Bahamas Jiu Jitsu
Nassau · New Providence · The Bahamas
OPENING IN
SEPTEMBER 2026
The Art
What is Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the result of a rich and evolving global grappling tradition rather than a single point of origin. Its foundations lie in the development of judo in Japan in the late 19th century, itself a refinement of older Jiu Jitsu systems, alongside influences from wrestling and catch-as-catch-can styles that emphasised control and submission.
When Mitsuyo Maeda, a Kodokan judoka shaped by real-world competition, arrived in Brazil in the early 20th century, he shared these principles with a number of students, including the Gracie family. In Brazil, the art was further refined through the open, competitive environment of Vale Tudo, as well as through the contributions of other pioneers, creating a culture focused on effectiveness, adaptability, and continuous improvement. The Gracie family played a central role in organising, developing, and ultimately introducing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to a global audience — most notably through the early Ultimate Fighting Championship — helping to establish its place in modern martial arts. Today, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is best understood as a Brazilian expression of a broader grappling tradition: shaped by many influences, proven through competition, and continually evolving alongside Wrestling, Judo, and Sambo.
Origin of Jiu Jitsu
Japanese Jiu Jitsu developed gradually in Japan between the 12th and 16th centuries, designed for battlefield use by the samurai.
Creation of Judo
Jigoro Kano founded the Kodokan in Tokyo, systematising techniques from the older Jiu Jitsu schools into a modern martial art called Judo.
Origin of BJJ
Mitsuyo Maeda brings Japanese Judo to Brazil, sparking a revolution in ground fighting. The Gracie family plays a central role in refining the art into what we now call Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Rorion Gracie Brings BJJ to the US
Rorion Gracie, the eldest son of Hélio Gracie, moves to Torrance, California, and is the first to successfully establish and popularise BJJ outside of Brazil at scale.
The World Stage
The first UFC event. Royce Gracie, just 170lbs, defeats all opponents with pure BJJ technique — proving that leverage and technique triumph over size and strength.
BJJ Comes to Nassau
Bahamas Jiu Jitsu brings world-class instruction to Nassau. Train with elite-level coaching right here in the Bahamas.
Training Programmes
Our Classes
World-class instruction for all ages and experience levels.
Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the most effective, reality-based fighting systems in the world. The basic premise of Jiu-Jitsu is that 90% of fights end up on the ground. As such, Jiu-Jitsu is focused primarily on effective ground fighting. The goal is to put an opponent into situations on the ground where joint locks and/or chokes can be applied to force him/her to submit.
Fundamentals
A rolling 8 week course on the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Designed primarily for beginners as an introduction to BJJ. Join at any time and complete your 8 week initiation.
No Gi
'No Gi' Jiu Jitsu is the ground-fighting martial art focused on joint locks, chokes, and positions. It is the science of using leverage, human body mechanics, balance, and technique to create favorable situations against a live opponent.
Safeguard Women
Safeguard Women is a practical training program that builds real confidence through simple, effective skills. We focus on a small number of high-impact techniques that apply to common situations, while also developing awareness and boundary-setting so you can recognize risk early and respond with clarity and confidence.
Kids
Ages 6-13
History has shown that martial arts can be an excellent teacher for children to learn life skills such as discipline, mental strength, focus, hard work, integrity, confidence, teamwork, and more. Ultimately, martial arts are about continuous self-improvement physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Private Training
1-on-1 Coaching
Accelerate your progress with dedicated one-on-one sessions with Coach Leigh. Tailored to your goals, schedule, and skill level.
NASSAU 2026
Head Coach
Leigh
Remedios
COACH · FIGHTER · CHAMPION
Leigh grew up in Hong Kong and spent most of his life in the UK. He started training Jiu Jitsu in the 1990s in Vancouver and quickly transitioned to MMA, winning national and international titles.
Leigh has previously founded Ashford Vale Tudo in the late 1990s and in 2006 he opened VT Jiu Jitsu in Wiltshire. He now brings his outstanding skills to The Bahamas as a founder of Bahamas Jiu Jitsu.
Main Achievements:
Classes
Timetable
SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2026
| TIME | MON | TUES | WED | THUR | FRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Morning 9:00–10:00am | — | Safeguard Women 9–10am | — | Safeguard Women 9–10am | — |
Mid-Morning 10:00am–12:00pm | — | Adult No Gi 12:15–1:15pm | — | Adult No Gi 12:15–1:15pm | — |
Afternoon 4:00–5:00pm | Young Grapplers 4:15–5:15pm | — | Young Grapplers 4:15–5:15pm | — | Young Grapplers 4:15–5:15pm |
Evening 6:15–7:30pm | Fundamentals 6:15–7:30pm | Adult No Gi 6:15–7:30pm | Adult Gi 6:15–7:30pm | Adult No Gi 6:15–7:30pm | Adult Gi 6:15–7:30pm |
Schedule valid September – December 2026. Subject to change. Contact us for the latest updates.
Join Us
Membership & Pricing
Opening September 2026
Adult
Unlimited Membership
Unlimited access to all adult classes in a month including Gi & No Gi.
- Best value
- No long-term contract
Fundamentals
8-Week Course
Access to 8 weeks of Fundamentals classes held once per week.
- Rolling 8-week course
- Designed for beginners
- Join at any time
- Includes a free Gi
Safeguard Women
Self-Defence Programme
Unlimited access to Safeguard Women classes in a month.
- Self-defence focused
- Supportive environment for women only focused instruction
- No experience needed
For an additional $50 per month, get access to unlimited adult classes.
Kid's
Unlimited Membership
Unlimited access to all kid's classes in a month.
- Young Grapplers (age 6+)
- Discipline & confidence
- Safe, fun environment
* Prices do not include 10% VAT
Conduct & Respect
Academy Etiquette
At Bahamas Jiu Jitsu, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of respect, discipline, and personal conduct. These rules ensure a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for all members.
- 1
Students must always show respect to all peers and instructors. Please treat everyone with courtesy.
- 2
All students share the responsibility of keeping the Academy safe and clean.
- 3
Please do not arrive late to class or leave early. If you must, obtain permission from your instructor first.
- 4
BJJ Class begins with students lining up in descending rank.
- 5
Students must remain quiet and attentive in class and not engage in idle, unnecessary chatter. This is of particular importance when the instructor is speaking or demonstrating a technique.
- 6
Students must properly wear a clean, odor-free uniform at all times.
- 7
Students must wear a white Jiu Jitsu Gi with both jacket and pants at all times. Black belts may wear any colour Gi.
- 8
No-Gi classes require an appropriate uniform with a rash guard and shorts and/or spats.
- 9
Students are not allowed on the mat area in street attire during any class sessions.
- 10
Hats, outdoor shoes, or jewelry are prohibited in the mat area. The Academy does not hold itself responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items.
- 11
All students must maintain impeccable personal hygiene due to the close-contact nature of the art of Jiu Jitsu.
- 12
Nails must be trimmed and without any sharp edges.
- 13
Obscene language, ill temperament, or discrimination (of any kind) will never be tolerated at the Academy. Control your temper at all times while training.
- 14
Do not abuse your knowledge of martial arts. Martial arts should only be used to protect yourself and others.
- 15
Footwear/Flip-flops must be worn when off the mats.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
I've never tried Jiu Jitsu, what's the best way to start?
Our Fundamentals class offers the ideal introduction to Jiu Jitsu and includes a free Gi.
How many classes am I allowed to take per month?
Our membership is unlimited so for one set price, you'll be allowed to take as many classes as your schedule permits.
What are your hours of operation?
Please refer to the Timetable section under Info for current class hours, as hours may vary by season.
Does your Academy have showers?
At the moment our temporary Academy does not have showers. However, when we open our permanent facility we will have luxury bathrooms including shower facilities.
Do you allow drop ins?
We allow drop ins at the price of $45 per class except for accredited black belts who are welcome at no charge.
I'm not a member. As a visitor, may I wear my own Gi?
Yes, you are welcome to wear your own gi as long as it is white. Black belts are welcome to wear any colour gi.
Do you offer private classes?
Yes. Please contact us to schedule at your convenience.
What do I wear?
For Gi classes a traditional white Gi must be worn. Black belts are allowed to wear any colour Gi. For No Gi classes, a rash guard and shorts and/or leggings or spats must be worn.
Do I have to wear a rash guard under my Gi?
For hygiene purposes we prefer that you wear a rash guard under your Gi unless it is the kid's class. We have rash guards for sale at the Academy.
Do you sell Gis and rash guards at the studio?
Yes! We sell Gis and rash guards at the studio. Please ask a member of staff for assistance.
What age can children start training?
Children can start from age 6 in our Young Grapplers class.
Can I pause my membership?
Yes, you can pause your membership at the conclusion of any month for which you've paid. Please give us 5 days notice prior to the expiration of your membership.
Can't find your answer? Send us a message.
Location
Nassau, The Bahamas
Located at Old Fort Bay Shopping Centre, Building B, Unit 8 (Above NRG) — our temporary home while our permanent 7,000 sq ft facility is being built.
ADDRESS
Old Fort Bay Shopping Centre
Building B, Unit 8
(Above NRG)
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
OPENING
September 7, 2026
Classes run Monday – Friday
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