At Valour Jiu Jitsu HQ in Fulham, our coaches are more than instructors — they’re mentors, training partners, and the people who walk with you step-by-step through your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey. 

When you join the academy, you’re not just learning techniques. You’re learning:

how to move with “confidence,”

.. how to handle pressure, 

… how to become part of a community that genuinely wants to see you grow.

What Makes Our Coaching Different

We believe that Jiu Jitsu is a conversation — not a performance. That means we don’t simply “show a move and move on.” Our teaching is based on:

Clarity: breaking down techniques so they’re easy to understand.
Connection: getting to know your learning style, your goals, and your pace.
Consistency: practicing fundamentals you can rely on in every situation, on and off the mats.

As we often say on the mats:
“We don’t rush progress. We build it.”

Meet the Team

Professor Lucio “Lagarto” Rodrigues — Head Coach

A lifelong practitioner from Brazil, Professor Lucio “Lagarto” Rodrigues brings more than technique — he brings presence. He teaches with patience, detail, and warmth. You’ll often hear him say:   

“The courage to Continue”

“Everyone starts somewhere. We’re here to help you take the next step.”

His philosophy is simple: Jiu Jitsu should make your life better. 

Whether that means … getting stronger, feeling safer, learning discipline, or simply having a space where your mind is clear — he teaches for the person, not just the sport.

Coach Team — Supporting Your Journey

Our coaching team has diverse backgrounds — athletes, trainers, educators, parents. What they share is the belief that every student matters.

They will:

• Cheer your progress
• Walk you through what feels confusing
• Celebrate your breakthroughs — big or small•

And yes, they remember what it’s like to be new. That’s why our classes are structured to make you feel guided, not overwhelmed.

How We Teach (And Why It Works)

We Start With Fundamentals
We don’t just teach moves — we teach principles.
Balance. Pressure. Posture. Timing.
Once those become familiar, everything else becomes easier.

We Support Beginners Fully
You’ll never feel like you’re “slowing the class down.”
You learn at your pace — and we teach at your level.

We Train With Purpose, Not Ego
There’s no room for intimidation here.
We sharpen each other — not push each other down.

A Community That Believes In Each Other

One of the most common things new students tell us after a month is:

“I didn’t realize how much this place would mean to me.”

People come for fitness, confidence, or curiosity —
but they stay because they feel seen, supported, and valued.

Thinking of Starting??

You don’t need experience.
You don’t need to be fit enough, strong enough, or confident enough.
You just need to show up — and we’ll meet you where you are.

Our coach team is here to guide you, not judge you.

Your journey starts with your first step.
And we’d be honoured to walk that path with you.

Valour HQ Team