About artez BJJ
Where it all started
Artez BJJ quite literally started in a garage with 16 mats on the floor & a few more strategically placed around the room for safety; the garage was once a workshop and was home to many hazardous materials and chemicals, some of which remained even after it became our new BJJ home. Being such a small room, only two people would be rolling at any one time; those that were waiting their turn had the opportunity to watch and discuss the Jiu-Jitsu being performed in front of them.
Our small community began to slowly grow once we added a regular Friday night class with our coach John Goldson at a local martial arts centre. We were itching to get more time on the mat in a bigger space that catered to the size of our team and so the thought of a new gym loomed over us for some time… and here we are.
Where we are now
Nearly three years on, Artez BJJ has grown into a friendly, respected academy at the heart of South Yorkshire’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. We’re proud to offer high-quality coaching for adults and children of all experience levels — whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time, training for fun, or preparing to compete.
Our team includes 4 experienced instructors, including a 4th-degree black belt coach, who bring world-class knowledge and a genuine passion for helping every student reach their potential.
Over the years, we’ve built a close-knit community of members who train hard, support each other, and celebrate every success together. Our academy is fully insured and runs with the highest standards of safety and professionalism — but with the friendly, family atmosphere that makes training here so enjoyable.
As we continue to grow, we’re excited to expand our classes and facilities to welcome even more people into our team — while keeping the inclusive, down-to-earth environment that makes Artez BJJ special.
Whether you’re looking to get fitter, learn self-defence, or become part of a supportive martial arts family, we’d love to have you join us at Artez BJJ.
Words from our coach
Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an opportunity to play – It’s a time for me to explore my physical limitations, a time to conquer what I thought were impermeable boundaries my mind had set for me and a time to find a meaningful balance between the two.
When I roll I experience euphoria. It’s a period of time where time itself ceases to exist. In those moments my training partner & I are the only two people on the planet. It’s funny because when we used to roll in the garage the clock didn’t work… and as any Jiu-Jitsu player knows, time can seem to stand still when you’re in a compromised position.
That being said, when I’m on the mat I never wish I was somewhere else; I never wish I was doing another activity, I never feel bored & I never long for the inevitable buzz of the round timer.
Sid x