The Legion Story
Legion Grappling Academy is dedicated to providing high-level instruction across the full spectrum of grappling arts.
Building Exceptional People
At Legion, we believe grappling is more than just a sport—it's a path to personal growth. Our core mission is to foster a profound passion for grappling while promoting essential values: unwavering discipline, continuous skill development, and deep community engagement.
We are committed to building not just exceptional athletes, but exceptional people. Our doors are open to men, women, and children of all experience levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned competitors.
Discipline
Unwavering commitment to growth.
Skill
Continuous technical development.
Community
Deep engagement and support.
The Origin Story
While Legion Grappling Academy officially found its home in Leyton in 2011, its foundation was laid nearly two decades earlier. The true origin of the Legion system traces back to 1995, when founder Dr. Amir Eslami first began coaching and meticulously developing his unique wrestling system.
Dr. Eslami’s journey in grappling is deeply personal, rooted in family tradition. He inherited his passion and expertise from his father, an accomplished wrestler and competitor who earned distinction representing Iran on the international stage.
This powerful lineage and a continuous, 16-year commitment to developing a comprehensive system culminated in the formal establishment of Legion Grappling Academy in 2011, realizing Dr. Amir’s vision for a dedicated center for high-level grappling instruction.
Coach Ali Eslami
The roots of Legion Grappling Academy run deep, anchored in the living legacy of Coach Ali Eslami. A formidable wrestler and competitor, Coach Ali earned distinction representing Iran on the international stage, competing at the highest levels of the sport.
His technical mastery, unwavering discipline, and competitive spirit are the sparks that ignited Dr. Amir Eslami's own passion for grappling. Coach Ali doesn't just teach moves; he instills a philosophy of hard work and respect that forms the very DNA of Legion today.
We honor his continued mentorship and his foundational contribution to our academy. He remains the original architect of our resilience.
Archive Gallery
Head Coach
Dr. Amir Eslami
As the founder of Legion Grappling Academy, Dr. Amir Eslami represents the bridge between tradition and modern grappling science. Inheriting a wealth of wrestling knowledge from his father, he has dedicated his life to refining and expanding that system into a holistic martial arts curriculum.
His journey in submission grappling and Jiu Jitsu began in 1998. Decades of dedication culminated in 2024, when he was awarded his Black Belt by the renowned Jude Samuel.
Dr. Amir's approach to coaching is analytical and precise. He views grappling not as a collection of random moves, but as a structured language that can be mastered through systematic study. His goal is to demystify complex techniques, making high-level grappling accessible to everyone.
A Life in Grappling
Dedicated to the Art
We have built a specific, purpose-driven environment that honors the discipline of grappling. With 3,800 sq ft of premium floor space, every inch of our academy is designed to facilitate learning, safety, and the purity of training.
History Timeline
The Genesis of the System
Dr. Amir Eslami begins coaching wrestling and developing the sophisticated, proprietary grappling system that would become the core of Legion Grappling.
Finding a Home in Leyton
Legion Grappling Academy officially establishes its first dedicated facility at Transform House in Leyton. Launch of dedicated wrestling academies for both kids and adults.
Expanding the Grappling Arts
Recognizing the synergy between grappling disciplines, Legion successfully integrates Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Nogi Grappling into the curriculum for adult students.
A New Era of Space and Training
A major refurbishment significantly extends the mat space and adds a dedicated strength and conditioning area, creating one of the largest dedicated grappling facilities in London.
Resilience Through Crisis
The global COVID-19 pandemic threatened the existence of the academy, but the dedication and strength of the Legion community ensured it pulled through.
Launch of Kids Jiu-Jitsu
The academy expands its youth offerings with the establishment of a dedicated Kids Jiu-Jitsu Academy, fostering skill and discipline in the next generation.
Facility Overhaul and Expansion
Comprehensive refurbishment completed, extending mat space to incorporate a second mat, and a complete renovation of strength and conditioning areas, changing rooms, and showers.
Growth and Inclusion
The academy grows to over 200 regular members. Dedicated female-only grappling classes are introduced to support growth and promote accessibility.