Ages 4–8
Little Warriors
Build confidence and discipline, and have fun learning jiu-jitsu.
- BJJ Gi
- Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun
Jiu-Jitsu · Wrestling · Judo · Striking
Roger Gracie AcademyDarlington
Darlington's official Roger Gracie Academy. World-class jiu-jitsu, taught by a Roger Gracie black belt, in a club where beginners are made to feel at home.
Part of the Roger Gracie Academy network
Head instructor: black belt under Roger Gracie
Classes for ages 4 to adult
The name on the door
Who is
Roger Gracie?
Roger Gracie is widely considered the greatest jiu-jitsu competitor of all time. Grandson of Carlos Gracie, the man who founded Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, he grew up on the mats in Rio de Janeiro and earned his black belt from his uncle, Carlos Gracie Jr.
He won at the very top of the sport with the simplest techniques there are. Opponents knew the mount and cross-collar choke were coming, and still couldn't stop them. That is the heart of what he teaches: fundamentals refined until they work against anyone.
In 2004 he opened his academy in London. Today the Roger Gracie Academy is one of the most respected names in jiu-jitsu, and every affiliate, Darlington included, teaches to the same curriculum and the same standard. Our head instructor, Jakub Niski, trained under Roger and received his black belt from him.
- 10×
- IBJJF World Champion at black belt
- 2005
- ADCC double gold, every opponent submitted
- ONE
- Light heavyweight MMA world champion
Programmes
A stronger, more
confident you
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the gi and no-gi, plus wrestling, judo and junior striking. Classes for every age, from complete beginners to advanced.
Ages 9–14
Juniors
Learn self-defence, make friends and develop important life skills.
- BJJ Gi
- Wrestling & No-Gi
- Striking
Ages 15+
Adults
Gi, no-gi, wrestling and judo for all levels. Fundamentals classes for anyone starting out.
- BJJ Gi & No-Gi
- Wrestling & Judo
- Fundamentals
Your first class
Nervous?
Everyone is.
You don't need to be fit, flexible or experienced to start. Your first class is a free induction, and our coaches will look after you from the moment you walk in.
Book a free class
Message or call us and pick a beginner-friendly session.
Arrive 15 minutes early
Wear comfortable sportswear. We'll lend you a gi.
Train at your own pace
Warm-up, technique, then drilling with a friendly, experienced partner.
Have a chat
Ask the coach anything and find a membership that fits your week.
The Roger Gracie standard
What we expect,
and what you can expect
Being an official Roger Gracie Academy means something. Belts are earned, never handed out, and every class is held to the same standard as our headquarters in London.
Discipline
Turn up, listen, and put the work in. Progress in jiu-jitsu is earned one class at a time.
Consistency
The same proven curriculum in every class, so you build on what you learned last week.
Accountability
Coaches who know your name and your game, and grade you honestly against the RGA syllabus.
Authenticity
Real jiu-jitsu from a real lineage. No shortcuts, no belt factories.
Alignment
One academy family, from Darlington to London, all working to the same values.
On the mat
A few simple rules keep everyone safe and the mats a good place to be.
- Clean kit, every session. Gi or rash guard washed after every class.
- Short nails, no jewellery. Protect your partners and yourself.
- Footwear off the mat, on everywhere else. Keeps the mats hygienic.
- Be on time. Arrive early and bow on and off the mat.
- Look after your partner. Tap early, tap often, and let go when they tap.
- Leave your ego at the door. Everyone here is learning, black belts included.
The Gracie dynasty
A century of
jiu-jitsu, one family
The art you'll learn in Darlington has been passed hand to hand, from teacher to student, for more than a hundred years.
- 1917
Belém, Brazil
Japanese master Mitsuyo Maeda begins teaching a young Carlos Gracie.
- 1925
The first Gracie academy
Carlos and his brothers, including Hélio, open their academy in Rio de Janeiro and shape the art for smaller, weaker fighters.
- 1981
Roger is born
Born in Rio to Reila Gracie, daughter of Carlos, and raised in the family's academies.
- 1986
Gracie Barra
Carlos Gracie Jr. founds Gracie Barra, the team Roger would come up through.
- 2004
London
Roger opens the Roger Gracie Academy in Ladbroke Grove, London.
- 2017
The final match
Roger returns to submit Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, then retires from jiu-jitsu competition.
- Today
Darlington
Roger's black belt Jakub Niski brings the same curriculum and standard to 10 Valley Street North.
Our lineage
- Carlos GracieFounder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
- Hélio GracieCo-founder, Rio de Janeiro
- Carlos Gracie Jr.Founder of Gracie Barra
- Roger Gracie10× World Champion
- Jakub NiskiBlack belt under Roger Gracie · Head Instructor, Darlington
Timetable
On the mats
seven days a week
Jiu-jitsu, wrestling, judo and striking for every age. New to training? Start with any Fundamentals class, or any Little Warriors or Juniors session.
MondayToday
06:15–07:15
Adult BJJ Gi
11:00–12:30
Adult BJJ Gi
16:45–17:30
Little Warriors BJJ Gi
17:30–18:25
Junior BJJ Gi
18:30–19:30
Adult BJJ Gi
19:30–20:30
Adult BJJ No-Gi
No classes for this group
TuesdayToday
11:00–12:00
Adult BJJ Gi Fundamentals
17:00–17:55
Junior Wrestling / No-Gi
18:00–19:00
Adult BJJ No-Gi
19:00–20:00
Adult BJJ Gi Fundamentals
No classes for this group
WednesdayToday
06:15–07:15
Adult BJJ No-Gi
11:00–12:30
Adult BJJ Gi
16:45–17:30
Little Warriors BJJ Gi
17:30–18:15
Junior BJJ Gi
18:30–20:00
Adult BJJ Gi
No classes for this group
ThursdayToday
11:00–12:30
Adult BJJ Gi
17:30–19:00
Adult Judo / No-Gi
19:00–20:00
Wrestling
No classes for this group
FridayToday
06:15–07:15
Adult BJJ Gi
13:00–14:00
Adult BJJ No-Gi
16:45–17:30
Little Warriors BJJ Gi
17:30–18:55
Junior BJJ Gi
18:30–20:00
Adult BJJ Gi / No-Gi
No classes for this group
SaturdayToday
07:30–08:30
Adult BJJ Gi
09:00–09:45
Junior Striking
10:00–11:00
Junior Wrestling
11:00–12:00
Wrestling
12:00–13:00
Adult BJJ No-Gi Fundamentals
No classes for this group
SundayToday
08:00–09:00
Adult Gi Fundamentals
09:00–09:45
Little Warriors BJJ Gi
10:00–10:55
Wrestling
No classes for this group
Great Gym, very complete classes and very detailed techniques. People are very friendly and welcoming. You will get the best from the best. OSS
I’m a blue belt and here to train while I was on holiday. Amazing facility, even better people! Felt super welcomed and a great gym to call home away from home.
Great facility with robust timetable to suit all. Highly experienced and friendly instructors. Part of highly accredited affiliation of Roger Gracie Academy. Would highly recommend!
FAQ
Questions
before you start
Can't see your question? Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
Do I need to be fit or have any experience?
No. Most of our members started with no experience at all. You'll build fitness by training, and coaches adjust everything to your level.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable sportswear without zips or pockets: a T-shirt or rash guard and shorts or leggings. We'll lend you a gi for your induction class.
Is jiu-jitsu safe?
Yes. Training is controlled and you can tap at any time to stop. Beginners are paired with experienced partners who look after them.
How old do children need to be?
Little Warriors is for ages 4 to 8 and Juniors for 9 to 14. From 15, members train in the adult classes.
How much does membership cost?
We offer a range of memberships to suit how often you want to train. Ask us after your free induction class and we'll find the right one for you.
I train at another academy. Can I drop in?
Visitors are welcome. Get in touch before you come so we can tell you which sessions suit you.
Visit us
Come and
train with us
- Address
- 10 Valley St N, Darlington, DL1 1LF
- Phone
- 07763 364206
- Hours
- Classes run seven days a week. See the timetable.