The Israeli Academy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Tel Aviv
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is far more than a combat sport. It is a system developed to let a smaller or weaker person deal with a bigger, stronger and more aggressive opponent, through technique, timing, leverage and correct control of the body.
The system was developed in Brazil by the Gracie family around 100 years ago, and became one of the most influential martial arts in the world. In recent years it has been adopted by military, security and law-enforcement organisations in Israel and abroad, because of how effective it is in real situations.
At the Israeli Academy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA we teach jiu-jitsu in an approach that connects genuine self-defence, personal development, physical fitness and the competitive side of the sport. Classes suit complete beginners alongside advanced students and competitors.
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.
Who are the instructors?
Classes run under the direction of Professor Itay Leibovich, a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and one of the most experienced instructors in Israel. Itay has over 36 years of experience in martial arts and over 16 years of professional teaching, with students at every level, from complete beginners to professional competitors.
The Israeli Academy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA is one of the longest-established and largest academies in Israel, with thousands of students over the years and dozens of black belts and certified instructors who came up through the system.
What do you learn in class?
In the early stages the emphasis is on building a correct foundation: movement, body control, falling, basic escapes, self-defence principles, and getting familiar with ground positions and the clinch. The goal is to bring a new student into the world of jiu-jitsu safely, gradually and clearly.
After that you learn:
Throws and takedowns · joint locks and chokes · transitions between positions · control from the top and from the back · escaping inferior positions · working against a bigger and stronger opponent · strategy and timing · sparring
Advanced students also get competition preparation · advanced tactical work · integration with MMA · refining their individual game · developing a personal style.
Beyond technique itself, the training builds self-confidence, composure under pressure, discipline, physical fitness and the ability to solve problems in real time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start with no experience?
Yes. Most of our members start with no previous martial arts background.
Is the training aggressive?
Training is intense but controlled and safe, and adapted to each person's level.
Do I need to be fit?
No. Fitness is built through the training itself.
Are there classes aimed at competition?
Yes. Anyone who wants to compete gets a suitable track and support alongside the regular classes.
Is it suitable for self-defence?
Absolutely. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is considered one of the most effective self-defence systems in the world, particularly
in close-contact and ground situations.
Is this Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Gracie Jiu Jitsu?
We teach Gracie Jiu Jitsu — the classical version developed by the Gracie family with an emphasis on self-defence, alongside the competitive sporting side.
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.
Want to try a class?
Want to start training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Tel Aviv or Netanya?
Send us a WhatsApp message and we will come back to you with everything you need to know about a trial class, the schedule, and which group suits you.