Business Details
12 Years
experience
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training in Watford for All Ages
Watford Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy has been dedicated to empowering individuals through martial arts since 2014. Founded by Ben Tippen, a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Gracie University, our academy prioritises safety, confidence-building, and practical self-defence. Our structured curriculum, based on over 2,000 techniques refined to 40 essential moves, caters to all ages and abilities. We offer specialised programs like Gracie BullySafe for children and LadySafe for women, focusing on non-violent conflict resolution. With a team of certified instructors, we provide 10-day free trials, online courses, and private sessions.Our philosophy extends beyond physical techniques, teaching discipline, respect, and mental resilience. Recognised for our inclusive environment, we ensure students develop both character and competence. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our community partnerships and positive testimonials. As part of the global Gracie network, we uphold rigorous standards while adapting to local needs. Whether for fitness, self-defence, or personal growth, our academy remains a trusted choice in Watford.
Services
Gracie Fundamentals
Gracie BullySafe
LadySafe
Private Sessions
Online Courses
Belt Rankings
Character Development
Verbal Assertiveness
Sparring Training
Reflex Development
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer a 10-day free trial with no obligation to join
- Our instructors are certified by Gracie University and hold advanced belts
- We specialise in non-violent self-defence techniques for all ages
- Our curriculum is based on 40 proven techniques from 2,000+ total moves
- We provide online video access to reinforce learning between classes
Associations and certifications
- Gracie University
What people say
Confidence building
Supportive environment
Effective techniques
Child development
Inclusive atmosphere
Services
Gracie Fundamentals
Master 40 essential techniques across 23 lessons designed for street self-defence. Learn leverage-based moves to neutralise larger opponents without prior experience. Ideal for adults seeking practical skills and confidence-building in a structured environment.
Gracie BullySafe
Teach children non-violent self-defence and verbal assertiveness to combat bullying. Ages 3-13 benefit from age-specific curricula combining games with life skills. Builds confidence while promoting discipline and responsibility through structured progression.
LadySafe
Specialised 10-lesson program teaching women to neutralise 20 common attacks using leverage techniques. Focuses on scenarios involving sexual predators while maintaining accessibility for all fitness levels. Includes path to pink belt certification.
Private Sessions
Personalised instruction tailored to individual goals and physical capabilities. Instructors adapt techniques to students' strengths while providing immediate feedback. Available at varying price points based on instructor experience.
Online Courses
Access video libraries for technique review and preparation. Complements in-person training with flexible 24/7 access. Includes progress tracking tools and curriculum-specific content for all program levels.
People
Ben Tippen
Head Instructor
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt with lineage from Helio Gracie. Founder of Watford Academy, combining global expertise with local community needs. Certified in Gracie Fundamentals and advanced techniques.
Yanxiu (Vera) Tippen
Head LadySafe Instructor
Purple Belt instructor specialising in women's self-defence programs. Certified in Gracie LadySafe methodology, focusing on accessible techniques for diverse physical abilities and confidence development.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We offer programs for children aged 3+, adults, and women-only classes. All sessions are tailored to specific age and experience levels.
Do I need prior experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Our 10-day free trial allows beginners to explore all programs with loaned uniforms and guided instruction.
Are classes available for both men and women?
Mixed classes are available, with optional women-only LadySafe sessions. Our inclusive environment ensures comfort for all participants regardless of gender.
What should I wear for my first class?
We provide loaner uniforms for trials. Regular attendees should purchase official Gi or No-Gi attire as specified in our class requirements.
How do belt promotions work?
Progression follows mastery of techniques in structured curricula. Students track achievements through cards and online access, with testing opportunities at key milestones.
Videos
