De Souza Dojo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Fantastic experience: Our children have been attending De Souza Dojo Academy for less than a year now. Today they competed in their first competition with various other local dojos. It was fantastic to see our children's improvement in Brazilian jui-jitsu and moreover, it was beautiful to see their confidence grow. We highly recommend Alex and company at De souza.

Fantastic experience: The best place to be in Bournemouth period ❤️❤️❤️

Fantastic experience: Amazing place, Alex is an incredible jiu-jitsu master, everyone is very friendly and respectful. This is the dojo to go to, especially if you are looking for a place to have your kids start Jiu-jitsu.

Fantastic experience: Outstanding coaching, wonderfully kind and welcoming atmosphere. I strongly recommend the De Souza Dojo to anyone at any Jiu Jitsu or fitness level.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been part of the Dojo for a little while now. I have had friends come and visit the dojo and train alongside me, they share the same sentiments as me; that the Dojo is an extremely welcoming and clean place to train. Alex De Souza is a wonderful teacher who always goes that extra mile to make sure his students are learning. If you’re after a pure BJJ experience, this is probably as good as it gets.

Fantastic experience: Trained here twice now as I’m from wales so can only train here while visiting family. Alex and the team are very welcoming and there is a high level throughout the club. If I was living in the area it would with out any doubt the place I’d train. Alex has a lot of knowledge and patience. He’s a brilliant coach as you can see from the amount of medalist and high level competitors at his gym

Negative experience: This is a very fair and honest review without any hate or ill intention. I enrolled my son looking at the reviews and thinking my son would improve in confidence and learn some self confidence. I went with the reviews and after speaking to someone , I instantly got my son in. Firstly , I had some idea what Jiu Jitsu is and my son didn't at all. The first time we went, no one ever explained what this course is all about. How will it run and what to expect. Thinking they just want children to dive in the deep end and learn themselves, I gave it a chance. I even spoke to the instructor about my son that he needs a bit of push and encouragement and will do wonders. He very briefly said, leave him for a month and he will be fine. I took my time off work, lost my income and took him to the classes twice a week. 2 months passed and I didn't see any improvement. But as my son was enjoying at that time I continued. Later there was a ceremony for stripes to be given to the kids and my son was very excited that he will get one after being there for 2 months. No one explained the process of earning stripes neither did they explain anything else. On the day of the ceremony they gave stripes to a few kids and not to my son. I was very disappointed and so was my son. He came back very disheartened and devastated and said he never wants to do Jiu Jitsu again. I obviously don't want my son to be a pampered and privileged child, but had he been explained the process of getting stripes and would have been told why he didn't get one, may be he would have been fine. I instantly emailed them expressing my feelings and how discouraged my son has become. They didn't take my request very seriously , and they said he hasnt spent much time to have earned the stripes. My reply to them was, why wasnt anything explained to my son or me ? Why would you give stripes to a few children and not explain others why arent they getting one ? Anyway there after, my son has now refused to go back and to be honest where my child isn't valued I wouldn't take him back anyway. It's about self respect. I found the instructor there very arrogant who lives in his own small box of world where he has hung some medals and thinks he has conquered the world. I mean I wouldn't want my child to become a jiu jitsu teacher , instead, I just wanted him to have some self defence skills and gain some confidence. In my personal opinion, they have no idea about how to handle children's mental health. They need to understand times have changed and in the UK specially, children are taught in a supportive environment, not in a " tough love " one. We all have had our own share of mental issues when our parents pushed us or forced us to do things the way they wanted hence we all are now looking for happiness within. Unfortunately these education places are not regulated and after speaking to some other jiu jitsu instructors they felt my sorrow and apologised on their behalf. They said this isn't the way a child should be taught. Anyway, I am never going back there but I feel this place isn't good for children's mental health. Thats my experience with pure honesty

Fantastic experience: This is the best active school you can find for your child.. child development and discipline. Respect for Alex and all team.

Fantastic experience: My 4 year-old daughter has been doing BJJ for 6 months and loves it. Alex is great at teaching to each student's ability and helping them grow as individuals.

Fantastic experience: Been part of De Souza for 10 months and thoroughly enjoy Alex's direction and teaching. Has really helped me in other parts of my life too.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend De Souza Dojo! My 14 yr old daughter began here in January and has only recently left due to us moving across the country. She thoroughly enjoyed her time here and very sad to have left as Alex has been amazing! My daughters confidence and fitness has really grown during this time and she has developed a real enthusiasm for BJJ which has inspired her to continue BJJ in our new home city. Alex is not only highly skilled and knowledgeable in BJJ but also a very effective teacher. He is brilliant with the kids, has a real presence in the room and he commands a real natural respect from the kids. A brilliant role model who they all seem to look up to. Both Alex and Katie are very welcoming and the classes have a friendly atmosphere. Also worth every penny and more , great value for money. If you want to learn from the best Alex is your man!

Fantastic experience: Genuinely if I could rate the De Souza dojo bjj academy 6 stars I would. I wanted to join for years but didn’t really have the confidence and now I wish I joined sooner. Beautiful, spacious and hygienic dojo, my instructors Angelika and Alex are absolutely wonderful people and truly beyond amazing teachers. I’m a slow learner and their teaching methods are brilliant. Really kind, welcoming and patient, both Alex and Angelika really take time to individually help you to make sure you understand everything. As a female this has really been an empowering experience and made me feel super confident in myself. Couldn’t recommend the de Souza dojo enough!

Fantastic experience: Superb experience - Alex does an amazing job helping the children develop for both BJJ and their own personal growth/inner-confidence. I recommend the Academy to any parent or BJJ enthusiast.

Fantastic experience: Best jui jitsu education!

Fantastic experience: Excellent facility, and expert tuition- would recommend to anyone wanting to train jiu jitsu

Fantastic experience: Our kids have been going for ages, can't recommend it enough. It has given both kids so much confidence and Alex is literally World Class, you won't find a better Dojo. Thanks to the De Souza Team

Fantastic experience: One of the best gyms i have ever trained at. Always a great atmosphere, world class coaching and great people.

Fantastic experience: Alex and Kate are awesome with my 9 year old. Highly recommended

Fantastic experience: Great place, Alex is fantastic with the children and a very pleasant and friendly place

Fantastic experience: I have trained at this academy for a long time. Alex is one of the best Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the UK. He is a true professional and on top of that, the Dojo is very clean as it is cleaned after every train. It's hard to find such a great Jiu-Jitsu academy to train at. It's a shame I had to move away from living in Bournemouth - I wish I could still train here regularly. I would highly recommend anyone to train here. No matter what level you are at, you will make great friends and you will make great progress.

Fantastic experience: This place, not just the sport of BJJ is addictive, you become part of the team/family very quickly. I’d recommend De Souza Dojo to anyone wanting to get fit and learn from the best. Alex DeSouza is awesome, patient and clearly one of the best Bjj BlackBelts around. Watch some of his fights on YouTube! These guys don’t shout about how great this place really is. I arrive early each week and watch the children’s classes, and it’s clear that Alex is dedicated to their progression in the sport but also their confidence and friendship.

Fantastic experience: Giving 5 stars and would give another 5 more if I could - my Son 5 year old attends to the reception group and he absolutely loves it! Same as his parents - very professional service from reception desk to actual classes , run by the fantastic instructor Alex De Sousa , who gets so well with the children and work with them to gain best qualifications and abilities, as well as tries to find what your child is good plus motivates them to work harder :) Seems like all children love him and he also teaches them to respect each others. You can also book your child's b-day in this academy, which we have done and it's coming very soon - imagine this will be a one great venue :) Highly recommended place!

Fantastic experience: There's no better place to learn Jiu Jitsu in the South of England. The intructor, Alex de Souza, is a true black belt with year of experience and several titles in real jiu jitsu competitions. The environment has a family like friendliness to it that is hard to find. Both my son and I are students there and I can attest to how more confidence we both have in our daily lives. Wholeheartedly recommended.

Fantastic experience: I love this gym for a few reasons. Firstly the facilities are probably one of the best anywhere in the uk. Light, spacious (big enough to train takedowns), and clean. Secondly its run by a guy (Alex De Souza) whos knowledge of Brazilian Jui Jitsu is vast, hes hugely experienced in this martial art. Thirdly the atomosphere in the gym and the type of people it attracts is very friendly, everyone is made to feel welcome.

Fantastic experience: I work and stay in London for 6 months of the year (2 weeks on/off) I train and compete in BJJ & MMA at the Roger Gracie Academy whilst in London, my family live in Poole where I spend the other half of my time. I wanted to continue training whilst at home in Poole and was told to go to De Souza Academy and train under Alex De Souza by my BJJ Professors at the Roger Gracie Academy London whom highly recommended Alex and know him well. I have been attending Alex's lessons at the De Souza DoJo (which has pristine mats and floor space), his tuition and method of teaching are amazing, he breaks down the techniques clearly and step by step with clarity. I also enrolled my daughter of 4 years old to Alex's childrens reception BJJ course, my daughter now loves BJJ, Alex has a great way with the children, it amazes me how he keeps the children so engaged in the lesson at such a young age, the kids all seem to love him there. I would highly recommend De Souza's DoJo if you are interested in learning, progressing or competing in BJJ or want a reputed club for your children to attend.

Fantastic experience: If you want to learn/practice BJJ this is the best place in Dorset.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing! I love going here as the staff are amazing. They teach and are nice people! If your looking for somewhere to do ju jitzu or are looking for a martial art definitely come here! IT IS AMAZING! Why isn't there a 100 star option?I would rate 100 stars!

Fantastic experience: Trained here for a year and it was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. Reluctantly left due to re-locating, otherwise would have loved to continue training. High-quality place to learn and train, Alex is an exceptional instructor. Would definitely recommend to everybody.

Fantastic experience: Awesome place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! Great coach, amazing training partners, five star facilities.. What are you waiting for? De Souza Dojo is the place to be! Ossssss

Fantastic experience: I have been a member of De Sousa BJJ for a month now. Being new to the Area it was a great welcoming and friendly environment to enter into. I Have done many types of Martial arts before but it was new for me to join a BJJ club. The tution is expertly delivered, and the Professor Alex De Sousa even manages to tailor the classes well to the individuals involed. The members and advanced grades in the club share their knowledge and are extremely helpful to the beginners to help build there movement and confidence. The booking system application for I phone or android is very easy to use and enables you to keep track of your diary and attendance. I Would give a six star if there was an option. If you are looking to learn BJJ in Bournemouth or surrounding areas De Sousa Dojo is for you. Ross Dimmock.