Mastering Tradition, Crafting Excellence
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Get to know the passionate individuals behind TJJS
Head Coach/Founder
Jez Lord, is our Head Coach and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ben Poppleton with Gordo Jiu Jitsu, also holding a Black Belt from Lee Catling and Braulio Estima of Gracie Barra since 2017. His martial arts journey includes significant Muay Thai experience with notable trainers.
Jiu Jitsu Coach
A Black belt under Lee Catling, started Muay Thai at Mungkorn Dam at sixteen years old. Transitioned to MMA at twenty then solely focused on jiu jitsu at PMA Southend.
I love competing and coaching in grappling and spending time with like minded people on the mats.
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Brads martial arts journey began with muay Thai at the age of 14. Turned my hand to Kung Fu and weapons in my early 20s.
Started my jiu-jitsu journey around 25 now been training Jujitsu for 11 years. Competed multiple times and obtained my black belt in 2024 under Lee catling at pma academy and have been a coach there since 2020.
I spent 2025 living in Spain where I trained and continued learning from a Brazilian run jiu jitsu gym. Head Coach Rafael Dos Santos. This was an amazing opportunity to learn new teaching techniques and mix with multiple nationalities within the jujitsu community.
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Having discovered MMA in my late teens, I have been fortunate enough to earn black belts in BJJ, judo and kickboxing, alongside competing professionally in MMA.
Coaching has been my full time job since 2018 and I am continuing to challenge ideas and develop my skills. My goal is to build real and effective skills within our community and give everybody the opportunity to flourish.
Head Coach/Founder
Jez Lord, is our Head Coach and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ben Poppleton with Gordo Jiu Jitsu, also holding a Black Belt from Lee Catling and Braulio Estima of Gracie Barra since 2017. His martial arts journey includes significant Muay Thai experience with notable trainers.
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Jiu Jitsu Coach
MMA & Muay Thai Coach
Assistant
David provides valuable support to the team and ensures smooth operations at TJJS.
Physical Therapist
Helps our members recover from injuries and improve their overall well-being.
Physical Therapist
Helps our members recover from injuries and improve their overall well-being.
At The Jiu Jitsu Sanctuary, we are more than just a martial arts and fitness center. We are a sanctuary for individuals seeking physical and mental well-being. Our foundation is built on the principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a self-defense martial art that emphasizes grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. But we go beyond the physical aspects of training, offering a wellness center for recovery and rehabilitation. With a team of experienced instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, we provide a holistic approach to martial arts and wellness.
Our training programs are designed to cater to individuals all skill levels.
From spacious training areas to top-notch equipment, we have it all.
Discover the power of martial arts and wellness at The Jiu Jitsu Sanctuary.
The Jiu Jitsu Sanctuary is proud to be affiliated with Roberto “Gordo” Correa, a luminary in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A pivotal figure in the sport’s history, Gordo is widely credited with developing the half guard technique, a cornerstone of modern BJJ. His journey in martial arts started in Rio de Janeiro, growing up alongside the Gracie family and training under renowned instructors. Gordo’s expertise extends beyond his innovative techniques; he’s also celebrated for his coaching prowess, having nurtured numerous world champions. Our affiliation with Gordo represents a commitment to martial arts excellence, deeply rooted in the rich heritage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The Jiu Jitsu Sanctuary is honoured to be affiliated with Ben Poppleton, a 4th-degree black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and a pioneering figure in the UK’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene. Ben’s extensive experience includes five years of advanced training at the Gracie Barra headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, absorbing the core tenets and techniques that have shaped BJJ worldwide. As the head of “Gordo Jiujitsu Europe” and the “Mauricio Gomes Legacy Team” representative for the North of England, Ben’s expertise is a testament to the high-calibre instruction and legacy The Jiu Jitsu Sanctuary upholds.
“TJJS has truly transformed my life. The training is intense and challenging, but the instructors are incredibly supportive. I have gained so much confidence and learned valuable self-defense skills.”
Marketing Manager, ABC Company
Experience the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and improve your self-defense skills. Our classes are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
