Mossley, OL5 9LL
0161 527 1193
Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
& Self-Defence Classes
in Manchester
Build confidence, get stronger and learn practical self-defence through the Gracie Women Empowered® programme.
Designed specifically for women and real-world self-defence
Learn techniques that don’t depend on size, strength or athleticism
No previous martial arts or Jiu-Jitsu experience needed
Train in a safe, supportive environment with a female Certified Instructor
Suitable for women of different ages, fitness levels and abilities
Try your first beginner class free, with no pressure to join
Providing A Safe, Comfortable And Empowering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Experience For Women Around Manchester
Hear what other women have to say about their experience at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Tameside -
The gym has such a lovely and welcoming atmosphere. The instructors are fantastic, always patient and supportive. Dani the female instructor does an amazing job at supporting the women in the gym and love the women's classes. Couldn't recommend more.
Myself & my family have been attending Gracie Jiu Jitsu Tameside for many years now & we wouldn’t have it any other way. I turned 50 last year, but I find the benefits from attending classes are invaluable. The mindfulness, exercise & self defence with the support from my training partner & the amazing instructors/staff, help with the day to day of life immensely!! Best BJJ Gym for all ages.
Gracie Tameside is an incredible place to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! From the moment you walk in, you're welcomed into a friendly and supportive environment. The instructors are highly skilled, patient, and dedicated to helping every student improve—whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced grappler. The classes are well-structured, with a great balance of technique, drilling, and live rolling. The atmosphere is fantastic, with a real sense of community among the students. Everyone is there to learn, grow, and push each other to be better. If you're looking for a high-quality BJJ academy in the area, I can't recommend Gracie Tameside enough. Whether you're training for competition, self-defence, or just fitness, this is the place to be!
I feel much safer during my time in school and out with friends knowing I have the ability to escape difficult situations I’ve also gained more confidence and friends during my lessons time it’s truly an amazing experience every time I would highly recommend
Update 2026: it’s been over 3 years now and I still stand by this review 100%!! TL/DR: This place is phenomenal! Considering joining? You should read this review! Gracie Jiu Jitsu Tameside has been an unparalleled force of positivity in my life over the past year. Joining this community in January 2023 has proven to be the single best decision, I've made in my adult life. Beyond the expected physical benefits and the exceptional, easily digestible Jiu Jitsu instruction, the impact on my personal growth and well-being has been profound. Unexpectedly as a direct result, I’m happier! I've also discovered more about myself, gained confidence, and become a better-rounded individual. Gracie jiu jitsu Tameside, is truly helping me overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable. Its playing a pivotal part in me overcoming obstacles (like past childhood trauma) Something, I was beginning to think, I would never get past. The sense of community, culture and camaraderie at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Tameside is incomparable; it’s second to none. The people here are extraordinary, and I've forged lifelong friendships. Alex and James, are incredible instructors, they are insanely skilled in Jiu Jitsu and their passion and enthusiasm is infectious! But beyond that. And arguably more importantly, they are also legendary leaders and phenomenal people both on and off the mats. Unhesitatingly, I admit to deliberating and postponing my decision to join Gracie Jiu Jitsu Tameside at first. Due to nervousness. But after meticulous contemplation over several months (Sept- Jan) months mentally preparing, combing through every review on various platforms, and seeking out every piece of information available, I finally took the plunge. Attending my first class in January. I can confidently affirm that, the decision to join. Has been more than worthwhile for me. Despite the natural nervousness and delay that came with it. My only regret? Not joining sooner! It seems fitting that I now, find myself contributing to the pool of reviews for others to peruse. It appears I’ve come full circle. I hope that this review, alongside the many others, becomes a persuasive nudge for those contemplating joining. To those still in contemplation, I strongly encourage you: take the leap. Your anxieties and worries will quickly fade away, and you'll be left with the life-changing impact of this phenomenal place almost faster than you can say ‘Gracie Jiu Jitsu Tameside’
The whole team at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Tameside are brilliant - kind, informative, experienced, and so friendly and fun. I joined thinking I'd stick to the women's class only but quickly changed my mind and have enjoyed all of the sessions. The team really have built such a supportive culture no matter who you're training with or your level. I always leave feeling really happy and calm. No other exercise like it and with a fab social side, too!
Joining Gracie Jiu Jitsu is easily one of the best choices I have made! Alex, James and Dani are all fantastic in what they do and they each go above and beyond to ensure that we all feel comfortable and supported, whether that be on or off the mat. The community that has been created is so welcoming and positive, and stepping on the mat is a privilege to share with the amazing people around me!
The team at Gracie Tameside are all super supportive. I highly recommend this to anyone who is thinking about joining. Not only do you learn valuable skills but the community and togetherness make it a gym like no other. I’ve never met a bunch of nicer people who all want to support one another to achieve their best. Each week, I leave the class with a great sense of achievement and really looking forward to the next session.
There’s No “Right Type” of Woman for Jiu-Jitsu.
There’s a Place for Everyone on the Mat.
You might be wondering...
Am I too old, unfit or inflexible to do Jiu-Jitsu?
Will I feel comfortable walking into a group of women I don’t know?
Will the self-defence I learn actually be relevant to the situations women face?
What if I’ve never done martial arts, or anything like this, before?
Don't worry, we've got you...
You don't need to be young, fit, strong or flexible
No egos. No cliques. No judgement. Just a community of women that care and want to see each other succeed
Self-defence designed specifically for women. Learn highly effective techniques that don’t depend on strength or athleticism
Complete beginners are welcome. You’ll be guided and supported from your very first class.
New women each week are deciding to start their Jiu Jitsu journey with us!
Whether you want to feel more confident, learn practical self-defence, get fitter, find a hobby you love, make new friends or simply challenge yourself with something new, Women Empowered® is a place to learn, grow and have fun alongside a supportive community of women.
You might come for the self-defence and stay because you’ve found something you love.
Who will be teaching me?
A class for women, taught by women
"Walking into your first class can feel really daunting, I remember how I felt.
But here I am today and I’ve trained Jiu-Jitsu for over five years now! I've experienced first-hand the difference it can make. It has helped me discover strength (in more ways than one), confidence and capability that extend far beyond the mats. Now, I want to help other women discover those same qualities in themselves.
As a female Women Empowered® Certified Instructor, creating an environment where women feel comfortable, safe and supported is so important to me.
You don’t need to arrive feeling confident, fit or knowing what to expect. You’ll be welcomed by myself and other like-minded women, guided through everything and encouraged to progress at your own pace.
My goal isn't just to teach self-defence techniques, I also want to build a genuinely supportive community of women who encourage one another, become stronger, more confident and powerful together, and realise just how capable they truly are.
So if coming through the door feels like the hardest part, please know that I understand. You won’t be expected to prove yourself. I'll be proud of you just for showing up that day." - Dani, Women Empowered® Instructor
What if they are bigger than me?
Why Jiu-Jitsu Works When Size and Strength Aren’t on Your Side
You don’t need to be the biggest, strongest or youngest person in the room to learn effective self-defence. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® was developed around a different idea: use leverage, timing and technique to overcome physical disadvantages.
Instead of simply reacting with more force, Jiu-Jitsu teaches you to understand where and when to apply your energy. With practice, movements become more efficient and controlled, helping you conserve energy while creating opportunities to protect yourself and escape.
That focus on technique also makes Jiu-Jitsu accessible to women across different ages, body types and fitness levels. You can develop your skills progressively, refining your timing, precision and control rather than depending on speed or physical power.
The goal isn’t to become stronger than everyone else. It’s to learn how to use what you have more effectively.
What will I actually learn?
Self-Defence Designed Around the Situations Women Actually Face
Women Empowered® isn't simply a general Jiu-Jitsu class for women. The programme was specifically created around the self-defence needs of women, with 20 essential techniques addressing some of the most common threats and situations women may face.
You'll learn how to adapt your response to different real-life situations, from setting boundaries and using non-violent options to physical techniques when protecting yourself becomes necessary. The programme addresses situations ranging from an unwanted approach or inappropriate contact to being grabbed, pinned or controlled, using leverage and technique to help you protect yourself and create opportunities to escape.
Self-defence doesn't begin when somebody puts their hands on you.
You'll also develop greater awareness, learn how to set and protect your boundaries, recognise red flags, and practise using your voice and assertiveness when something doesn't feel right.
The aim isn't just to teach you how to fight. It's to give you more options, more knowledge and greater confidence in your ability to protect yourself.
Why is the belt pink?
More Than a Colour. A Belt With Its Own Identity.
The Women Empowered® Pink Belt isn't about making Jiu-Jitsu “pink for women.” It is a distinct milestone within the programme and it represents the skills, knowledge and progress you've earned through your training in the class. Using a colour not used anywhere else for other belts or programmes at our training centre, makes it unique to Women Empowered which is important due to the differences the programme has.
"Personally, I love that Women Empowered has its own belt and identity. I do love the colour pink too, but for me it's much more about belonging to something unique. It gives our community something of its own to work towards and be proud of. I think I was genuinely more excited to earn my pink belt than my blue one!"
But the Pink Belt doesn't have to be your reason for training. You can simply come to learn self-defence, enjoy Jiu-Jitsu and be part of the community. If you do choose to work towards your Pink Belt, it becomes a meaningful marker of the skills and progress you've made.
Our Women's Beginner Classes Are Based On
Women Empowered® is Gracie University®’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu self-defence programme designed by women, for women, with a focus on the unique threats and situations women may face.
The programme features 20 essential self-defence techniques designed to help women neutralise common attacks, including those involving larger, stronger opponents. Rather than relying on strength or athleticism, you’ll learn how leverage, timing and technique can help you protect yourself and create opportunities to escape.
But Women Empowered® goes beyond physical techniques. You’ll also develop awareness, boundary-setting skills and verbal assertiveness, giving you practical tools to recognise, deter and respond to potential threats before they become physical.
As a member of Gracie Jiu Jitsu Tameside, you get:
A free Women Empowered® online subscription
Free training at over 270 locations that offer Women Empowered®
Find Your Time to Train
View our Class Schedule
Training should fit into your life, not make it more complicated.
Start at any time. No need to wait for a new course or curriculum cycle.
Fit training around life. Choose from daytime and evening sessions.
No need to book. Members can simply turn up to their available classes.
Plan ahead if you want to. Check the training calendar to see what’s coming up, with no preparation required.
Want to train more? Selected memberships include mixed Gracie Combatives® classes too.
Missed a class? No problem. Pick things back up when you return.
Everything You Get With Our Membership
As a member of a Certified Gracie University Training Centre you get privileges that you won't get anywhere else.
Terms and conditions apply. See membership agreement for more details.
Total Flexibility
For ultimate flexibility, you can use your monthly allowance of classes whenever you like and if you run out, you upgrade anytime or purchase one off sessions for a small fee.
Online Course Access
Complimentary access to Gracie University Online, allowing you to review past material and prepare for upcoming lessons.
Worldwide Training
As a member, you receive complimentary access to train at any of our certified training centres worldwide.
Certified Instructors
All classes are led by certified Gracie University instructors who have dedicated countless hours to sharing the art in a clear, engaging, and accessible way.
30 Day Guarantee
If you have trained at least 4 times within your first 30 days and do not feel the membership is worth it, we will fully refund your membership. No hard feelings.
No Long Contracts
With no long-term contracts and just a 30-day notice to cancel, you have the complete freedom to train on your own terms without any lasting commitment.
Which Women’s Class Is Right for You?
Our core Women Empowered® class teaches practical, leverage-based self-defence without relying on size, strength or athletic ability. Develop awareness, assertiveness and confidence while learning effective techniques for real-world situations in a welcoming community where women support one another to succeed.
Our standard class welcomes women ages 16+ (unless accompanied by an adult) and is suitable for all levels.
We have introduced additional classes to help support the specifc needs of our students-
Women Empowered®
Our main Women Empowered® class
This is our core weekly class and the ideal choice for women wanting to experience the complete Women Empowered® programme.
Work through the official curriculum, develop your self-defence skills and train alongside women of different ages and experience levels in a supportive, energetic environment.
Join at any point and progress at your own pace. Regular training helps you refine your technique and build confidence in the skills you learn.
Complete programme • All experience levels • Ages 16+
Wednesday's at 6:45 pm
Girls 12–15
Confidence and self-defence for the teenage years
A supportive class created with teenage girls in mind. Learn practical self-defence, confidence and boundary-setting skills while exploring situations young women may encounter at school and in everyday life.
This space is for open, supportive conversations around those barriers, from periods and training to body confidence and becoming comfortable training with the opposite sex if they choose to continue their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
Helping each girl feel confident and capable.
Age-specific • Beginner-friendly
• Female-led
Friday's at 5:30 pm
Day Class
A little more time for you
A relaxed Monday morning class for women who prefer a gentler pace, including mums returning to training, shift workers and those looking those looking for extra sessions. Perfect for women who want more time to build strength and confidence in new movements.
We understand that finding childcare can make training difficult. Babies and children are welcome, so you don't always have to choose between finding time for yourself and being there when they need you.
Move at your own pace and enjoy learning, exercising and connecting.
Relaxed pace • Build strength gradually
• Babies welcome
Monday's at 11am
Self-defence is a skill you build over time.
Learning a technique is just the beginning. Regular training helps you revisit techniques, refine your timing and precision, and build confidence in applying what you learn.
That’s why Women Empowered® is designed for ongoing training, not a one-off course. Simply choose the membership that best fits your goals, lifestyle and how often you’d like to train.
£39/month
1 class per week
Perfect for building a consistent weekly training routine and developing your skills at a steady pace.
Women's Only Classes
No Contract - 30 Days Notice to Cancel
bronze Membership
£52/month
5 classes per month
Our most popular option, with extra flexibility to fit around your schedule.
Women's Only Classes
+ Mixed Beginner Adults Classes
No Contract - 30 Days Notice to Cancel
£72/month
10 classes per month
Perfect for women who want to train more frequently and make Jiu Jitsu a bigger part of their schedule.
Women's Only Classes
+ Mixed Beginner Adults Classes
No Contract - 30 Days Notice to Cancel
Train with confidence
Love Your First 30 Days Or We'll Refund Your Membership
We’re confident you’ll enjoy training with us. That’s why we offer a simple 30-day guarantee.
Attend at least four classes during your first month and, if you genuinely feel Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Tameside isn’t right for you, we’ll refund your first month’s membership in full. No awkward conversations. No hard feelings.
Just enough time to properly experience the programme, meet the instructors and decide whether it’s the right fit for you.
Experience the Difference of Training with a Gracie University Certified Training Center®
Local Instructors, Powered By 100 Years of Gracie Family Legacy
Gracie University® in Torrance, California is the home of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Led by Ryron and Rener Gracie, two of the most influential educators in modern Brazilian jiu-jitsu, it is one of the world’s most respected academies and have transformed the way Jiu-Jitsu is taught.
Through the Gracie University Instructor Certification Programme, Ryron and Rener have made their world-renowned self-defence curriculums available to Certified Training Centres worldwide, ensuring students receive the same structured, high-quality instruction wherever they train.
In 2013, Alex travelled to California to complete the Gracie University Instructor Certification Programme, learning directly from Ryron and Rener before bringing their teaching philosophy and structured curriculum back to Tameside.
Today, every class we teach is built on more than 100 years of Gracie family knowledge, delivered by local instructors who genuinely care about every student’s journey.
Your First Class Is Just That. A First Step.
Your free class is simply a chance to experience Women Empowered®, meet your instructor and get a feel for the environment before deciding whether it’s right for you.
You don’t need any experience, special equipment or commitment to join. We’ll let you know what to wear, what to expect and everything you need before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try a class first to see if I like it?
Absolutely! If there are spaces available on the booking calendar then you can pick any Women Empowered® or beginner class and try it for free to see if what we do fits with what you're looking for.
Don't want to feel like the worst one in the room?
Most people feel this way before starting. The curriculum, pace, and instruction of the course are designed specifically for beginners.
Advanced students are there to help, guide, and support newer students, not to outpace or overpower them. This creates a safe, encouraging learning environment where beginners can progress confidently.
The program focuses on 20 core techniques that are:
- Simple to learn
- Highly effective for self-defence
- Designed to work for most body types and athletic levels
You don’t need experience, coordination, or confidence to start. You just need the right environment, and that’s exactly what Women Empowered® is designed to provide.
Concerned about getting injured? (or aggrevating previous ones)
This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and it’s completely understandable.
Jiu-jitsu is a contact martial art, so no one can promise zero injuries. However, most injuries happen because of unhealthy gym culture or rushing beginners into sparring too soon.
At our academy, safety is built into everything we do.
We maintain a culture where students care about their training partners’ safety as much as their own progress. Ego-driven training is not tolerated.
We also delay live sparring on purpose, allowing beginners to first develop proper control, positioning, and awareness. This dramatically reduces unnecessary risk and helps students build confidence.
Classes are closely supervised by Certified Instructors, and students are encouraged to train at appropriate intensity, tap early, and communicate at all times.
While no activity is risk-free, our structured, safety-first approach makes jiu-jitsu far safer than most people expect, especially for beginners.
Not in shape, feel like you want to build your fitness first?
No need. Getting in shape first is not required.
Most of the conditioning people associate with jiu-jitsu comes from live sparring, which beginners do not do right away in Women Empowered®.
Instead, beginner classes focus on carefully structured, progressive drills designed to build your fitness gradually.
As you train, you will naturally develop:
- Better conditioning
- Increased flexibility
- Improved mobility
The goal of the beginner program is not to test your fitness, but to build it safely over time.
You don’t need to be fit to start jiu-jitsu. Jiu-jitsu helps you get fit as you learn.
Apprehensive about starting on your own and not knowing anyone?
This is a very common concern, especially for people walking into a gym for the first time by themselves.
Many martial arts gyms attract people who want to prove themselves through ego or aggression. That environment often leads to discomfort and unnecessary injuries.
That mindset does not last here.
Our academy has a clear culture built around mutual respect, safety, and support. Students are expected to care about their training partners’ progress and well-being, regardless of background, age, or experience level.
If you come in by yourself (which most do), you will not be left on the sidelines. Instructors help pair students appropriately, and advanced students are encouraged to support and guide newer students.
Anyone who does not respect this culture is simply not welcome. The result is a welcoming, beginner-safe environment where you can walk in alone and feel supported from day one.
What do you wear?
For your very first class, you'll only need to wear suitable gym attire that you can move freely in. We recommend, joggers or leggings with a t-shirt or long sleeved top. You will be in close contact with people and potentially doing moves on the ground, so make sure you wear what you feel comfortable in.
After this, the class has the option of a full white Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi or our exclusive Women Empowered® Gi pants with a rash guard of your choice. You can purchase directly from us (we often have great introductory offers for new members) or from anywhere else you like.
Sport vs Self Defence, what's the difference?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has an interesting and engaging art/sport that has a big competition scene, and whilst some of our members have decided to test their skills in this format, we don't go out of our way to prepare students (rules, strategy etc) for competition.
Our first priority for our students is that they learn the fundamentals of self-defence. What you need to do to survive against an aggressive, untrained opponent may be different from what you would need to learn for a sport jiu-jitsu tournament.
We understand that most people who train with us are doing so for fitness, health and confidence. When practised correctly, BJJ can be an activity to enjoy for many years!
Is there an ideal time to start?
You can start any time without previous experience and our curriculum that allows you to start at any time. There is no fixed start date and no pressure to keep up with a group.
You can attend the classes in any order, repeat lessons as often as you like, and progress entirely at your own pace. Whether you train multiple times per week or just once in a while, the system adapts to you.
This flexible structure ensures that busy schedules, travel, or time off never prevent you from making steady progress.
You don’t need to keep up with anyone else. You just need to keep showing up when you can.