Grappling training in Sarajevo
Grappling is fighting without strikes — takedowns, control, submissions and chokes. A sport where technique regularly beats strength, and probably the fastest way to learn to control someone bigger than you.
What grappling is
Grappling covers every form of fighting without strikes: taking an opponent down, holding a dominant position, and finishing with submissions and chokes. We train mostly no-gi — no kimono, just shorts and a rashguard — the variant closest to MMA and the most common at competitions in the region. The techniques draw on Brazilian jiu-jitsu, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, and sambo.
Why grappling first
Grappling has something few sports do: you can train at full intensity, every day, without taking shots to the head. That means fast progress and fewer injuries than striking sports. Sparring — rolling — is also realistic from the first weeks, so you're not waiting months to use what you've learned.
Grappling schedule
Grappling runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The advanced group trains 18:00–19:45, beginners 20:00–21:00. The morning session, 09:30–11:00, combines grappling and MMA. Saturdays 10:00–12:00 is open mat — an informal session with no structured class, for drilling and rolling freely. Open mat is an excellent first visit if you just want to see what it looks like.
Taught by a black belt
Head coach Namik Alibašić is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. In practice that means what you learn isn't repeated from the internet but tested over years of training and competition, and explained so you understand why a technique works rather than just the order of the steps.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between grappling and BJJ?
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu is classically trained in a kimono (gi), gripping sleeves, lapels and belt. Grappling is trained without one (no-gi), so grips are on the body and the pace is faster. The techniques overlap heavily — train one and you'll adapt to the other easily. We train mostly no-gi.
- Do I need a gi for grappling?
- No. For no-gi you need shorts without pockets or zips and a close-fitting top (a rashguard or any sports shirt). For a first session, any sportswear is fine.
- Is grappling dangerous?
- Less so than most combat sports, precisely because there are no strikes to the head. Submissions and chokes are applied under control — your partner taps and the technique stops immediately. We insist on tap discipline from day one.
- How much does grappling cost in Sarajevo?
- Monthly grappling membership is 70 KM and covers every grappling session that week. MMA and grappling together is 100 KM per month, and a single session is 15 KM. Your first visit is free.
- Can I come to open mat as a complete beginner?
- You can, and it's often the easiest first step. Saturdays 10:00–12:00 there's no formal class — come, watch, and one of the members will walk you through the basics. No pressure to roll straight away.
Try grappling for free
Come to a session or to Saturday open mat. Your first visit is free — message the coach so we know to expect you.
Nedžarići 7, Sarajevo
Other programs
MMA is the most complete combat sport — striking, wrestling and ground fighting in one. At OCD Fighters we train all three from day one, in groups split by experience level.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is ground fighting built on leverage, angle and timing — the idea that a smaller, weaker person can control a stronger one who doesn't know what they're doing. Ours is taught by a black belt.
A dedicated women's jiu-jitsu session, in a closed group, led by coach Dalila. No prior experience needed, and no atmosphere where you have to prove anything to anyone.
Never trained before? That's where most of our members started, and it isn't an obstacle. We run dedicated beginner groups for MMA and grappling, paced for people starting from zero.
No hidden costs and no joining fee. You pay a membership for the program you train, or per session if a monthly rhythm doesn't suit you. Your first session is free.
We train Monday to Saturday, mornings and evenings, in groups split by level. The full weekly schedule is below, with today highlighted.
Our gym is at Nedžarići 7, in the Novi Grad municipality of Sarajevo. There's a map and a directions button below — if it's your first visit, following the route straight to the address is easiest.
The gym is in Nedžarići, walking distance from the student halls. Sessions run mornings and evenings so they fit around lectures — and if your schedule is unpredictable, you can pay per session.
In your first weeks you'll hear a lot of terms nobody stops to explain. Here's what they mean — so you don't have to ask mid-round.