WELCOME
CENTAUR JIU-JITSU
About Centaur
We are excited to introduce you to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and help you develop the skills and techniques to become a proficient practitioner. Whether you are looking to get in shape, learn self-defence, or compete... Centaur Jiu-Jitsu has everything you need to get started.
At Centaur Jiu-Jitsu, we believe that everyone can benefit from practicing BJJ, regardless of age, gender, physical ability, or skill level. Our friendly and experienced instructors are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and making your training experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
What is BJJ
BJJ stands for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which is a martial art that originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. It was developed from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and adapted to the needs of Brazilian fighters who wanted to compete in no-holds-barred contests. BJJ is primarily a grappling-based martial art that focuses on using leverage, technique, and body positioning to control and submit an opponent. It is known for its emphasis on ground fighting, where practitioners use a variety of chokes, joint locks, and other techniques to defeat their opponents. BJJ is a highly technical and strategic martial art that requires a great deal of focus and discipline to master. It is often used in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions and is also a popular self-defense system. In addition to its practical applications, many people practice BJJ for fitness, stress relief, and as a social activity.
Centaur Classes
Kids BJJ
Our children's BJJ class offers a fun and safe environment for kids to learn the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our classes are tailored to children aged 6-12 and are designed to be both engaging and challenging for all levels of experience. Note: Classes are not take place during school holidays
No-Gi BJJ
Our No-Gi BJJ class is a dynamic and challenging variation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that emphasises the use of wrestling-style techniques and grips and is perfect for those looking to enhance their grappling skills without the use of a traditional Gi.
Beginners BJJ
Our BJJ beginners’ program is a comprehensive 12-week course designed to introduce new students to the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a structured and progressive way, providing a solid foundation for further training and development.
Open mat
Our BJJ open mat session is a free-form practice session where students of all levels can come together to train, spar, and refine their skills in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Gi BJJ
Our Gi BJJ class offers a traditional and methodical approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training that incorporates the use of a Gi (traditional Japanese uniform), allowing students to develop their grappling techniques and grips while also learning the finer points of strategy and technique.
Invite Only
Open mat
Our invite-only BJJ open mat session for advanced practitioners is a unique and neutral ground for more advanced grapplers from different gyms to train and
learn from each other.
Weekly Timetable
MONDAY
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18.00 - 19.00
KIDS BJJ
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TUESDAY
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19.00 - 20.30
GI BJJ
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WEDNES.
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THURSDAY
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19.00 - 20.30
NO GI BJJ
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FRIDAY
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19.00 - 20.30
GI BJJ
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SATURDAY
9.00 - 11.00
OPEN MAT
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SUNDAY
9.00 - 11.00
INVITE ONLY
OPEN MAT
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Our Instructors
Jamie Horsman
Head instructor and founder of Centaur BJJ
Turning up an hour too early for a Muay Thai class led Jamie to accidentally try his first Jiu Jitsu lesson. Reluctantly he tried the sport for the first time. Just 30 minutes into the class Jamie had decided he was going to dedicate himself to the sport from there on! “As a lost youngster in a rough neighborhood; occasionally on the wrong side of the law, I gradually became addicted to the sense of belonging, discipline and purpose jiu jitsu offered. I was gettingbetter, fitter, and more confident and my life outside the gym improved as a result!” Jamie worked hard for 10 years; training, teaching, and competing at elite levels. He then eventually earned his coveted black belt under Nicolai ‘Geezer’ Holt – A direct black belt under the legendary Roger Gracie. His passion for the sport led Jamie to open his own academy at a local community centre in Knowle, Bristol enabling dozens of lower income kids to discover and train Jiu Jitsu and even making some champions! “Jiu Jitsu has given me so much to me and my family's life, it is now my goal to give something back. This amazing new training facility at Morecore Gym means Centaur BJJ has a new home for our students for years to come. I am looking forward to growing our sport in the community.” Jamie has competed all around Europe winning medals across different weight classes in Gi and No Gi. He continues to compete and works full time in the construction industry.
Matt Bryant
Manager and Co-founder Centaur BJJ
Former Royal Marine Matt was injured on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan which led to him being medically discharged after a short career in the Marines. A keen striker with some amateur bouts under him Matt wanted the challenge to try something new he could do despite having nerve damage in his right arm. “My first class back in 2016 was tough. I was nervous to even turn up and thought I was going to have to fight for my life. I thought that having done martial arts before it would help me, it was unfamiliar, and I was humbled but everyone was so nice and welcoming. It was like discovering a whole new world and I decided I wanted to pursue it further”. Whilst not in the gym Matt is a full time helicopter pilot working all over the world and trains Jiu Jitsu in many different countries - he always feels at home on the mats no matter where he trains.
Richard Cashmore
Instructor
Richard is a former Royal Marine, underwater knife fighting instructor and BJJ purple belt under Centaur’s head BJJ instructor, Jamie Horsman. Before joining the military, Richard competed in several Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights and has had the privilege to train with many UFC and high-level fighters. “I'm excited to help grow and develop Centaur Jiu-jitsu because I see so much potential in this community of dedicated BJJ practitioners we have here. Their dedication makes me committed to helping my fellow practitioners achieve their goals and reach their full potential.”
Lakotah Cook
Kids Instructor
Chilli Cook
Kids Instructor
Frankie Horsman
Kids Instructor
