Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a ground-based martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling, joint locks, and chokeholds. Unlike striking arts such as karate or boxing, BJJ is almost entirely focused on controlling and submitting an opponent once the fight reaches the ground — which, in most real-world confrontations, is exactly where it ends up.

BJJ's founding principle is that a smaller, weaker person can successfully control and submit a much larger opponent by using superior technique, leverage, and positional strategy. It forms the backbone of modern Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and is widely regarded as the most effective ground-fighting system ever developed.

Absolutely — and the majority of people who start BJJ have no prior experience at all. At BJJ Success USA, our adult programme is built from the ground up for beginners. You will never be thrown in at the deep end or left to figure things out alone.

Our curriculum is structured so that each class builds logically on the last. You always know what you're learning, why it works, and how it connects to everything else. From your very first trial class, you are treated as a student on a long-term journey — not someone who needs to be tested.

Not only can you — in many ways, BJJ suits people over 40 better than almost any other martial art. Because BJJ relies on technique and leverage rather than speed and strength, older beginners often catch up to younger athletes faster than they expect.

Steven Cowan began BJJ at 29 and competed at black belt well into his fifties — including after major abdominal surgery. His book Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Over 40 is a comprehensive guide to training smarter at any age, covering injury prevention, recovery, mindset, and technique adjustments.

We also offer dedicated private sessions specifically for over-40 beginners in Norwich — a calm, unhurried introduction to BJJ with no class pressure and full individual attention.

BJJ is exceptional for children's development — but only when it's taught by instructors who understand how children actually learn and grow. At BJJ Success USA, our kids programme goes far beyond teaching techniques.

We are the only official SKILLZ school in Norfolk, and Steven is the UK's only Paediatric Master Specialist. Our curriculum is built on verified child development science, addressing children physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Every session is designed to build confidence, focus, discipline, self-regulation, and the ability to deal with setbacks — skills that transfer into every area of life.

Children can typically begin from around 4 years old, depending on the programme.