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.

Artemis BJJ Camp, Camps, News

Successful 1st Artemis BJJ Camp

2018/08/28 Can 1 Comment

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

A post shared by Can (Jun) (@slideyfoot) on Aug 26, 2018 at 12:11am PDT

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

A post shared by Can (Jun) (@slideyfoot) on Aug 27, 2018 at 5:59am PDT

Mon 27th Aug

CLIFTON
11:00-12:00 Can Sönmez

A post shared by Can (Jun) (@slideyfoot) on Aug 25, 2018 at 11:12pm PDT

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. 😉

BJJ Globetrotters, News

Artemis BJJ visit to the 2018 Heidelberg BJJ Globetrotters Camp | Artemis BJJ Camp this weekend

2018/08/21 Can Leave a comment

In August 2018, three of us from Artemis BJJ headed to Heidelberg in Germany for another BJJ Globetrotters Camp. In Can’s case it was his seventh camp, but the two students hadn’t been before. There was lots of excellent training, Dungeons & Dragons and a random impromptu bodybuilding competition (won by the very awesome Heather Raftery).

Most importantly for the club, Can has loads of techniques to bring back and teach. We’ll be taking a look at Lilo Asensi’s intriguing instep to neck armbar series, Jeff Knight’s pointers on half guard, Heather Raftery’s details on the crucifix and quarter guard, Daniel Bertina’s passing and some introductory leglock material from Charles Harriott.

In fact, we will be lucky enough to have Charles himself teach that material, as he will be in the UK later this month. There will therefore be a two hour introductory footlocks seminar on the 31st August, from 18:30-20:30, followed by open mat. As always with Artemis BJJ seminars, this will cost £20 and everybody is welcome, wherever you train. Check out the Facebook event page for more details.

Also, don’t forget that Can is launching his own mini-camp in August to try and bring that BJJ Globetrotter feeling to Bristol. This first event, on the 25th and 26th August weekend, is a test to see if it’s a viable option. It will be held at 213 Whiteladies Road, our Clifton venue (full changing facilities and showers for both women and men).

We have six black belts booked: Seymour ‘Meerkatsu’ Yang, 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 will be as follows:

Sat 25th August

MYGYM
09:30-10:30 Yoga with Heidi

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

Sun 26th August

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

Mon 27th August

CLIFTON
11:00-12:00 Can Sönmez

Tickets are £50, which is non-refundable as the proceeds will be used to pay for the venue and the instructors. However, you can of course sell that ticket on if it turns out you can no longer make the event. Please contact info@artemisbjj.com if you would like to buy a ticket: there is a maximum of 30, so you’ll need to be quick!

BJJ Globetrotters, Camps, News

Artemis BJJ visit to the 2018 Leuven BJJ Globetrotters Camp | Artemis BJJ Camp in August

2018/07/27 Can Leave a comment

In July 2018, more grapplers from Artemis BJJ made another return visit to Leuven. Almost of us had been before, while in my case it was my fourth Leuven Camp. There was lots of excellent training, top notch techniques and some funky dance moves at the awesomely 80s themed open mat (one of several musical themes Christian picked, always a nifty addition to his camps).

Most importantly for the club, Can had loads of techniques to bring back and teach. We’ll be taking a look at x guard from Henk Heneweer, along with some back attack details from Hillary Van Ornum, more passing from Fran Vanderstukken and a handy detail on the crucifix from Jochem Branderhorst.

There is plenty more to come in the next few months, which will be further enhanced by yet another BJJ Globetrotter Camp, with a return visit to Heidelberg. Can is one of several Artemis BJJ representative at that one as well, as a few of our students are booked to head to Germany too.

Be sure to book your ticket as soon as possible for Leuven next year: they sold out a few weeks after the box office opened last year, so you will need to be quick. Don’t miss out!

Can is launching his own mini-camp in August to try and bring that BJJ Globetrotter feeling to Bristol. This first event, on the 25th and 26th August weekend, is a test to see if it’s a viable option. It will be held at 213 Whiteladies Road, our Clifton venue (full changing facilities and showers for both women and men).

Sat 25th Aug

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

Sun 26th Aug

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

News

Artemis BJJ Clifton

2018/05/09 Can Leave a comment

Our Brazilian jiu jitsu classes on Whiteladies Road is perfect for Bristol University BJJ, as Bristol Uni is right nearby. The choice for our second venue (Artemis BJJ HQ can be found in Lawrence Hill) is The Exercise Club, based at 213 Whiteladies Road in Clifton.

Artemis BJJ will be running sessions in Clifton on Thursdays from 20:00-21:30 and Fridays from 18:30-19:30. We plan to add more sessions in future (see our class timetable for the current BJJ schedule across all our locations).

Artemis BJJ (Clifton)
The Exercise Club,
213 Whiteladies Rd,
Bristol,
BS8 2XS

If you’re already a member of Artemis BJJ, the class in Clifton is included in both the £50 a month unlimited membership and the £35 a month once a week membership. As always, your first week with us is free, no strings attached.

For some video footage of daytime classes (the plan is to follow a similar format at the new BJJ sessions in Clifton), see the embedded videos below. For more video of Can teaching, head to the Artemis BJJ Facebook page or Instagram channel.

The classes will be geared toward beginners and everybody is welcome. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, relaxed and welcoming club! 😄

BJJ Globetrotters, Interview, News

Interview with Can, by Colin ‘serpiconinja’ Byrne at Shinobi Academy Lagos

2018/01/16 Can Leave a comment

Can recently went to Portugal in order to train with his friend from BJJ Globetrotters, Jeff Knight. While there in beautiful Lagos, he was interviewed by Colin Byrne for the Shinobi Vlog:

The full vlog that interview is taken from can be found on Colin’s YouTube channel. That is well worth watching too, as Colin is a talented filmmaker. If you’re ever in Lagos, be sure to head down to Shinobi Academy to train (and get a gorgeous view of Dona Ana Beach too):

News

Artemis BJJ Xmas Schedule 2017

2017/12/22 Can Leave a comment

Hooray, it’s almost Christmas! Lots of presents, mince pies and excellent cheesy music. You’ll still be able to get in some BJJ, although MYGYM will be closed for some of the period. So, the normal schedule will be changed to this for the next couple of weeks:

🎅🎄☃XMAS SCHEDULE 2017☃🎄🎅

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

Friday 22nd Dec – Xmas Class
Sunday 24th Dec – CLOSED (🎄Xmas Eve🎄)

Monday 25th Dec – CLOSED (🎅Xmas Day🎅)
Tuesday 26th Dec – CLOSED (Boxing Day)
Wednesday 27th Dec – CLOSED
Thursday 28th Dec – 12:00-13:00 Open Mat
Friday 29th Dec – CLOSED
Saturday 30th Dec – 11:00-13:00 Open Mat
Sunday 31st Dec – CLOSED (New Years Eve)

Monday 1st Jan – CLOSED (New Years Day)
Tuesday 2nd Jan – CLOSED
Wednesday 3rd Jan – 18:25-19:25 Women’s Class, 18:30-19:30 Intermediate, 19:30-20:30 All Levels
Thursday 4th Jan – 19:00-20:00 (but closed daytime, so no open mat)
Friday 5th Jan – 18:30-19:30 All Levels, 19:30-20:30 Intermediate

MYGYM is then back to normal

Grading, News

6 New Blue Belts, 3 New Purples & 1 New Brown at Artemis BJJ Grading Seminar with Kev Capel

2017/12/17 Can Leave a comment

For our first Winter Grading, there were plenty of deserving belts to be awarded. We still had something of a backlog from the last grading, with several people who weren’t able to make it back in June. After a great two hour seminar from Kev on throws and leglocks, the promotions began with one of those longtime students, Matt Robinson. He has been with us from almost the beginning, starting when he was around 12 years old.

Matt was followed by six blue belts, including his mother. Tracey has been an absolutely central part of Artemis BJJ pretty much since the club started. She’s done a lot behind the scenes, worked really hard on her jiu jitsu, stepped up to teach the kids class and also competed for the first time last weekend.

It was also great to see two of the stalwarts from the daytime open mat sessions receive their blue belts, Heidi and Rich M. The daytime sessions have really grown over the past year, contributing to the club’s overall growth spurt in 2017. Big Marcus, Steve M and Sam L all earned a promotion to blue too: for a full list of the current blue belts (with links to their promotion videos), head over to our BJJ rank page.

The promotions didn’t end with blue. There were a lot of higher belts to give out as well. Two of our instructors were upgraded to purple, Paul and Rich, who have both been a major part of Artemis BJJ. Not only do they run their own sessions at the club, they also ensure the classes run smoothly when Can is away. Eugeniu also earned his purple belt, after four years of training at various schools around the world (including his native Moldova). Finally, Can was promoted to brown belt by Kev.

Thanks so much to @rgabucks for sticking with me all these years, especially his incredibly generous support of @ArtemisBJJ. Kev is both an awesome instructor and an awesome person. 👏 It was wonderful seeing my students get their well deserved belts today, particularly the instructor team: they’ve all been immensely important to the continued growth of the club and making it a fun, friendly place to train. Thanks guys. 👍😃

A post shared by Artemis BJJ (@artemisbjj) on Dec 18, 2017 at 6:56am PST

As has become tradition, we headed off for a delicious meal at Pieminister afterwards. Thanks again to Kev!

Interview, News, Podcast

Episode Eight of the Artemis BJJ Podcast: Kev Capel & Megan Williams

2017/12/15 Can Leave a comment

Subscribe | Stream | Support

In this episode, there are two brief interviews. That begins with Kev Capel, Can’s instructor. This was recorded directly before the first Artemis BJJ grading in May 2017. Kev talks about building his school (RGA Bucks) over the last decade, his thoughts on grading and helping his students who run schools. Click the link for The Raspberry Ape interview that was referenced.

That’s followed by a conversation with Megan Williams, from Can’s visit to Florida back in 2014. An experienced businessperson, she talks about business in BJJ, marketing and social media, as well as the impact of blogging on her development in BJJ. Megan was speaking in her car, in case you’re wondering about the audio.

Artemis BJJ Brazilian jiu jitsu seminar with Kev Capel — Kev teaching at Artemis BJJ in May 2017

The sites you’ll hear her refer to in the interview are two old projects, Groundwork and Gi Freak, along with her blog, Tangled Triangle. Those old sites live on, through awesome Facebook groups like Megan’s BJJ instructor community.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, let us know on info@artemisbjj.com

GrappleThon, News

Details of Artemis BJJ Charity GrappleThon 2018 For Tap Cancer Out

2017/11/19 Can Leave a comment

Artemis BJJ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Charity GrappleThon for Tap Cancer Out, Meerkatsu poster 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 3rd February 2018 until 14:00 on Sunday 4th February 2018 (Facebook event page here).

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: join the fundraising team! Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Why: On the World Cancer Day 2018 weekend (3rd-4th Feb), we will be supporting Tap Cancer Out, a charity that raises funds to fight cancer through BJJ tournaments and events. To learn more about their important work, have a read of their website, here.

Donate: Head to our Tap Cancer Out 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). Click on the event page for more info.

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, renowned BJJ apparel brand Tatami Fightwear, top BJJ artist Meerkatsu, upcoming BJJ brand Tacerob and of course our awesome hosts, local fitness specialists MYGYM. The mighty Lisa will also be back, offering her professional massage therapist skills to fundraisers.

BJJ Globetrotters, Camps, News

Artemis BJJ visit to the 2017 Leuven BJJ Globetrotters Camp

2017/08/21 Can Leave a comment

In July 2017, the intrepid grapplers from Artemis BJJ made a return visit to Leuven. All of us had been before, while in my case it was my third Leuven Camp. There was lots of excellent training, top notch techniques and some funky dance moves at the random mass singalong that happened in the centre of town on the last day.

Most importantly for the club, Can had loads of techniques to bring back and teach. So far, we’ve had a look at half guard techniques from Fran Vanderstukken and Kenny Polmans, along with some nifty triangle details from Joey Carta.

There is plenty more to come in the next few months, which will be further enhanced by yet another BJJ Globetrotter Camp, this time in Heidelberg. Can is the only Artemis BJJ representative at that one, as sadly Chris had to pull out due to injury. Not to worry, as the techniques will be coming back to Bristol.