Start something different while you're at university.
Try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA or Self-Defence at Elements with a FREE Student Intro Session.
Whether you want to get fitter, learn practical skills, meet new people or simply try something completely different, our classes welcome complete beginners.
No experience needed
No special kit
Everyone welcome

"I attended a trial BJJ class yesterday at the Brighton gym, after attending a 15 minute tour last week, and felt very welcome on both occasions. The instructor was very clear and helpful, and I really enjoyed my first full session. I'll be back!"

"Starting a martial arts class with no experience could have been stressful/intimidating, and I would have put it off for ages. It was the opposite. 100% recommended."

University life can be exciting, but it can also become repetitive.
Between lectures, studying, work and nights out, it isn't always easy to find something that keeps you active, challenges you and helps you meet people outside your usual circle.
At Elements Martial Arts, you'll train alongside a friendly community while learning practical skills through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA and Self-Defence.
You don't need to be fit, flexible or experienced before you start.
You just need to turn up and give it a try.
Choose a session that works around your timetable.
Learn something new. Get active. Meet people.
The same routine every week
Hard to meet people outside your circle
Difficult to stay consistently active
Mostly sitting, studying or going out
Something new to learn
A welcoming community
Training you'll actually want to attend
A physical and mental challenge

Meet your coach
We'll show you around and explain how the session works.
Warm up with the group
Simple movements to get you ready to train.
Learn your first BJJ techniques
Your coach will demonstrate everything step by step.
Practise with a partner
You'll work through the techniques at your own pace.
Ask questions
We'll explain your options if you'd like to continue — there's no obligation.
You won't be expected to know anything.
We'll explain everything as you go, introduce you to the class and make sure you know exactly what you're doing. There's no pressure to join afterwards.
Come along, experience BJJ and decide whether Elements is right for you.
“Learn, Evolve, Succeed” is about more than training — it’s the journey our members take as they build skills, confidence, and resilience over time.
We’re not here to shout, intimidate, or push people beyond their limits. We’re here to teach real skills, build confidence, and create a place where adults feel supported from their very first session.
Our coaches care just as much about how you feel on the mats as what you learn on them. That’s why so many of our members describe Elements as more than a gym — it’s a community where people train hard, respect each other, and grow together.
For adults ready to start, we offer beginner-friendly, supportive classes designed to help you take the first step with confidence.
Most Highly Rated Martial Arts Schools in the South

BJJ is based on techniques designed to allow a smaller, weaker person to defeat a bigger, stronger attacker, so it doesn’t necessarily matter how big or small you are. If you’re big, no problem. Small, skinny, even if you think you’re “weak”,… it doesn’t matter.
Anyone can apply BJJ techniques because it’s based on leverage and positioning… and the added benefit is that you’ll get stronger, healthier and fitter from training with us.
If you have/had any medical condition, you should get permission from your doctor before any athletic training. If you have any ongoing medical conditions, please speak to one of the instructors confidently before training.
For the fundamental and mixed Martial arts classes, shorts or tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt will suffice for your first few lessons, but again, be aware that they may become ripped or stretched. Also, please ensure all the clothing you intend to wear has no zips, buttons or anything else that could damage the mats or injure your training partners!
For the same reason, any jewellery, watches and piercings should also be removed.
As we all know, parking in Brighton is not easy. We have a few options/solutions to this.
Morrisons car park is the closest option. Space is always available, and they charge ±£3 for 2 hours (the first hour will be refunded if you shop at Morrisons) – a 2-minute walk.
Street parking is also available. It is free between the hours of 20:00 – 09:00 daily.
Bus links are amazing as we are next to the Old Steine, where every bus route in Brighton and Hove passes by. Brighton station is approximately a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute Bike ride.
* Before the class – It’s always a good idea to arrive a little early to introduce yourself so the instructor knows you’re there. You must check into your class and collect your attendance card to hand to the instructor.
* Warm-up – We begin with a group warm-up, sometimes a little jogging and dynamic drills. These drills are designed to improve your movement, agility, speed, strength, and technique. The drills are also available to you on video in our mobile app’s “community” section.
* Escape of the week – Learning how to get out of bad positions is very important. If you can learn how to escape, you will increase your chances of attacking. This is why we put a lot of emphasis on this in the beginner’s classes. Before visiting our fundamentals sequences, we will focus on a specific position and how to escape.
* Technique sequence – The instructor will then demonstrate the Fundamentals sequence in stages to the whole class, we will then pair you up with a more experienced student to practise and perfect these moves in light & uncontested manner.
* Sparring – The last 5-10 minutes will be dedicated to pressure testing the escape practised at the class’s start.
Elements Martial Arts has an active and successful competition team, and if you wish to, you will get all the support you need to fulfil your ambitions; however, be assured that while you’re training here, you’ll get no pressure to compete.
Some of our students compete, and many don’t – it’s all up to you. You won’t get any pressure from us. What we do promise you, though, is that we will do everything in our power to help you achieve your goals in BJJ, no matter what they are.

Curious about Jiu-Jitsu, but not quite ready to step onto the mats yet?
This beginner-friendly guide will show you what your first BJJ class is really like, what to wear and bring, and how to know whether it is the right fit for you.
Why adults start BJJ and what makes it so rewarding
The biggest beginner fears that stop people from getting started
What actually happens in a beginner-friendly first class
What to wear, what to bring, and what to expect on day one
How to decide whether BJJ is right for you.
Copyrights © 2026 | Elements Martial Arts Brighton | Terms & Conditions
BJJ | MMA | STRIKING | SELF-DEFENCE