Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Kinetic Zen is led by Abbie O’Toole an active competitor who teaches the way she trains: technical, patient, and pleased when you get it right. Gi and no-gi, fundamentals first, and a room where nobody minds being a beginner because everybody was one recently.
Your first BJJ class is free. We think jiu jitsu sells itself once you’ve actually rolled.
Claim your free class here : book bjj trial – Kinetic Zen
| Day/Time | Coach | Class Type | What its about |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 18:30 | Daniel | BJJ Fundamentals | Best for total beginners needing a deep-dive (90 mins). |
| Wed 18:30 | Abbie | No-Gi BJJ | High-tech, no-ego, fast-paced (60 mins). |
| Wed 19:30 | Abbie | BJJ (Gi) | Technical mastery and the "Full Experience." |
| Sat 11:00 | Adrian | Grappling & nogi Judo | Practical skills + Saturday Coffee Catch-up. |
Full timetable, including Krav Maga, on the pricing and schedule page.
Belts and stripes are awarded by Abbie. No exams in BJJ: that’s not how the art works. Abbie promotes you when your jiu jitsu is ready, and because classes are small, she actually knows when that is. Nothing here is awarded for attendance or time served. Belts take years. They’re worth it.
Not a marketing line; walk in on a Wednesday and count. BJJ is the martial art where technique most reliably beats size, which is why it’s worth doing properly rather than taking our word for it.
Most of our members end up mixing the two — striking and weapons awareness from Krav Maga, ground control from BJJ. How the mix works in practice is its own story. No pressure to choose on day one, and if you want to taste the Krav side, a £15 trial class sorts it. Got kids who want in? We run jiu jitsu for ages 5+ and 8+.
We train at Finsbury Leisure Centre, Norman St, EC1V 3PU; a few minutes from Old Street and Angel. All coaches are insured and registered with BMABA, and everyone working with juniors holds an enhanced DBS check. The full grappling programme is £75/month no contract, one month’s notice. Want Krav Maga as well? The combined membership is £95/month.
Questions first? [WhatsApp us] during working hours we usually reply within the hour.
Do I need a gi for my first class? No. Gym kit is fine for your trial. Wednesday 18:30 is no-gi anyway. If you join, we’ll point you at a sensible first gi.
I’m over 40 / carrying an injury; is this for me? Yes, with adjustments, and you won’t be the only one. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll coach around it. We’d rather adapt the drill than have you sit out.
Is BJJ safe? Safer than its reputation. Classes are capped small, resistance is dialled to the level you’re ready for, and tapping early is treated as intelligence, not weakness.
How long until I’m “good”? Months to feel competent, years to be dangerous, and you’ll enjoy most of it. Anyone promising faster is selling something.