The Israeli Academy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA in Tel Aviv and Netanya
The Israeli Academy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and MMA, led by Itay Leibovich, is the largest network in Israel and one of the longest-established and most respected in the field. We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), No-Gi training, MMA (mixed martial arts) and Muay Thai in Tel Aviv and Netanya, and in particular a women-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu group in Tel Aviv. What we teach is classical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Gracie Jiu Jitsu — developed with a rigorous focus on self-defence according to the principles of Helio Gracie, which is what turned it into the most recognised and respected fighting system in the world.
Training takes place in a family atmosphere, in a supportive, safe and supervised learning environment. Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not only a sport and a martial art, but a way of life that suits men, women and young people from all over Tel Aviv and Netanya. Join the largest community of practitioners in Israel and experience the unique combination of physical conditioning, a self-defence mindset, and personal development through combat sport.
Classes are taught in Hebrew, but our instructors speak fluent English and a large part of our members are English speakers. On Saturday nights we run a class taught in English by Philip Paul.
Our Classes
The academy runs classes every day of the week:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), including a women-only group
No-Gi (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu without the uniform)
Striking and MMA
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), developed by the Gracie family in Brazil and made famous worldwide through the UFC events, is part of our comprehensive offering in Tel Aviv and Netanya. As Israel's largest network of Jiu Jitsu academies, we offer an approach focused on technique and leverage, allowing anyone, men and women alike, to cope effectively even without great physical strength. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an inseparable part of every MMA fighter's training and provides tools for a wide range of fighting situations, from grabs and holds to advanced ground tactics.
At our Academy you will enjoy a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can find their place and improve their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills, while gaining practical, important knowledge for self-defense and fitness.
MMA
A sport that combines every dimension of fighting: standing, ground, strikes, joint locks and chokes. MMA is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it was the platform that spread Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu globally. In the early 1990s the Gracie family competed in tournaments around the world and triggered a revolution in the martial arts.
Our instructors
At the leading network of jiu-jitsu academies in Tel Aviv and Netanya, our instructors, men and women alike, are graduates of the academy who have built up years of experience and who have lived our DNA. They will guide you through your own development, towards empowerment and personal achievement. Every member of our staff is a graduate of the senior instructors' course at the Levinsky-Wingate Academic College, under the direction of Professor Itay Leibovich, head of the academy. They are ready to give you the tools and knowledge to succeed in the martial arts, whether you are a man, a woman or a young person from Tel Aviv, Netanya or the surrounding area.
Meet our instructors
Shai Bar Yehuda
Tel Aviv Branch Instructor
Itay Leibovich
Founder and Head of the Academy
Head Instructor
Kirill Smirnov
Head instructor, Netanya branch
What our students say
Carmit Mandel, 46
Women's self-defense jiu-jitsu — do yourself a favor, at any age, and come and train. Especially at this academy, with our wonderful Margarita and the super-professional instructors who give us addictive classes. It is always good to learn something new.
Meirav Menachem, 40
A perfect place to learn self-defence. Extremely professional, a fun atmosphere, a place that feels like home with the best coaching team there is. Very warmly recommended. Simply the best.
Stephanie Kazinkov, 30
I started training with Itay at the academy as someone to whom the whole world of martial arts was completely foreign, and I can only recommend it. The coaches are all very professional, and more than that, you can see that they genuinely care about every single member's progress. Overall the academy has a very supportive, family atmosphere. If a woman is reading this and hesitating, all I can say is that it is worth coming to try.
Margarita Tsofens, 35
For me jiu-jitsu is a source of calm, of quiet, of strength. Something that is always with me, something that goes with me, whether at work or in the street. Something that gives me energy and confidence. Something that is mine.
Avshalom Suleiman, 45
Itay's academy is a club that is also a school: an excellent coaching team offering a range of teaching approaches, a studious and friendly atmosphere, full of people of every colour, shape and gender. And above all, a personal challenge, and fun, fun, fun. I recommend it as strongly as I possibly can.
Miki Fromchenko, 36
A great BJJ club. I am a white belt and I trained somewhere else before, and here I found what I was looking for: a very structured and methodical BJJ school. I feel it makes far better use of my time and lets me progress much more efficiently as a beginner in the sport. The atmosphere is great and all the higher belts and instructors are welcoming and helpful. Highly recommended.
Frequently asked questions about the academy
Do I need previous experience to start?
No. Most of our members start with no martial arts background at all. Classes are built up gradually from the fundamentals.
Where are your branches?
The academy has 8 branches around the country: Tel Aviv, Netanya, Haifa, Hadera, Kiryat Tiv'on, Tirat Carmel and Modi'in. The full list with addresses and directions is on the locations page.
Can I book a trial class?
Yes. Leave your details in the form below or send us a WhatsApp message, and we will come back to you with everything you need, including which branch and group suit you best.
Is there a separate group for women?
Yes. In Tel Aviv the academy runs the largest women's group in Israel, alongside mixed classes in which 25% to 50% of the participants are women.
From what age can you train?
Classes at the academy are for men and women from age 14 and up, at any level of experience.
How many times a week should I train?
Twice a week is a good starting point, and three times already makes a significant difference. Consistency matters more than volume.
What should I bring to my first class?
Long, comfortable, close-fitting sportswear and a water bottle. There is no need to buy a Gi before you decide to continue.
What is the difference between jiu-jitsu and MMA?
Jiu-jitsu is a martial art specialising in control, grips and submissions on the ground. MMA is a sport combining several disciplines — standing strikes, takedowns and ground work — and jiu-jitsu is one of its cornerstones.
Are classes taught in English?
Classes are taught in Hebrew, but our instructors speak fluent English and a large part of our members are English speakers. On Saturday nights we run a class taught in English by Philip Paul.
How much does it cost?
We offer several options: punch cards and a monthly membership by standing order. All the details are on the memberships page.