Mandala Jiu Jitsu School Worsley Bridge Road, London SE26 5BN

"Great community feel to this gym with quality Mats and top level training. Very friendly atmosphere!"

"If you want to learn top class Jiu jitsu with a great bunch of people then this is the place to go. Vini's knowledge and enthusiasm for his students to learn and progress is truly infectious. He has harboured a welcoming, no ego place to learn and train so whether you are new or seasoned it is a place where you will feel at home. Classes are well structured and drilled and I think it shows with how technical the students are. This was my very first BJJ school and unfortunately moved out of the area however whenever I'm in London and have the time to train this will always be my go to place. Having been to many schools now I can't emphasise enough how friendly and community driven this school is with top notch teaching"

"Friendly, welcoming - no alpha dog BS. It is a great place to learn and a wonderful workout."

"Hi There, just wanted to share my experience of visiting Mandala. I am 57 and have been practicing martial arts for many years. I have trained in the UK as well as extensively in Asia, so I have been in and out of many training venues. My main games are Jun Fan JKD, western boxing and the Chinese internal arts such as Tsing Yi, Yi Chuan and Tai Chi as well as Wing Chun in the past. I wanted to improve my ground game, but also the transitions to the ground, which as a Tai Chi person is not practiced much. We like to stay on our feet haha. I made contact and went along at short notice to a NoGi class where I met Vini whose (I believe) school it is. Its in a community hall, so basic, but a good space and totally acceptable. Another guy was there for a trial class also. Funnily enough we had both chosen the NoGi class to try, but for different reasons. He had a hand issue that meant gripping tightly (like on a Gi) caused him problems, and for me it is because my way is to seek to control primarily through body contact (Tai Chi again). Wearing a Gi would to my mind move me away from that path. Before the class began Vini very kindly took the time to explain the history and philosophy of his class, which is Traditional BJJ, and not a hybrid. To that end it is fundamental to train some Gi classes. He also explained from a purely practical perspective why this is a good idea. I did say that I would probably find this difficult, but he encouraged me to stay and try the class which I did along with the other chap, who he also encouraged. He then devoted a considerable amount of time and effort personally teaching and practicing with us both. Having been pretty clear that the the format of the school might not suit me, I was really quite surprised and impressed with his attitude, quite apart from his teaching style which greatly impressed me also. Although its a traditional BJJ school, the self defence aspects were highlighted and made clear. Safety was a real priority also, and I would not be so worried at Mandala about getting injured as I have been in the past at such places. I stayed and also watched the free practice, and there were no ego's in evidence at all. Everyone was there to learn and the guys I spoke to very open to discussing their training. So although ultimately it was not for me at this time (due to it being a traditional BJJ school) I would encourage anyone who wants to learn traditional BJJ and its values to check it out! Thank you Vini, the guys and Mandala again."

"Best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in the area. Multiple kids and adults classes everyday! Top-notch teaching that caters to all levels taught in a safe and supportive environment. Community classes for kids and adults also available. Not many schools offer that as a way to give back to the community. Truly impressive!"