is set up properly.
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"I brought someone who has autism to train. Reece welcomed him open armed and it is a joy to see." — Ken, member
That's exactly who Bronze is built for. Every child started exactly where yours would.
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"My 13 year old has been attending for a month. It's a funny age to start somewhere new when you don't know anyone — but the classes are really welcoming." — Vicky, parent
Our Jiu Jitsu training programmes
Not sure which is right?
Book a trial and tell us about yourself or your child.
We’re very responsive via our socials or WhatsApp messages and the team is also happy to jump on a call and point you in the right direction.
