Lloyd Cooper is a BJJ athlete from Yorkshire, UK. He is often referred to as the Yorkshire Gripper which is a name he was given under comical circumstances, “When training at Factory BJJ I was at uni and just didn’t bother cutting my hair or beard for a bit as I was focused on getting better – I then ended up looking like the Yorkshire Ripper, then Gripper made it BJJ specific”
Cooper started training at age 22. When asked about his entry to grappling, he replies “I was training a lot of weights and was invited to an MMA class – then a 14 year old choked me out”. However, seven years later he went on to receive his black belt from Adam Adshead at Factory BJJ. Since then Cooper has gone on to make a name as one of the UK’s Nogi sub only specialists and now teaches at his own gym, Gripper Jiu Jitsu in Goole.
Cooper’s favorite guards include 50/50 and Reverse De La Riva or as he puts it himself, “Anywhere I can sniff them ankles”. Regarding sweeps, Cooper also claims he used to favor inversion sweeps but has recently got into bodylock sweeps from the butterfly guard due to the scrappy elements which are involved with the position.
When passing, Cooper states “(I like) loose with high stepping – great for disengaging legs and looks sweet when you time it perfectly and then just step out of someone’s guard to side control”.
He lists the likes of Gui Mendes as one of his biggest influences, but more recently looks towards Lachlan Giles. This is not surprising given his leg-based game which involves butterfly guard and inversions.
If you haven’t guessed already, Cooper is a massive fan of foot locks. When asked about his favorite submission he adds “It’s the straight foot lock ( controversial I know ). Old school and ever effective and very applicable with everyone keeping neutral heel position due to heel hook fear”. Ironically, his worst injury to date are his toes as he mentions “F****d toes – I’ve had one operated on and they just are wrecked from years of turf toes ! Can barely bend them – the operation made me change the way I pass!”.
His typical competition weight is under 90KG and his achievements include brown belt masters 1 IBJJF European Champion. Elsewhere he has also won gold at the ADCC UK Pro and has a number of super-fight wins under his belt at promotions such as Polaris. Competing against some of the best in the country he claims Sean McDonagh has been his toughest opponent, saying “Probably Sean McDonagh who I now call I mate – relentless pace and will to win we have had some wars”. He also adds Bradley Hill to the list who has a solid game and is also a regular on the Polaris scene.
Asked about the rising popularity of leg locks over the past few years, he says “They’re most definitely an unexplored realm – the level of tolerance to practicing them but also competing in the rule sets that allow it has drastically increased! I remember getting literally told off by a higher grade when I was at purple belt for going for one – naming no names”. Cooper continues, “It’s reaching a saturation point for sure – people’s competency goes up and the amount of new material diminishes! I really think it’ll be swinging towards back takes and mount domination again! A lot of people are getting exposed with zero other game – I included myself in that a few years ago!”
Looking at the future, Cooper is still eager to compete but notes he may slow down a little, adding “Complete a seamless transition into retirement hahaha! On a serious note – slow down a little – but keep up with the sub only matches then probably try to wreck a few masters IBJJF Nogi comps next year”
On a final note, Lloyd Cooper and his Gripper Jiu Jitsu gym can be found online at GripperJiuJitsu. Here, he can be found doing weekly training vlogs and technique videos.
