Women's Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defence in Wimbledon
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was built around a specific idea: that a smaller person, using good technique, can control and submit a larger, stronger attacker. It does not rely on striking, raw strength, or a size advantage. That makes it genuinely practical as a self-defence system.
At True Virtues, we run dedicated women-only sessions every Saturday morning at the Wimbledon YMCA.
What These Classes Cover
The Saturday sessions teach the same technical Jiu Jitsu as our mixed classes, including escapes from bad positions, control, and submissions, in a focused environment where the pace and pairing is managed carefully. Many of the scenarios covered are directly applicable to real-world self-defence situations.
The classes are also a solid workout. Grappling builds functional strength, cardiovascular fitness, and body awareness in a way that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
Women-Only Session
Every Saturday | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Wimbledon YMCA, Studio 2
Classes are led by Mike Buckman-Cowling, a 1st Degree Black Belt with 14 years of coaching experience. The women-only format means sessions are tailored in terms of pairing, pace, and instruction. Women who train here regularly often progress into our Tuesday and Thursday mixed classes as their confidence and technique develop.
The Seven Virtues in These Classes
The same values that run through all our training apply here. We particularly emphasise Benevolence, the way training partners look out for each other, and Courage, because trying something new and physical takes genuine nerve. These things do not need to be stated much. They show up on the mat.
Your First Session
No experience or particular level of fitness required. Wear comfortable athletic clothing. Leggings and a t-shirt or rash guard work well.
The session starts with a warm-up, moves into technical instruction, and finishes with controlled practice of what was covered. You will not be put into any situation you are uncomfortable with. Sparring, which we call rolling, is always your choice.
The YMCA has changing rooms, lockers, and showers available.
Book Your Free Trial
First class is free. Join us this Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Wimbledon YMCA.