Brazillian Jiu Jitsu
An offshoot of the original Japanese Jiu Jitsu, BJJ is a self-defense martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting and submission holds. It takes place on the matted floors and involves using good positioning, movement and leverage to gain an advantage over your opponent, before submitting them via joint-locks and strangles (sounds nasty but is carried out safely!).
Created by the Gracie family in Brazil almost 100 years ago, it’s prominent place in the skillset of Mixed Martial Arts fighters brought it to a new, worldwide audience in the 90’s and early 2000’s and it has grown immeasurably, both as part of MMA and as it’s own distinct martial art and combat sport, since then.
Jiu Jitsu falls into two main branches: Gi (where you wear the traditional martial arts clothing) and No-Gi (where you wear tight fitting shorts and t-shirt). At Reaper, we primarily focus on No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, though we do run our Sunday afternoon beginners Gi class and occasionally host Gi seminars and special events.
Wrestling
Far from what is often seen on sports entertainment wrestling such as WWE, traditional wrestling is one of the oldest combat sports known to man. Wrestling classes are fast-paced, high-energy fun that involves learning how to take an opponent down to the floor, and finishing with a positional pin, or points. They are also one of the best ways to lose weight, improve fitness and stamina, and gain functional strength and conditioning.
While a great combat sport in it’s own right, wrestling is also a perfect complement to our Jiu Jitsu training and the combination of the two similar but different skillsets makes for a complete and well rounded grappler.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is one of the world’s most effective striking arts. Referred to as the “art of eight limbs” or the “science of eight limbs”, it involves incredible low-kick power, punches, knees, elbows and clinch work (similar to wrestling).
Our sister club Base Muay Thai, and their head instructor Bobby Quinn, have a range of beginner, advanced and children’s classes designed to suit all levels and abilities.
MMA Beginners Class
Literally meaning a “mixture of different martial arts”, MMA is a combat sport that exploded onto the world in the early 90’s, and has revolutionised martial arts and combat sports the world over.
While it can involve elements from any martial art from any part of the world, fierce competition has proven the combination of Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and Muay Thai to be one of the most powerful and effective ways to create a complete and well rounded fighter.
In our classes, we will teach you how to close the distance with strikes, take an opponent down, and submit them; combining elements of all three of the main classes offered here at Reaper.
Kids Classes
Martial Arts are one of the best hobbies a child or young person can engage in. They not only develop physical skills such as strength, flexibility, stamina, balance and coordination, but also provide a great way to improve a young person’s confidence, resilience and self esteem. Children will gain a sense of discipline and respect, and the focus, patience and work ethic that is developed during training will carry through to all areas of their lives be it academic, social or athletic.
Our Little Reapers grappling classes focus on teaching Jiu Jitsu and grappling, while our junior Thai Boxing classes focus on developing the wide range of techniques used in Muay Thai.
Both sets of classes are energetic and progressive, teaching martial arts movements and techniques through fun games and activities and a positive and safe environment.
Strength & Conditioning
In addition to our martial arts classes, many of our instructors are also experienced fitness and strength & conditioning coaches, and we offer a range of fitness classes and options to suit all levels.
Whether you would like to create a sport specific programme to complement your martial arts training, to develop power and strength, or simply just lose weight and improve your fitness, our coaches are able to work with you to create a tailored and personalised training plan that will help you to achieve your goals in a fun and friendly environment.