Jack Duffy
Founder - Novo Eastbourne
Alex Salisbury's first black belt, Jack brought Novo to Eastbourne in 2020 and built the branch from venue to venue before opening the permanent academy with Dinko in 2025.
The foundation
Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Eastbourne
Gi jiu-jitsu is where most people build their game, and it is the heart of our Eastbourne classes. The jacket and trousers give you grips - collars, sleeves and lapels - that slow exchanges down and reward patience and precise technique over raw athleticism.
Classes follow a simple rhythm: one technique broken down step by step, focused drilling with a partner, then positional sparring at whatever intensity suits you. Beginners are paired with experienced, patient partners from day one.
What to bring: shorts and a t-shirt are fine for your first sessions - when you are ready for a gi, we will help you choose the right one.
When it runs
BJJ in the gi at Novo Eastbourne
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Tuesday
7pm - 8pm
BJJ
With Jack Duffy
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Friday
6pm - 7pm
BJJ
With Jack Duffy
Who it is for
Most people who walk in have never trained in a martial art, and nobody arrives fit for jiu-jitsu - the fitness comes from training, not before it. We have beginners in their forties and fifties on the mat alongside the competitors, and sparring is always optional while you find your feet.
How a class runs
- A warm up everyone does together, at your own pace.
- One technique, broken down step by step by the coach.
- Drilling it with a partner. Beginners are paired with experienced, patient partners.
- Positional sparring at the intensity you choose, and optional in your first class.
From our members
What members say
5.0 ยท 56 Google reviews (opens in a new tab)-
Conor Day
As a complete beginner to the sport I can say that Novo is incredibly welcoming, all of the people and coaches have been encouraging, helpful and just great to be around. 10/10 recommendation
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will goldsmith
Best BJJ/MMA gym in the eastbourne area. Friendly and welcoming to people of all levels. Cannot recommend enough.
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Scott Kennedy
Amazing team, amazing coaches with such a friendly atmosphere. When I first started jujitsu 3 years ago I was very anxious about starting but soon got over it as everyone was so inviting and welcoming.
Google reviews of Novo BJJ Eastbourne, in the members' own words. Read them all on Google (opens in a new tab)
Before you come
Common questions
- Do I need a gi for my first class?
- No. Shorts and a t-shirt are fine while you find your feet. When you are ready to buy one the coaches will tell you what size and weave suits you, and the club shop stocks them.
- I have never done a martial art before. Is that a problem?
- Most people who walk in have never trained. You are paired with an experienced partner who knows how to look after a beginner, and nothing is sprung on you.
- Will I have to spar on day one?
- Only if you want to. Positional sparring is at the end of class and you set the intensity. Plenty of people sit their first few rounds out and watch.
Something not answered here? Read the full FAQs or ask us directly.
Find us
Train in Eastbourne
Performance Fitness Gym14C Maple Road, Eastbourne BN23 6NY
Get directions on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Nearer Hastings? Hastings HQ runs gi, no-gi and MMA every week.
Also on the mats
Train something else
First class free.
No experience, no gi, no problem. Book below or just turn up ten minutes early.
Performance Fitness Gym, 14C Maple Road, Eastbourne BN23 6NY