BJJ Berlin | Where to Train: The Complete Guide

If you’ve already searched Google Maps for BJJ in Berlin, you’ll know that finding somewhere to train isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds. Results can be mixed in with MMA gyms and other martial arts clubs, and even once you’ve found the actual BJJ academies, you still need to work out whether they accept drop-ins, what their current timetable looks like, which classes you can attend and whether instruction will be in English. So, to save you the headache, here’s what you need to know about where and how to train BJJ in Berlin.

The BJJ scene in Berlin

Berlin’s size and international population have helped create a particularly diverse grappling scene. There are established BJJ academies across the city as well as clubs offering wrestling, submission grappling and other forms of ground fighting, so there’s plenty of choice whether you prefer training in the gi or without it.

The city is also geographically spread out, which matters more than you might expect when choosing somewhere to train. A gym that looks relatively close on a map can still involve a decent journey across Berlin, so it’s worth looking at the location and class time together rather than choosing an academy based on reputation alone.

For visiting grapplers, BJJ DOJO Berlin in Kreuzberg is currently available to book through DOJOTAP, with both gi and no-gi training and classes catering to different experience levels.

BJJ DOJO Berlin

BJJ DOJO is based in Kreuzberg, one of Berlin’s best-known neighbourhoods for bars, restaurants, nightlife and street art. If you’re visiting the city, it’s an easy place to combine a drop-in with spending the rest of the day exploring the area. The academy was created around the idea of providing high-quality Jiu-Jitsu in a smaller, more personal training environment, with an emphasis on individual coaching rather than operating as a high-volume gym.

The academy is part of CHECKMAT and is led by head coach Rodrigo Fernandes, a third-degree BJJ black belt. Its coaching approach puts a strong emphasis on technical fundamentals, with training designed to help students build a solid base before learning how to apply those concepts more freely.

There’s a good amount of choice for anyone dropping in. BJJ DOJO offers both gi and no-gi, with beginner, all-level and intermediate/advanced sessions alongside drilling, sparring and open mats. There are also morning, daytime and evening classes during the week, which makes it relatively easy to fit a session around the rest of your plans in Berlin.

It’s also a particularly accessible option for international visitors. Classes are taught in both German and English, and the academy has an international coaching team and community.

You can find everything you need to know about BJJ DOJO Berlin and book a drop-in right here.

Can visitors drop into BJJ gyms in Berlin?

Yes. There are BJJ gyms across Berlin that welcome visiting grapplers, whether you’re in the city for a weekend, travelling for work or staying for a longer period.

If you don’t speak German, don’t let that put you off training. English is widely spoken in Berlin, and at BJJ DOJO, head coach Rodrigo Fernandes speaks English.

It’s also worth paying attention to where you’re staying. Berlin is a large city and travelling between neighbourhoods can take time, so check the gym location and class time together before deciding where to train.

How to book a BJJ drop-in in Berlin

Check to see if the gym you want to visit is on DOJOTAP. All gyms listed on DOJOTAP welcome drop-ins, and you can book and pay for your session directly through the platform.

Search Berlin and enter your dates to see the available gyms and sessions, along with the timetable, drop-in price, location, facilities, uniform policy and other information you need before training.

There’s no need to message the gym beforehand or wait for confirmation that visitors are welcome. If a session is available to book, the gym has made it available for drop-ins.

BJJ DOJO Berlin is currently available to book through DOJOTAP.

Choose your session, book your drop-in and go train.