Grand opening

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that evolved from a blend of Japanese jiu-jitsu and judo, and was refined in Brazil by the legendary Gracie family. It’s a system that proves technique can overcome strength, and that control—not chaos—wins the fight. BJJ is embraced worldwide—by casual enthusiasts and elite competitors alike.

At Honey Badger Muay Thai & BJJ, we’re proud to carry on that legacy through our direct affiliation with Renzo Gracie OAMA, led by Professor Pat Cooligan, Canada’s first Renzo Gracie black belt. Our head instructor was awarded his black belt under Professor Cooligan in Rio de Janeiro (the birthplace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), with his rank personally confirmed by Master Renzo Gracie himself.

Our teaching is shaped by experience training under some of the most respected names in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — including Renzo Gracie, Royce Gracie, Rener Gracie, and Royler Gracie — bringing together old-school lineage with modern combative evolution. 

We’re honoured to bring the first black belt level BJJ and Combatives academy to Essex, offering a level of instruction typically only found in large urban centres. All of our instructors have real competition backgrounds, including world-class performances and international ranking at the highest levels of the sport.

But competition is only part of the picture. In today’s rapidly changing and increasingly unpredictable world, we focus the majority of our training on reality-based scenarios — from practical self-defence to situational control and threat de-escalation. This is Jiu-Jitsu for the real world, not just the tournament mats. 

Our classes are designed for children, teens, adults — men and women alike — whether you’re a first timer, a hobbyist, or a serious competitor. Everyone who steps on our mats becomes part of a culture built on discipline, respect, and growth.

As proud members of the Essex community and local business family, we’re here to provide something that’s never existed in this town before: a true home for world-class Jiu-Jitsu with real-world purpose.

This is Renzo Gracie OAMA Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

This is Essex.

This is real training for the real world.