Welcome to East Rand BJJ

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the modern day martial art, it is a self-defense martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting, and submissions.

BJJ focuses on taking ones opponent down to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission using joint locks or chokeholds.

10 Years ago 3 young men had a dream to create a world class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy.
Brandon Newman
Allen Cliffe
Xola Kumalo
From humble beginnings head coach, lifetime martial artist and avid competitor, Brandon Newman along with Allen Cliffe and Xola Kumalo started ERBJJ. A tiny gym with just a handful of students.

Fast forward a couple of years...blood, sweat , tears, travels and almost bowing out completely, Coach Brandon travelled to the United States where he was honoured to receive his Black Belt under a world-renowned black belt professor.

In 2022 the gym celebrated its 10th birthday! We pride ourselves in providing a world-class facility that is for everyone regardless of age, gender, race or fitness level.

Need to Knows

What to do at your first class

Starting your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class is an exciting journey towards physical and mental strength. In this unique setting, discipline, respect, and camaraderie are as important as the physical skills you'll learn. Here are essential tips to begin on the right foot:

Wear comfortable exercise clothes which you can roll around in, tshirts are compulsory (ladies no skirts/ dresses). Please bring flip flops or sandals for when you aren’t on the mat.

Remove all jewelry and sharp objects from pockets.

Arrive on time or 5 minutes early at the academy. Someone at reception, a coach /higher belt will assist you with a gi (uniform) to borrow until your committed and want to purchase one of your own.

Take off your shoes, step on the mat and stretch/ warm up or wait for class to start.

Line up: before class starts there is a line up (in order of rank)higher belts at the front, white belts (everyone starts at white belt) at the back.

Participate at your own pace, everyone starts somewhere so be careful not to over do it on your first day.

Tap: if you are in a position that is painful in any way tap on your partner to let go, or verbally say “tap “

Have fun, Brazilian Jiu jitsu is an incredibly challenging sport, many of the movements may feel silly or weird at first so be patient with yourself and those around you.

GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS

As coaches and athletes we understand that starting jiujitsu may be scary or intimidating... here are some guidelines parents can follow to help sessions move smoothly:

All kids are to please arrive WITH SHOES on.

Please check your childs pockets for sand or any foreign objects before class.

No parents on the mat during kids class: as much as we encourage parents to be a part of their child's jiujitsu journey please leave the coaching to the coaches.

Respect the coaches, if your child is punished (usually with fitness) please do not remove them from the mat until this is complete.

No parents are to approach children/teens regarding any tension/disagreements, please make gym management aware of any incidents via email or whatsapp and we take the necessary steps to find a solution.

Keep it positive! Everybody wants to win, but in the jiujitsu game there is always 1 winner and 1 loser. Having your unconditional support is the most important thing for our young athletes. Win or lose please encourage your children!

Sportsmanship: When kids are competing they represent our academy and in turn our affiliation. We have worked hard to maintain a great reputation with organizers and officials. Please ensure your kids are good sportsmen by shaking hands with their opponents and coaches when possible.

COMPETITION PROCEDURE

Should you or your child be interested in competing please let your coaches know:

Once you have let your coaches know they will advise you on the registration process. This usually includes setting up a smoothcomp or AJP profile and registering to the event online. All athletes are required to register to an academy.

When registering on AJP please register under Draig Association. When registering for local competitions ie. Submission Kings please register under East Rand Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy.

Once you are registered you are required to make weight, we do not encourage children to cut weight so please register your child under an appropriate weight division.

It is up to the parents/ competitors to purchase spectator tickets when necessary and ensure you have the correct uniform, ie. Gi for Gi competitions and Nogi clothes for nogi comps.

Brackets with timing are usually released the day before and live updates are available on smoothcomp or via organisers social media pages.

HYGIENE & SAFETY

We are a family gym and have many members. Hygiene in the gym is a top priority, being cleaned and sanitized everyday.

HYGIENE GUIDELINES:

NO SHOES on the mat, no bare feet off the mat.

Remove all watches and Jewelry.

Keep nails and toe nails trimmed short and clean.

Gi's and rashguards are to be washed after each and every session.

Showers are available at the gym and you are encouraged to shower before/ after sessions.

Rashguards or T shirts under gis are compulsory for hygiene reasons.

Please Keep a close eye on suspicious pimples/ingrown hairs etc. Skin infections common in this sport and are highly contagious. If you have any open wounds or suspicious pimples please consult a pharmacist/ doctor and stay away from training until cleared.

Should you feel ill please do not attend training sessons, we are doing our best to keep everyone safe and healthy in these trying times.

Membership Fees

Payment Method:
Payments are accepted exclusively through a debit order system. No EFT or cash payments for membership fees.

Billing Schedule:
Invoices emailed on the 25th each month. Accounts debited on the last working day of the month for the upcoming month.

Membership Fees:

Adults: R755 pm (unlimited sessions)

Kids: R525 pm (Tues & Thurs)

Once-off joining fee: R200

Family Discounts:
Available for multiple family members. Contact gym management for details.

Cancellation Policy:
Cancel or freeze anytime with one month's written notice.

GYM ETIQUETTE

If you are experiencing great benefits on your journey then share them with others too, this is how we build a strong community.

Be on time for classes.

Keep talking to a minimum and listen carefully for instructions.

Line up in belt rank at start and end of class.

Always demonstrate a humble and respectful attitude when in the presence of an instructor.

Roll at an intensity/level you and your partner can handle. (be aware and adjust your intensity based on who you are rolling; ladies, kids, beginners, etc)

As space is limited, should you find yourself in the position where you roll/bump into another training pair, Higher belts take preference. (stop rolling and move to an open spot)

Use techniques safely, no dangerous moves allowed. (if you would like to roll with toe holds, heel hooks,knee bars, etc. warn your partner)

Striking, kicking, slamming ands scratching are strictly illegal in our gym.

A martial arts gym is a place where deep transformation and growth occurs, it is unlike any other environment.

Along with the privilege of learning BJJ come the responsibilities. Treat the academy like a special place / home by keeping it clean and help promote the academy where possible.

Grading

Grading takes place 4 times a year. These gradings are COMPULSORY. Meaning all members are to attend regardless of skill levels/experience. This is for the integrity of the academy and does involve a grading fee.

Grading consists of:

Warmups

Testing

Rolling

Awards

Can also be in the form of a seminar or in house competition.*

members are assessed/ promoted based on attendance and performance.

Keep in mind that each persons journey is individualised and we advise you to refrain from comparing yourself/your kids to others.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Book your taster session

testimonials

Always a pleasure to go and roll at ERBJJ when I'm visiting the in-laws in SA ! Awesome crew.

Raphaël Lévy

Top spot for a hard roll and skill developement

OZ Osborne

Starting out small, whilst surrounded by a truly supportive, family-like network of people, assures great aplomb and surefire results both mentally and physically. I am glad I joined when I did.

Caitlin Claire Henning

Professional facility. Knowledgable coaches in a positive learning environment.

Pierre Joshua Ferreira

Awesome academy catering for all levels of skill, age and fitness in a friendly and family orientated atmosphere 👍🏻

Ryan Fitzgerald

Really great experience training at ERBJJ. coaches and training partners make you feel welcome.

Wayne Berriman

Best coach ever! love the classes and the people.

Aziz Aripov

I’ve been will ERBJJ for almost two years and the only regret I have is not starting sooner. Brilliant coaches and such friendly training partners 💪 Added bonus - as a woman in a male-dominated sport, I feel so welcomed here ❤️

Uschi Junge

My teenage son loves training and everyone is so supportive of one another… one big Jiu Jitsu family!!!

Claire Marais

Some fine monsters both train and guide others at East Rand BJJ. Definitely a group of people you can depend on both on and off the mats.

Caitlin Henning

Great club. Awesome coaching- as a newbie both coach and higher ranks are always eager to help, give advice and teach. 10/10 would recommend to anybody wanting to learn a new skill, get fit or just meet some great people. 🙏🏻

Jacques Joubert

It's been an awesome experience with extremely professional and skilled coaches! Thank you guys for guiding my kids, who love every minute of being at the gym!

Mageshan Padayachee

My son and husband both love it! Family friendly, you feel like you are part of a family and the coaches are fantastic, especially the kids coaches

Bronwen Dearham

Great place to train, and everybody makes you feel apart of the team regardless of your level of fitness and experience. Amazing community to be apart of.

Candy Beth

Honestly amazing, my boy has grown so much confidence and personality since he started there, great coaches with a real passion for the sport and the kids, I've even joined myself

Baba Yaga Strongman

An amazing academy a great culture. Both kids and adult classes available.

Candice de Klerk

Most friendly Jiu Jitsu Gym, feels like a big family. Not to mention how insanely talented the people and coaches here are. Room of the nicest killers that will help you get better at one of the worlds best martial arts!

Matt Labuschagne

One of the best Jiu Jitsu communities to belong to! ❤️🥋

Skye Anderson

Honestly the most welcoming place from coaches to students, the gym has an amazing beginners program as well as advanced classes. Honestly the best gym !

Tori S

Embrace the mat, where skill conquers strength, and technique triumphs force. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Mastery in motion, victory in submission.