About Us

Crooked Bones opened in Lewes with a straightforward aim: to offer the local community access to high-quality no-gi jiu jitsu in an environment where anyone feels welcome. Competitors, beginners, and everyone in between train here. The mat doesn’t have a dress code or a pecking order, just people showing up and working hard.

The gym is built around three things: technical development, competition preparation, and a community that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Whether you’re stepping on a mat for the first time or you’ve been competing for years, you’ll find something worth coming back for.

Owner & head coach: Charles Leonard

The Coach

Charles has been training in no-gi jiu jitsu for eight years, spending the majority of that time under Gavin Stewart, black belt and owner of 10th Planet Banbury and 10th Planet Milton Keynes. That foundation shaped not just how Charles grapples, but how he thinks about the sport. His game reflects it: heavy pressure passing, solid guard retention, and a leg lock system built through years of competition across the country.

He started Crooked Bones to bring that level of coaching to Lewes, structured, technically serious, and accessible to anyone willing to learn. In the gym, techniques are taught with clear context before being drilled in live formats, so students build a genuine feel for each position rather than just a list of moves to remember. The result is jiu jitsu that actually works when the pressure is on.

See what others say

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Matthew Henshaw 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really friendly and welcoming gym. Excellent coaching and a fantastic place to  train.  Everyone at Crooked Bones BJJ is really helpful, and the atmosphere is relaxed and very supportive of beginners.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   laura cangialosi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great bjj gym with a really welcoming atmosphere. Charles is an excellent coach – super experienced, friendly, and always makes classes enjoyable. A great place to start BJJ, especially if you’re looking for a women-friendly gym. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Louis Dwyer-Hemmings 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic training at Crooked Bones, who were very welcoming when I dropped in. We had an excellent wrestling session with great techniques from the underhook, and hard rounds to finish. Will definitely be stopping by any time I’m in Lewes
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   toby backstrom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best introduction I've had to a martial arts gym, great atmosphere and coach
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lewis McInley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great vibe and good people! Charles manages to run fun sessions where you'll learn while doing and get to burn off steam. If you're considering it, just have a go.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Charles has one of the best all round games I know!  From the turtle to the legs! Any excellent coach how has helped me so much with my game . Highly recommend crooked bones bjj <3
  
 
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   Theo Priestley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good coach, best place to train in lewes
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gavin Stewart 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great atmosphere! Charles has a wealth of knowledge and really cares about this sport and his students - highly recommend
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jamie Reid 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to many gyms throughout my time doing Bjj and I have to say Crooked Bones is my favourite by far. The atmosphere charles has created in the gym is brilliant everyone is welcoming and you never leave without a laugh and his teaching in class is extremely thorough and clear I highly recommend crooked bones for a good laugh a great bunch of guys and developing your Bjj with a great coach.

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