Cotswold Combat

Cotswold Combat is a fantastic gym for anyone looking to learn Jiu-Jitsu. The instructors are knowledgeable and patient, and they create a welcoming environment for all skill levels. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, and the classes are challenging but fun. I highly recommend Cotswold Combat to anyone looking to improve their BJJ skills or just get a great workout.
Apr 26th, 2023

I completed the beginners course at Cotswold Combat in September and have stayed on training since. Connor and Adam are really knowledgeable and made me feel really welcome. Its a great place to learn and have fun. 10/10!
Jan 11th, 2023

Training at Cotswold Combat is an amazing experience, it's helped my fitness and my confidence and I feel like part of a real community. I would (and do) recommend CC to everyone, I really hope more people can experience the same kind of awesome journey Conor and the team have helped me to find. CC is the most open, welcoming, friendly and inspiring place that I have ever been choked in. Cheers Team.
Oct 27th, 2022

I started at Cotswold Combat in November 2021 with a martial arts background but absolutely no grappling experience. Some 20 odd years ago, I suffered a very serious knee injury and so my initial worries when starting were whether: 1. I was too old (over 40) to be trying something new 2. Whether I'd be risking damaging my knee any further. My fears were completely unfounded so I thought I'd write about my experience in case anyone else is in a similar situation. The classes are good sizes and are made up of people all shapes, sizes and ages. I regularly train with people half my age and I never feel unsafe. Everything we do is controlled, and just as much emphasis is spent on keeping your partner safe as yourself. Despite my injury, in the past 18 months I can only think of maybe one position I couldn't do, and even then coach Connor was happy to show me an alternative. The other members are all terrific, and there's a real sense of camaraderie in the club. Everyone is really welcoming and are all equally eager to learn. In summary, I can't recommend the club and the coaches enough. I wish I started sooner. You're certainly never too old and I can certainly see myself (hopefully) still practising this longer than striking martial arts, which are lesskneefriendly!
Apr 20th, 2023

I started attending classes at Cotswold Combat when I moved to Cirencester last year for work. It was a new place, I didnt know anyone locally, and wasnt doing any other sports. I wanted to try something new that would help me meet new people. I'd certainly never done any form of martial arts before or really knew what Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ) was. I did worry that I would not have the skills, not be strong enough and as a 60kg girl, not be able to keep up with the physical demands. However, Coach Connor offers a free 1-2-1 introductory session at the gym that lasted half an hour and I figured I had nothing to lose. Connor put my fears to rest and explained that BJJ teaches weaknesses in every type of body which makes it possible to take control of larger, stronger or faster opponents. More importantly I had a lot of fun! The introductory session was really useful and helped me feel confident enough to sign up for a beginners course. It was a one-off payment for a set number of weeks, with evening classes made up of a small group of other complete beginners. These sessions were carefully tailored to the capabilities of each participant. They felt safe and well-paced with a lot of good humour. Nearly a year on and Im a regular member. There is something very rewarding in being able to send someone bigger and stronger than you to the mat. The coaches also put a lot of emphasis on how to respond safely to a move. This, alongside the excellent quality of the mats, provides a space for you to be confident that once you have sent someone to the mat they are going to get up again with a smile and in turn send you. There is huge emphasis put on safe training, especially working through injury recovery or other limitations. There are opportunities for more specific training and competing if that is something you are interested in. Connor encourages all of us with our goals, helps identify any limitations and advises accordingly. There are Gi-classes and No-Gi-classes, technical sessions and high intensity sessions with both morning and evening classes. In every group the fitness, skill and technique levels vary but the coaches look after you, everyone is friendly and it is a place I feel proud to be a part of.
Oct 27th, 2022