Category Archives: News

All the posts on the Artemis BJJ blog are under the News category, in order to make it easy to link to all the Artemis BJJ posts at once.

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Training Restrictions

All our instructors are either already vaccinated against covid, or will be getting the vaccine when offered. In order to welcome you back to the mats (note our updated class timetable), we’re taking a number of precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic (based on a thorough risk assessment):

1. In order to train, you will require either a grappling dummy (see instructions and video for making one at home below, it takes less than 5 mins), or a member of your household.

2. Our newly installed ventilation system at our Central venue can handle airflow for up to twenty people. Coupled with social distancing requirements, that means you must pre-book by emailing info@artemisbjj.com.

Note that our Clifton location is smaller, meaning class size is especially limited.

3. You will need to arrive at the gym already dressed for training, as changing rooms will be off-limits for the time being.

4. Social distancing must be maintained at all times, staying 2m away from everybody else.

5. Before entering the building, we will conduct temperature checks (37.5°C is the cut-off) and apply hand sanitiser

6. Before entering the matspace, everybody must wash their hands thoroughly

7. The matspace will be filled up from the furthest end first, leaving from the near end first when class finishes.

Building Your Own Grappling Dummy

All you will need is a large pillow (or two), at least three large towels and a hoody (ideally no zips). If you have a gi jacket and belt, that is best, but you can approximate the grips with a normal jacket or button up shirt (though be aware that less sturdy jackets/shirts may get ripped, so use an old one). The process shouldn’t take more than five minutes.

You will need to take your dummy both to and from training: given the risk of transmission and lack of space, we cannot store dummies at the gym.


If video isn’t loading, click here

General Points

DO NOT TRAIN IF YOU ARE FEELING UNWELL or showing cold or flu like symptoms: stay away for at least 14 days

DO NOT TRAIN with open cuts, skin abrasions or skin infections

MAKE SURE ALL YOUR TRAINING KIT is thoroughly washed before and after every session (gi, belt, rashguard, shorts, gumshield and any protective wear)

WASH YOUR HANDS (and the rest of you!) thoroughly with soap and water before and after training. Hand sanitiser is not a substitute for washing.

Do not be afraid to tell training partners not to train if you believe they might be at risk

During the pandemic, the class structure has been a little different, due to the necessary safety restrictions.To give you an idea of what to expect, here is an extended 30 minute clip from one of our modified classes:

We are following the UKBJJA guidance on COVID-19. As the situation develops, we will continue to review our policy.

1 New Purple Belt & 3 Blue Belts at Artemis BJJ Grading with Kev Capel

5th Grading Seminar (Dec 2019) with Kev Capel at Artemis BJJ Bristol Brazilian Jiu Jitsu group Thanks again to Kev for another great seminar and grading! For his fifth visit to Artemis BJJ, Kev shared some awesome mount and back techniques, along with a series of techniques. He and Can then promoted four people, including club stalwart Simon to a well deserved purple belt.

Our next grading will probably be next Summer again, although we have a number of people who are likely to get their blue belts after the Bristol Open in Feb 2020. The club is looking to send a large contingent as always, should be a fun day. 😀

Details of Artemis BJJ Charity GrappleThon 2020 For Refugee Women of Bristol

bjj grapplethon charity Bristol Artemis BJJ Brazilian jiu jitsu

What: The concept behind a GrappleThon is very simple: at least two people are grappling at any one point over a predetermined period.

When: 14:00 on Saturday 7th March 2020 until 14:00 on Sunday 8th March 2020.

Where: At our central location in Bristol, by LA Gym. Head to 7 Lawrence Hill, Bristol, BS5 0BY

How: To take part, simply turn up and roll. If you want to earn a fantastic custom Meerkatsu t-shirt (kindly provided by Tatami Fightwear), there’s only one way: fundraise! 

Head here for the main fundraising page. To earn a t-shirt, set up your own fundraising page supporting Refugee Women of Bristol, here. (be sure to contact us with the link, so we know you’re fundraising). Note that our limited number of t-shirts will be awarded in order of total amount fundraised, until we run out.

Why: On the International Women’s Day 2020 weekend (7th-8th March), we will be supporting Refugee Women of Bristol. They support refugee and asylum seeking women, empowering them to build a new life. To learn more about their important work, have a read of their website, here.

Donate: Head to our JustGiving donations page, here.

Press: Take a look at the Artemis BJJ press page for upcoming articles and interviews about the GrappleThon (as well as previous events), here. For pictures and videos from both previous and current Artemis BJJ GrappleThons, go to our Instagram channel.

Simultaneously with the GrappleThon, we’ll also be running a Rolla(d20)thon, aiming for 24hrs of continuous D&D. So even if you’re not super keen on BJJ, you can still take part (and with WiFi, you can join one of our DnD sessions wherever you are in the world).

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, renowned BJJ apparel brand Tatami Fightwear and top BJJ artist Meerkatsu 

4 New Purple Belts & 2 Blue Belts at Artemis BJJ Grading with Kev Capel

It has been a while since our last grading, so we’ve had a few interim promotions, but the big one was today. There are a number of people at the club who came in with a lot of existing training, who have therefore been overdue for their belts ever since they joined. Thanks to the continuing support of Kev Capel, that’s now been resolved, meaning we have four new purple belts.

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Yay, four new purples @ArtemisBJJ yesterday, plus two blues! I try hard to not emphasise belts at my club (one of several reasons I don't give out stripes), as it's important people focus on just getting better, with belts serving as a nice side effect. Also, makes for a handy photo. 😉 Big congrats to everyone who got promoted. Those who follow the Artemis BJJ Instagram should recognise @mj.dalton, who is my uke in many of the vids. 😃 It was also brilliant to see Lisa, who hasn't been in for a while due to an injury. Although I'm the head instructor, the majority of Lucy's training has been with Lisa, so it was great to have her there to see Lucy promoted to blue. Looking forward to Lisa's knee getting better: thanks for the great photos (Sara took good ones too 😃)! _________________________________________ Of course, none of this could happen without Kev: I can't thank @rgabucks enough for how he supports the club. 😎👍 ________________________________________ #bjj #BrazilianJiuJitsu #SlideyClub #SupportWomensBJJ #ArtemisBJJ @BJJglobetrotters #bjjglobetrotters

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Big congrats to everybody who was graded today, thanks also to Sara and Lisa for their great photos and videos!

Guest Blog – Visit to Womankind Bristol

by Tracey Robinson

In the run-up to our GrappleThon in support of Womankind Bristol next month, Artemis BJJ instructor Tracey headed down to their offices (a short walk from MYGYM) to talk to them about their wonderful charity work. 

Womankind helpline Artemis BJJ GrappleThon 2019 Bristol Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Before I talk about the services they offer, I want to say that Womankind Bristol are thrilled that we are fundraising for them. The staff were lovely and very interested in what a grapplethon was! Their mission is to help women to improve their mental health and well-being so they can experience a better quality of life. They offer a number of services:

• Helpline

• Group therapy

• Individual counselling

• Specialist counselling service for women who have suffered sexual violence

• Safer women’s project – supports women who have been trafficked or refugees

• Service for deaf and hard of hearing women

• Befriending service for women who are isolated and struggle to leave their home

• Transgender support group – the only one in the South West

Womankind Bristol are currently setting up an instant messaging service. They hope to launch the service in about 6 months time and part of the money raised in the grapplethon will go towards this project. This service will be geared towards young women and those who are deaf and hard of hearing.

On a personal note, I was overwhelmed at the variety of issues that Womankind Bristol deal with, including: anxiety and depression, eating problems, physical disabilities and suicidal thoughts. They strive to help those who struggle and I am thrilled that we can raise money to enable them to carry on doing this.

Details of Artemis BJJ Charity GrappleThon 2019 For Womankind Bristol

What: The concept behind a GrappleThon is very simple: at least two people are grappling at any one point over a predetermined period.

When: 14:00 on Saturday 9th March 2019 until 14:00 on Sunday 10th March 2019.

Where: At our central location in St Paul’s, which is MYGYM Bristol, Unit 4B Dean Street, Bristol, BS2 8SF

How: To take part, simply turn up and roll. If you want to earn a fantastic custom Meerkatsu t-shirt (kindly provided by Tatami Fightwear), there’s only one way: fundraise! Head here for the main fundraising page.

To earn a t-shirt, set up your own fundraising page supporting Womankind Bristol Women’s Therapy Centre, here. (be sure to contact us with the link, so we know you’re fundraising). Note that our limited number of t-shirts will be awarded in order of total amount fundraised, until we run out.

Why: On the International Women’s Day 2019 weekend (9th-10th March), we will be supporting the Womankind Bristol Women’s Therapy Centre, a charity that provides counselling for women to improve their mental health and well-being, in order to experience a better quality of life. To learn more about their important work, have a read of their website, here.

Donate: Head to our Womankind Bristol donations page, here.

Press: Take a look at the Artemis BJJ press page for upcoming articles and interviews about the GrappleThon (as well as previous events), here. For pictures and videos from both previous and current Artemis BJJ GrappleThons, go to our Instagram channel.

Simultaneously with the GrappleThon, we’ll also be running a Rolla(d20)thon, aiming for 24hrs of continuous D&D. So even if you’re not super keen on BJJ, you can still take part (and with WiFi, you can join one of our DnD sessions wherever you are in the world).

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, renowned BJJ apparel brand Tatami Fightwear, top BJJ artist Meerkatsu and of course our awesome hosts, local fitness specialists MYGYM.

Artemis BJJ Xmas Schedule 2018

Hooray, it’s almost Christmas! Lots of presents, mince pies and excellent cheesy music. You’ll still be able to get in some BJJ because our Clifton venue will be open, but  MYGYM will be closed for  the period. So, the normal schedule will be altered over xmas.

🎅🎄XMAS SCHEDULE 2018🎄🎅

We’re running as normal until Sunday 23rd December, then based on MYGYM holiday opening hours, this will be the schedule:

Monday 24th DecCLOSED (🎄Xmas Eve🎄)
Tuesday 25th DecCLOSED (🎅Xmas Day🎅)
Wednesday 26th DecCLOSED (Boxing Day)
Thursday 27th DecCLOSED
Friday 28th DecCLOSED
Saturday 29th Dec – 17:30-18:30 Open Mat (Clifton)
Sunday 30th DecCLOSED
Monday 31st DecCLOSED (New Years Eve)
Tuesday 1st JanCLOSED
Wednesday 2nd JanCLOSED
Thursday 3rd JanCLOSED
Friday 4th JanCLOSED
Saturday 5th Jan – 17:30-18:30 Open Mat (Clifton)
MYGYM is then back to normal

 

Artemis BJJ Kids Class 2nd Anniversary

The Artemis BJJ kids class has been running now for over 2 years. The aim has always been to create a friendly atmosphere for the children and to teach them Brazilian jiu jitsu in a fun way. In December 2017, we were delighted to promote 2 of the kids and they joined in with the club’s GrappleThon this year. More recently, we have had several new kids join and Artemis BJJ blue belt Erick helps out when either of the instructors are away.

Artemis BJJ kids Brazilian jiu jitsu Bristol children martial arts

We’ve had a brilliant time teaching the kids class so far. It’s such a fun half hour and we learn a lot too!

Paul & Tracey

3 New Blue Belts at Artemis BJJ Grading with Kev Capel

Coinciding with our first ever Artemis BJJ Camp, we had a small grading on the Sunday too. Three well deserved blue belts were handed out by Kev and Can, meaning that Jade, Nick and Paulina joined the ranks of Artemis BJJ blues. Well done to all of them!

As we have now gotten through the big backlog of promotions, we’ll be switching to less frequent gradings. Kev will therefore next be along in 2019, though Can will also be promoting a few people to blue belt in the interim (especially as a couple of people who would have been promoted at the weekend weren’t able to make it). Thanks again to Kev. 😀

Successful 1st Artemis BJJ Camp

The BJJ Globetrotter Camps are amazing, which is why Can regularly attends several every year. Unfortunately, not everybody has the time to take a whole week off work to enjoy a spot of pyjama wrestling. Therefore, Artemis BJJ hosted a mini BJJ training camp right here in Bristol to bring a taste of that experience closer to home. Our first attempt, mostly in an effort to test to see if this BJJ training camp idea can work, was held over the 25th-26th August at our Clifton location, The Exercise Club on 213 Whiteladies Road, along with a few sessions at MYGYM (directions are over on our Locations page). Everybody is always welcome at Artemis BJJ, wherever you train.

There was training on both Saturday and Sunday from 15:00 through to 19:00. We had six black belts teaching us, including Seymour Yang (who runs the world famous Meerkatsu brand), world champions Chelsea Bainbridge-Donner and Tom Barlow, pioneering female grappler Gret Zoeller, plus Neil Owen (one of the most experienced black belts in the UK) and his student James Boyle (who runs a successful BJJ academy in Chesterfield). The schedule was as follows:

Sat 25th Aug

MYGYM
09:30-10:30 Yoga with Heidi
11:00-12:00 Judo intro with Marcus

CLIFTON
15:00-15:10 Open Mat
15:10-16:10 Seymour Yang
16:10-16:25 Open Mat
16:25-17:25 Chelsea Bainbridge-Donner
17:25-17:40 Open Mat
17:40-18:40 Tom Barlow
18:40-19:00 Open Mat

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Sun 26th Aug

MYGYM
11:00-12:00 Can Sönmez

CLIFTON
15:00-15:20 Open Mat
15:20-16:20 Gret Zoeller
16:20-16:30 Open Mat
16:30-17:30 James Boyle
17:30-17:40 Open Mat
17:40-18:40 Neil Owen
18:40-19:00 Open Mat

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Mon 27th Aug

CLIFTON
11:00-12:00 Can Sönmez

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We had an excellent turnout, with around 30 grapplers sharing the mats over the Bank Holiday weekend (you can check out Meerkatsu’s write up over on his website). Putting open mat inbetween each class worked well, though perhaps a longer break for lunch would be worth trying next time. There is scope to expand on the Sunday, if we hold it in the same venue, so that could mean more classes and more open mat. There is also the option of upgrading in terms of space, to the larger venue at MYGYM, though that would mean a higher ticket price. We’ll be considering the options over the next few months.

Please follow the Artemis BJJ Facebook page if you would like to stay updated on future camps, which also have a dedicated page on this website. You will then be able to contact info@artemisbjj.com if you would like to buy a ticket. 😉