Situated not too far from the city centre, occupying an industrial estate off the beaten track, Wolverhampton Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club is one of the region’s best kept secrets.
You could probably walk past without even realising the hive of activity taking place inside, with people of all ages and abilities getting involved in fitness and fun via the discipline of martial arts.
Wolves Foundation have now linked up with Wolverhampton BJJ as part of the Yo! Active project delivered in conjunction with the City of Wolverhampton Council to deliver up to 50 hours of free activities every week at the council’s WV Active leisure centres, community centres and other locations.
The free BJJ sessions, a mixture of martial arts with self-defence and fitness work, have been extremely popular, and that includes with a member of Wolves’ playing squad who popped in to have a go – and meet the young participants – last week.
Joao Gomes, one of the Brazilian contingent in the ranks, is already an exponent of BJJ having reached blue belt status.
And he was also able to pick up a few expert tips from Wolverhampton’s own UFC star Jai Herbert, who currently fights as a lightweight in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), having previously become a champion at Cage Warriors.
Hugh Abercrombie is the head coach at Wolverhampton BJJ, who were delighted to welcome Joao and Jai, who also had a bit of sport with Wolves’ video manager Yannie Makarounas during the visit.
“We know Jai already as he sometimes visits for strength and conditioning training, and it was great to see him and Joao, especially for the kids here that follow Wolves,” said Hugh.
“We are fortunate to have some great support here with a lot of people taking part, and we also do well in local competitions winning team trophies at the last two events.
“We have been here for 12 years now, and we are continuing to grow, but being here on an industrial estate, unless people are visiting another business, they don’t even know we are here.
“That is where the link-up with Wolves Foundation and the Yo! Active programme is so important, not only in providing free sessions but also helping us to raise awareness of what we do.”
There are three separate matted areas at the BJJ site as well as the gym for strength and conditioning work, with the Yo! Active sessions delivered free of charge.
“The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sessions have been a great addition to the range of free activities delivered via the Yo! Active programme, and it’s been fantastic to work with Hugh and everyone at the club,” says senior community activation officer Matt Campbell.
“The kids at the session really enjoyed meeting Joao and Jai and not only watching them go through a few exercises but also sparring in front of them, before getting a few autographs and selfies at what was a really enjoyable visit.”
And who’s to say the visit didn’t inspire Joao to score his first ever Molineux goal in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace which followed!
Yo! Active is part of Yo! Wolves, the City of Wolverhampton’s young opportunities offer, providing eligible children and young people with free physical activity opportunities all year around, part of the mission to inspire and support Wulfrunians to move more every day.
Activities are available and delivered in partnership with Wolves Foundation at many different venues including WV Active Aldersley, WV Active Bilston Bert Williams, WV Active Central and Bob Jones Community Hub.
These include gym sessions, swimming, badminton, table tennis, tennis and squash and are open to young people aged under 18 from the City of Wolverhampton Council area, or under 25 if the young person is a care leaver or has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
To find out more visit yowolves.co.uk.
