Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
The ultimate street martial art
in Hemel Hempstead.
A safe, friendly academy teaching the complete Gracie self-defence system to adults, children from age 3, and women, with certified DBS-checked instructors and classes virtually every day.
Est. 2026Head instructor Jeremy Nanquil, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Purple BeltNo sparring for beginners
Who is it for?
There are no bad guys in our gym. They are all outside.
Welcome
A safe, friendly place to learn to fight
The friendly environment of Hemel Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy is one of its most distinguishing characteristics. While most martial arts schools promote an egotistical "tough guy" atmosphere that is unwelcoming and dangerous for students, we make every trip to the academy safe, fun and encouraging, especially for those with little or no experience.
We expect every student to show the utmost respect and courtesy towards one another and to keep safety as their first priority. Students who do not follow this code of conduct are not welcome.
The academy is run by Jeremy Nanquil, a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt.
Two minutes inside the academy.
Gracie Fundamentals
Although Gracie Jiu-Jitsu consists of over 2,000 techniques, studies of real fights by the Gracie family show that 40 techniques have been used more often and with greater success than all the others combined. Gracie Fundamentals is dedicated to mastering those 40. No experience necessary: designed for any new student regardless of age, gender or athletic ability.
Gracie BullySafe: give your child the gift of confidence
We teach your child verbal assertiveness to deter bullies and non-violent self-defence techniques to stay safe if physically assaulted. We don't teach punching or kicking, which often does more harm than good; we use leverage-based control holds to neutralise threats without violence. We prepare your child to defend themselves against bullies without turning them into one.
What have you got to lose?
Most martial arts schools let you try one or two classes before signing up. We prefer you try it for 10 days, completely free, with no obligation: fully experience the classes, learn the curriculum in detail, meet your instructor, connect with everyone else, and make a fully educated decision.
Book your free trial - adults or childrenClasses
Something for everyone, every day of the week
Common questions
Things people ask before their first class
I do not want to get hurt.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, not just young males who like rough and tumble. Every technique is learned slowly and cooperatively, so there is almost no chance of getting hurt, and we match you with a partner who fits the type of person you are. There is no competitive sparring at all until you have earned your Fundamentals Belt. Above all it is important that everyone has fun - that is the best environment to learn in.
Why do I need to learn to fight? I have never been in a fight and probably never will.
You may think you will never use the skills we teach, but in fact you will use them every time you speak. How? Confidence. Knowing you can comfortably defend yourself increases your confidence enormously, and that makes you a better parent, partner, business person and human being.
I need to get fit at the gym first, then I will join.
You do not need to get fit first. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a fantastic way to get healthy and fit, and compared with the gym it is great fun.
My child isn't being bullied.
Even if your child has not been bullied, that is no reason not to prepare them. Eventually someone at school will try to take advantage of or be unkind to your little one, and a child who trains with us will be ready when that time comes. And if you think your child is tough and does not need it: there is always someone tougher. We do not just teach children to defend themselves, we teach them to be good human beings who respect each other and use their power to help others.
What happens on a free trial?
Every academy in the network offers a 10 consecutive day, no-obligation free trial. You turn up to any class for your programme and take part in the full lesson. We loan you a plain white Gi (uniform) for the trial against a small refundable card deposit; if you decide not to continue you return it and pay nothing. The trial is an unlimited membership for 10 calendar days from your first session, not 10 sessions.