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Turning a Corner (On and Off the Mats) | 09/02/2026 E17 BJJ Weekly Newsletter

  • Writer: e17bjj
    e17bjj
  • 22 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

Hey everyone,


It’s looking a little less miserable outside this week, which hopefully means we’re slowly edging toward spring and leaving the worst of the winter chills behind us. The lighter days definitely help, and it feels like things are starting to move forward again, both on and off the mats!


Important Venue Update – St Mary’s & What’s Next


We’ve been informed that next week we won’t be able to run classes at St Mary’s Welcome Centre due to invasive investigative work on the building’s foundations, as there are concerns about possible subsidence.


Originally, I was planning to wait an extra week before moving operations over to our new space at the Ravenswood Collective, but rather than cancelling classes altogether, I’m going to push ahead and get as much done as possible in the new units over the coming days.


The aim is to have mats down and be training from Ravenswood from next week. It’ll be a functional but unfinished setup to begin with - similar to what we’re used to (a roof, some toilets and some mats) but it keeps us training and moving forward.


You’ll be able to see the gym take shape in real time, week by week, as the refurb continues. If all goes to plan, we’re hoping to have a proper grand opening celebration toward the end of March, and I’m genuinely really looking forward to that moment with you all.


Paint, Clean & Move Day – Sunday


This Sunday, we’ll be back at the new site for a paint, clean, and move day. Alongside continuing the refurb work, we’ll also be moving a bunch of equipment and bits over to the hall to help get everything ready for the week ahead.


If you’re free to lend a hand at any point, it would be hugely appreciated and even an hour makes a difference. As always, it’s very much a many hands make light work situation, and it’s been great seeing how many of you want to be involved.


Our warehouse is a little bit wider that this at least!
Our warehouse is a little bit wider that this at least!

Follow the Refurb Journey


I’ll be documenting as much of the refurb as possible on Instagram, from the early, messy stages right through to the finished space. If you’re interested in seeing how the gym comes together day by day and week by week, make sure you’re following along.

It’s very much a community project, and it’ll be nice for everyone to feel part of the journey as E17 BJJ’s new home takes shape.


This Week’s Focus


Gi Fundamentals with Mouncif: Last week we mainly focused on retention and transitioning to north–south. This week we’ll continue building on side control, looking at how to get there, maintain strong control, and use the position to improve your dominance or work toward a finish.


I’ll be around for these classes this week, but you’ll also have some guest instructors stepping in:

  • Monday - Antony

  • Wednesday - Ben

  • Friday - potentially another guest (to be confirmed as the week goes on 🙂)


A great opportunity to learn from different perspectives while keeping the theme consistent.


No-Gi Fundamentals with Chris: We’ll start by recapping bottom half guard, then shift focus to the top position, looking at how half guard can actually be a strong and effective passing position when used correctly. Understanding both sides of the position helps everything click together.


Judo with Justin: This week’s Judo focus is O Soto Gari, one of the most fundamental and effective throws. We’ll work on off-balancing, timing, and correct foot placement, keeping things simple and controlled so the technique feels safe, reliable, and transferable into BJJ.


Wrestling for BJJ with Mehmet: We’ll briefly recap last week’s work before focusing on front headlock positions - how to control, apply pressure, and turn them into dominant positions rather than rushed finishes.


Tip of the Week -Don’t rush to understand everything.


Some techniques and positions will feel unfamiliar or disconnected at first — that’s completely normal. Let things feel awkward early on. With repetition and time, the pieces start to connect and the bigger picture becomes clearer. Jiu Jitsu rewards patience far more than urgency.


Thanks again for your patience, flexibility, and support through this transition. We’re right in the middle of a big moment for E17 BJJ, and it genuinely means a lot to have such a supportive community around it.


More updates very soon, and hopefully see some of you on Sunday helping bring the new space to life.


See you on the mats,

- Mouncif,

E17 BJJ

 
 
 

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