The Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy (NJA) has officially opened its doors to its new, state-of-the-art training facility on the second floor of New Muthaiga Mall, Thigiri Ridge, Nairobi.
The new 650-square-metre facility features Kenya’s only octagon cage for MMA training, a fully equipped strength and conditioning area, four types of heavy bags for striking training, a 150-square-metre open mat area, as well as eight showers and spacious changing rooms designed for athlete comfort and convenience.
Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu welcomed an esteemed guest list for its grand opening, headlined by two MMA legends: Professor Ricardo Testai of Kings MMA in California (Head Coach of BJJ and grappling coach to UFC stars including Fabrício Werdum, Marvin Vettori and Kelvin Gastelum) and Renato “Babalu” Sobral (former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight World Champion and UFC title challenger).
Both icons led workshops for children and adults at Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy, bringing elite-level insight directly to the mats. Their presence underscored the international calibre of the academy’s Grand Opening Weekend. Sobral’s career spans top-tier competition and coaching, while Testai has worked with some of the world’s leading fighters, playing a key role in integrating high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into modern MMA.
The 3-day grand opening celebrations, which began on Friday 27th February and continued into the weekend, also brought together athletes from Kenya, Tanzania and DRC, alongside families, fans, media and the wider martial arts community, who attended a curated program that included MMA, BJJ seminars, an introduction to their strength and conditioning, and a belt promotion ceremony – all reflecting NJA’s commitment to excellence, accessibility and community building.
Its opening marks a major milestone for martial arts development in Kenya and East Africa, positioning NJA as one of the region’s most comprehensively equipped combat sports facilities, offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) programmes for children and adults (male and female), alongside Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training for children and adults (both amateur and fighters).
Grand opening weekend programme highlights
Friday, 27 February 2026
The weekend opened with a special MMA Seminar led by Brazilian MMA legend Renato Sobral, also known as “Babalu”. Sobral is a former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight World Champion and UFC title challenger, widely respected for his influence on the global MMA landscape.
Saturday, 28 February 2026
Saturday’s programming focused on community, youth development and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The day began with a Bullyproof Self-Defence Seminar for children aged 7–15, followed by a Belt Promotion Ceremony thatrecognised the dedication and progress of NJA students. In the afternoon there was a BJJ Seminar led by Professor Ricardo Testai.
Sunday, 1 March 2026
Sunday highlights fitness, performance and accessibility, beginning with an MMA Fitness Class (11:30 AM–12:30 PM). This is followed by Open Facility Viewing (1:30 – 3 PM), allowing the public to explore the academy, meet coaches and learn about NJA’s programs. The weekend closes with a Strength & Conditioning Class (2 – 3 PM) designed to showcase NJA’s holistic approach to athlete development.
The expansion represents NJA’s long-term vision: to develop disciplined athletes, empower our community and contribute to the continued rise of Kenya and East Africa on the global combat sports stage. The opening of NJA’s new facility follows a year of strong competitive performances across Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, reinforcing the academy’s reputation as a leading force in African combat sports. The expanded space allows NJA to meet growing demand from children, hobbyists, aspiring professionals and competitive athletes alike, while maintaining high coaching standards and a safe, inclusive training environment.
