A world-class training environment one minute from Finsbury Park station — where complete beginners and elite competitors share the same mats.
Trained under Roger Gracie, World & European medalist, UK #1 ranked black belt, Lapel Guard innovator, and the coach behind ADCC world-level talent — including Owen Jones — ADCC World Championship semi-finalist, top 4 in the world (2024).
The foundation. Fundamentals through advanced, all levels welcome.
Faster, athletic grappling. Wrestling and submission focus.
Takedowns and control to level up your top game.
The art of eight limbs — striking programme alongside the grappling.
▲ Sample times — live self-updating schedule pulled from the booking system.
"If you're looking for a place to train in North London, honestly, look no further. I've dropped into a fair few gyms over the years, but Apex BJJ in Finsbury Park is easily the best."
"Whether you have already started your Brazilian jiu-jitsu journey or you are looking to start with zero martial arts experience — from day one you will be welcomed into a great atmosphere."
"Our sincere thanks to the fantastic team at Apex Jiu-Jitsu for their invaluable support of our Safeguarding campaign. Their commitment, reliability and specialist knowledge have had a significant positive impact."
▲ Real reviews + live 4.9★/67 rating from your Google Business profile (verified 2026-07-13). Final build pulls these automatically.
No kit, no experience, no pressure. Book a trial, borrow a gi, and see why Apex is home to some of London's best grapplers.
Claim your free trial →David's jiu-jitsu education began under Roger Gracie, before founding Apex Jiu-Jitsu in 2020 with a simple idea: a world-class training environment in the heart of Finsbury Park, where complete beginners and elite competitors share the same mats.
He received his black belt in 2022, and as a World and European black belt medalist he hasn't slowed down since — competing internationally on the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro circuit, where he has ranked #1 in the UK, with appearances at the Abu Dhabi World Pro and the Grand Slam in Rio de Janeiro.
On the mats he's known as a Lapel Guard innovator — a signature of how Apex plays and teaches jiu-jitsu. But ask David what he's proudest of and he won't point to his own medals. Apex has produced athletes competing at the very top of the sport — including Owen Jones, an ADCC World Championship semi-finalist who placed top four in the world at the 2024 ADCC World Championships, grappling's most prestigious event, having started his journey on these mats.
David's coaching style is the reason people stay: patient, technical, and genuinely invested in every student — whether you're preparing for a world championship or surviving your first warm-up.
Originally from Brazil, João Paulo is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and coach at Apex Jiu-Jitsu. He's committed to creating a positive learning environment where students of every level can sharpen their technique, build confidence, and genuinely enjoy the sport — whether they're chasing their first stripe or just there to train hard and have fun.
Ben Mann is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, IBJJF medalist — Silver (Middle-Heavy) and Bronze (Absolute) at the London Spring Open, plus a medal at the Madrid Open — and dedicated Kids Coach at Apex Jiu-Jitsu, with over five years of experience teaching children. Training since his mid-teens, he brings both passion and discipline to every class — a positive, structured environment where kids build confidence, develop discipline, and enjoy learning, growing both on and off the mats.
▲ Bios signed off · official portraits from the Apex photoshoot.
You don't need to be fit, flexible or experienced. You need to turn up. Here's exactly what happens.
Pick a beginner-friendly session and reserve your free trial in under a minute.
Wear shorts and a t-shirt. We'll lend you a gi. Arrive 10 minutes early and say hi.
Warm-up, technique, and light drilling with people who were all beginners once too.
None at all. Most people walk in having never grappled. Every class starts with fundamentals and you're paired with people who look after beginners.
Shorts and a t-shirt for your first session, plus a water bottle. We'll lend you a gi. After you join, we'll sort you out with your own kit.
No. We train all ages and abilities — the mat sorts everyone out. Go at your own pace; nobody's forcing the intensity.
BJJ is one of the safest contact sports because you train with control. Coaches supervise every session and beginners drill light.
1, 3 & 5 Morris Place, Clifton Terrace, London N4 3JG — one minute from Finsbury Park station.
Drop your details and we'll confirm your spot.
▲ Wired to the booking system · QR-code destination
One membership, every mat class. Wrestling included. Cancel anytime with one month's notice.
£60 sign-up · 3-month minimum
£60 sign-up · 3-month minimum
£50 sign-up · 3-month minimum
▲ Fixes the current site's product confusion — BJJ & Muay Thai clearly separated. Prices per live pricing page.
