Roger Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy Leigh

I’ve been a member of RGA Leigh, under Professor Dave, for about a year now, I train as often as I can around working full time and having two daughters with busy schedules themselves, there is no pressure to train more, just the notion that you are welcome as often as you can fit it in. My daughters train at the academy also and I consider their time training Jiu Jitsu as important as the time spent in the pool at their swimming lessons; Jiu Jitsu is a lifesaving activity.The academy here is as previous reviewers have described, a family. I don’t consider this, although it very much is, a sport I do to keep fit, it is as important for my mind as it is my body. When you come to train here, you are supported, encouraged, pushed, and strengthened. The people who train at the gym are as friendly and welcoming as one would wish in a sport that encourages to strangle one another, but there are no ego’s, no bullies and no one there to ask you to do something you aren’t able to or would want to.During times of stress, the gym is always there, there are so many sessions available through the week, both Gi and no-Gi. There are daytime and evening sessions and currently two sessions per week that my daughters can attend.Having played a lot of football in my younger years, I wondered if I would find anything else that I could become as passionate about, and Jiu Jitsu is that thing, you can train Jiu Jitsu into ripe old ages and I’m hoping for it to keep me fit, active and agile enough to carry on training for the foreseeable future.I would highly recommend a taster session at RGA Leigh to give you a look at what Jiu Jitsu can do for you, but more so, find a group of people that will be there for you both on and off the mats.

I have been a member at RGA Leigh for around 2 months now and thoroughly recommend it to anybody thinking of starting Jiu Jitsu.Everybody at the gym is welcoming to new members, willing to offer advice, encouragement and friendship. No matter your ability you are welcome to attend any session, and there are multiple sessions per day - afternoon and evenings - to suit around different work schedules.Dave is a fantastic coach, and has created a brilliant culture, with feedback and new ideas welcomed. The beginner sessions are a recent addition to the timetable and give other members of the gym the opportunity to lead sessions and are particularly beneficial to new starters.Anybody looking to work on their mental or physical health should look to join RGA Leigh.

I have been attending classes for around 8 weeks now at RGA Leigh and have this last week earned my first stripe as a white belt.Before starting with RGA Leigh I was struggling a lot with my mental health. I have always been a physically active person but have gotten bored with the typical gym/CrossFit, internet fad workouts and needed to do something different. Been ex-forces I have heard many people speak about the benefits of BJJ, not just physically but also mentally and socially. So decided to give it a go. At the age of 34 starting new having never done BBJ before is a little intimidating. However from the first message I sent to Dave, RGA Leigh has been welcoming. From the first session and walking into the Academy you can tell this is a positive, welcoming, friendly environment. There are no egos here and everyone is there to help each other. The facilities are very clean and tidy, again it is clear that everyone attending takes pride in RGA Leigh.I would 100% recommend RGA Leigh to anyone thinking about starting BBJ.Beginners classes are prefect when starting with little to no knowledge. The all levels classes and no-gi are welcoming to beginners aswell with everyone there just wanting to learn and improve.

This is more than just a martial arts academy or a place to go to improve fitness. Previously I had experienced some MMA classes through working at a college that used it as a reward for some pupils but the gym we used was nowhere near as welcoming as RGA Leigh. There was always an air of intimidation and aggression to the other place which is definitely missing when you walk into this place.Dave has created a great atmosphere and space for people to come and learn things to improve both people's physical and mental health, with a great bunch of people who are there for one another more than just to roll with on the mats.Before joining here I felt I needed a bit more knowledge of how to safely protect myself in some of the volatile situations my working life puts me in, and with that in mind I didn't want it to be somewhere I would be turning up to work every now and athen with visible I juries or for it to be a heavily striking based system. This led me to exploring jiu jitsu and two years later I am fully enthralled in the sport, all thanks to Dave and the guys down at RGA Leigh. There's something strange that happens when you roll around trying to submit one another, you actually become closer and, calmer and more confident in yourself regardless of if you win or lose on the mats.If you have an active interest in bjj, previously did a similar sport and wanted to get back into something similar or have just seen it when playing/watching UFC and have no clue what's going on when they're having a struggle cuddle., Come down and give this place a shot. Dave is super approachable and will help answer any queries you have before you get there and also offers a week's trial so if you've read this far there's really nothing to lose. It might just be that thing you are missing.

As a woman of 57 I walked into the gym not knowing anyone and I was made to feel very welcome! Ive made great friends. It's changed my life for the better!In 6months I've lost 2 stone without even dieting, my body is toned and I'm more agile.Its great for stress relief and never boring. It's very addictive, I think about it all the time. I now have something I look forward to. I intend to be doing jiu jitsu for many years to come! Occasionally I even get to train with my son, bonus!!

The coaches here have made a fantastic, friendly and welcoming atmosphere, the perfect environment for an intriguing sport like BJJ. Thanks everyone here for always helping me learn and for being great training partners.

My son and daughter joined here in June and attend twice a week. I feel it’s good exercise and discipline and also reduces their screen time on the evenings they attend. I like that they and the other members respect Dave and the other coaches who are really patient but firm with them.It has increased their confidence, particularly my daughter who has been a bit of an introvert and struggled with anxiety earlier this year. I have seen a big improvement in her willingness to try things out of her comfort zone and she has become popular with her peers at the club. Both of my children have made new friends and I like that they have widened their circle by mixing with kids from other schools that they had never met before. As a parent who isn’t really into sport I find watching the kids train and spar to be quite entertaining and there really is a welcoming team atmosphere at the club. Get in touch with them, it’s a free trial anyway!

I would massively recommend RGA Leigh for anyone looking to start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. There is a huge range of classes from beginner through to intermediate and also both gi and nogi.The team spirit amongst the members is second to none. Whilst it’s a solo sport, the encouragement, banter and willingness to help each other get better is brilliant.Not just the adult classes but the kids classes are also great. As a father to an autistic child I struggled to find a suitable sport for my child to attend prior to being introduced to RGA Leigh by a former member. Ever since I walked through the door with my son, the head coach Dave has been understanding, patient and encouraging to my son. He’s taken time to assist him when he’s needed further help and coaching and built an environment where he can thrive.

I started training at Roger Gracie Academy in Leigh about 5 months ago.I had looked at the club via online videos etc a while back but thought I wouldn’t be capable of training in BJJ being in my late 50’s and not exactly athletically built and so had put it off for several months, even though I have trained in karate for several years and Krav Maga.However, around June this year the club introduced a beginners session on Monday and Wednesday using a rolling 16 week syllabus for training.I signed up for the weeks trial and spoke with Dave, Head Coach about the class and how the session would be run. On arrival the guys couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful to sort me out with a GI (uniform for training) and pair me up with a more experienced partner to help me with the drills we were doing.Surprisingly I managed to keep going through the session and even remembered some of the techniques from my Japanese Jiu Jitsu training.The class is well structured and the coaches explain everything very clearly, giving tips on how you might adjust the technique for different body shapes and sizes.The partners I have trained with have been amazing, there are no big egos and there is a very friendly atmosphere. Just tap out if you feel under pressure or uncomfortable and reset.You can attend any class and there are loads of one available at different times.I’ll be turning 60 shortly but really enjoy the BJJ sessions at Roger Gracie Academy, Leigh. I might not be as flexible or have the stamina of some of the younger members of the clubs but I try not to let that stop me. You have your own personal wins, whether that’s perfecting one of the drills, submitting your partner or lasting a bit longer each week.I highly recommend giving BJJ Jiujitsu a try at the RGA club in Leigh. If it’s not for you, that’s fine. Nothing lost, the trial is free.