Strong Fundamentals
Students build a solid base through movement, balance, posture, and core BJJ technique so they can progress with confidence.
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport based on ground fighting and submission holds. It focuses on the skill of controlling an opponent in ways that force them to submit.
BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant using technique, leverage, and strategy. It allows practitioners to train safely while sharpening skills.
At Carlson Gracie Westway, we honour this tradition with a focus on self-defense, fitness, and building a strong, supportive community.
Kids And Teens Classes
Our kids and teens programme is built around confidence, discipline, movement, and practical self-defence. Classes are coached by David with Harry assisting on the mat, creating a structured, supportive environment where younger students can learn well, train safely, and enjoy the process.
Confidence And Discipline
Training encourages focus, resilience, respect, and self-belief while helping students work well with partners and grow as part of the team.
Safe, Supported Coaching
David and Harry are both DBS checked and on the mat during class, giving students clear coaching, active supervision, and support throughout the session.
Fitness And Fun
Classes mix technical learning with engaging drills and games to improve coordination, athleticism, and enjoyment.
Why Parents Choose Westway
The goal is simple: give kids and teens high-quality coaching, a welcoming team culture, and a clear path to improve over time. Whether they want better focus, healthier confidence, practical self-defence, or just a sport they genuinely enjoy, BJJ gives them a strong outlet.
David leads the classes with Harry assisting on the mat, so students get clear coaching, active supervision, and support throughout the session.
Canalside is the home of our kids and teens classes, while Westway remains the main base for adult training.
Meet the Head Coach
David is a Carlson Gracie black belt under Wilson Junior and has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 17 years. His home academy is Carlson Gracie London, but his “second home” on the mats is the legendary De La Riva academy in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, where he has spent extensive time training and refining his game.
Over the years, he has travelled widely and trained in gyms around the world, gaining a broad perspective on technique, culture, and coaching styles. Outside of BJJ, David also trains Olympic weightlifting at the Westway Barbell Club , integrating strength and athletic development into his martial arts practice.
Known for his calm, friendly approach and genuine desire to help others grow, he creates a welcoming environment where beginners feel supported and experienced practitioners stay challenged. David’s goal is simple: to help every student enjoy the journey of Jiu-Jitsu and become the best version of themselves both on and off the mats.
Meet the Assistant Instructor
Harry is our assistant instructor and supports the growth of the kids and teens programme. He has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for about 3 years and brings a calm, positive presence to the mats.
Alongside his BJJ training, Harry has around 4 years of experience working with young people in sport. That background gives him a strong understanding of how to help children build confidence, stay engaged, and improve step by step.
He also teaches kayaking at Canalside, making him a natural fit for the venue and for the families coming through the kids and teens classes there.
Class Timetable
Weekly sessions currently run across Westway for adults and Canalside for kids and teens.
Adults
Westway
Friday
18:00-19:30
Sunday
12:30-14:00
Kids (7-11)
Canalside
Tuesday
16:30-17:30
Thursday
16:30-17:30
Teens (12-16)
Canalside
Tuesday
17:30-18:30
Thursday
17:30-18:30
Adult classes are coached at Westway. Kids and teens classes run at Canalside, with David leading and Harry assisting on the mat.
Ready to Roll?
Train at Westway, or register for Canalside kids and teens classes.
Train At Our London Locations
Carlson Gracie Westway now runs adult training from Westway, with Canalside offering kids and teens classes.
Westway
Adults And Main VenueOur established home base for regular training, adult classes, and the core of the team.
3-5 Thorpe Cl, London W10 5XL
Open Westway in Google MapsCanalside
Kids And TeensA new training room at Canalside Activity Centre for kids and teens classes.
Canalside Activity Centre, Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5AY
Open Canalside in Google Maps