Kigali BJJ is opening its new home at Mamba Sports. Spend the day with us: watch the demonstrations, try a class, cheer on our youth team and help us open the doors.
Our coaches and members show jiu-jitsu at full speed: takedowns, sweeps and submissions, explained as they happen.
Guest try-a-class session
A beginner-friendly class for guests. No experience and no kit needed, just clothes you can move in.
Youth showcase
Our kids and teens show what they have learned, from their first rolls to competition technique.
Official opening
We open our new facility together, with blue mats, room to train, and a home that belongs to the club.
New to it?
What is jiu-jitsu?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling martial art. Instead of striking, you use leverage, position and timing to control a partner, and finish with a controlled submission: a joint lock or choke that ends the round the moment your partner taps.
Technique matters more than size, so it works for people of every build, age and fitness level. Most of a class is spent practising with a partner, and every round ends with a tap and a handshake.
Who we are
Kigali BJJ Academy.
Founded in 2024, we were the first Brazilian jiu-jitsu team in Kigali. Today we are a community of adults, kids and teens who have trained across the city at Fitnesspoint Remera, Kimihurura and Gacuriro, and who compete as a team. From 1 November, we train together in a space of our own at Mamba Sports.
Members
55
Active coaches
8
Programmes, all levels
4
Founder and head instructor
Meet Lorenzo.
Lorenzo Caldarelli started Brazilian jiu-jitsu at Entram Gym in Tijuana, Mexico, and earned his black belt under L’Accademia Sports School in Milan, Italy. He has trained for more than ten years, in gi and no-gi, and has competed in national tournaments run by UIJJ and FIJLKAM. His technical focus is guard passing.
In 2024 he founded Kigali BJJ as a way to keep training while living abroad. It has grown into a committed community, and Lorenzo has kept competing too, with two amateur MMA bouts at ANZA MMA. His aim is a strong foundation for jiu-jitsu in East Africa, built on discipline, learning and respect.
“The space is ours now. Same coaches, same welcome, more space, and a schedule that finally belongs to us. Bring your energy and we will build the rest together.”
“With no training at all, I didn’t know what BJJ was when I started. With Lorenzo’s classes and consistency, two years later I’m a blue belt.”
Esther, blue belt · joined 2024
Good to know
What to expect.
Drop in any time, 11am–5pm.
Stay for an hour or the whole day.
No experience needed.
For the guest class, wear sportswear without zips or buttons. Jiu-jitsu is trained barefoot on the mats.
Bring the family.
Children are welcome, and the youth showcase is made for them.
Free, but please reserve.
It helps us plan space for the guest class and the day.
Planned, not included yet: a pool, sauna and cold plunge. Opening dates, pricing and access terms will be announced. The CrossFit gym area is separate and paid directly to the gym.
RSVP
Reserve your place.
Sunday, 1 November, 11am–5pm, at Mamba Sports, Kimihurura, Kigali.
Tell us who is coming so we can plan the guest class and the day.
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