Grappling for Beginners in Eastbourne
Complete beginners can start grappling at Rebel Combat Sports: every class is coached at your level, you need no fitness or experience, and the kit is shorts, a rash guard and a mouthguard. Training runs seven days a week in Eastbourne, and the first two weeks are free.
No fitness. No experience. No ego required.
Most people who walk in here have never done anything like this. That's fine — expected, even. You don't need a baseline. You don't need to be fit first. You don't need to get in shape before you come, because coming is how you get in shape.
Our modern coaching approach means every session is designed to be self-scaling. Beginners and experienced grapplers train from the same class, paired with intention. There's no separate "beginners' group" to age out of. You're in the room from day one — coached at your level, progressing at your rate.
What your first few weeks actually look like
You'll be paired with someone patient and shown the basics by the coach before you're put in any live situation. When a round gets uncomfortable, you tap — your partner resets, no drama. The feedback from live rounds is immediate and honest, which is why people improve faster here than they expect. After a few sessions, you'll notice your body starting to move differently. That's the skill taking hold. It happens quickly, because the environment is designed for it.
Between classes, you're not on your own
As a beginner you'll forget most of a class by the next morning, and half the words will be new. So we write it down. Members get a study guide for every no-gi session, a beginner's guide to how a match works, and a glossary for the terms you nodded along to. If you miss a week, you can read what it covered before you come back. There's also a short list for your first weeks that ticks itself off as you train, so you always have something small to aim at. See what members get
This week on the mat
- Structured no-gi grappling
- Gi BJJ
- Lunchtime open mat
- Structured no-gi grappling
- Gi BJJ
- Structured no-gi grappling
- Open mat
The first two weeks are free, with no card needed. Parking is free, right outside. Full schedule and pricing
What to wear. What to bring.
Shorts and a rashguard or a plain t-shirt — that's it for clothing. No bare torsos, no jeans. For feet: flip-flops or sliders to walk to the mat, then bare feet on it.
Bring a water bottle and a mouthguard — the mouthguard is required for any live rounds. Everything else you'll pick up as you go. The first two weeks are free, so there's nothing to lose by showing up once and seeing how it feels. See the full FAQ if you have more questions before you come.
Modern, science-based coaching. No bowing, no mysticism, no cult of personality — just what works. And every class is beginner-friendly because the coaching scales to you.
What makes us different →What people who train here say
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★★★★★
As someone that is completely new to jujitsu, I was unsure of what to expect and it can always be a little daunting starting something new when you don't know anyone. However, from the first WhatsApp from Ben to now signing up to become a member, everyone has been so welcoming and helpful! I was made to feel at ease straight away in classes.
Aaron Trott · Google review -
★★★★★
Jiu-Jitsu gyms can sometimes feel a bit intimidating from the outside, especially if you're new, but this place is the complete opposite. From the moment you walk in, everyone is friendly, supportive and happy to help.
Graham Waters · Google review -
★★★★★
RCS runs the best jiu jitsu classes I’ve ever took part in. It is extremely beginner friendly.
Will Swingler · Google review
Before you come
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I've never trained before — is that OK?
Yes — most people who walk in have never grappled. Every class is beginner-friendly because the coaching scales to your level. You'll be paired with someone who looks after you.
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Do I need to be fit to start?
No. You don't need to be in shape to start — we meet you at your level and bring you up to your personal potential. You get fit by training, not before it.
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I'm a total beginner — will I hold the class back?
No. The way we coach means every class scales — beginners and experienced grapplers both get something from the same session. You're paired with intention.
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What if I miss a class?
You can catch up. We train in blocks, so each class builds on the one before, and members can read the study guide for the session they missed before the next one.