Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is growing in popularity in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and there are several gyms and academies that offer BJJ training. The BJJ community in Belfast is relatively small but tight-knit, with many passionate practitioners who are dedicated to improving their skills.
One of the best things about training BJJ in Belfast is how small it is. Generally speaking, Belfast is a pretty small city yet it’s still packed in with various grappling gyms that are all within close proximity within each other, making local practitioners spoilt for choice as a result.
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The Best BJJ Gyms In Belfast
SBG Belfast:
SBG Belfast is located in the heart of the city, so it’s fairly easy to get to. As the name suggests, this is also an MMA gym so you can expect there to be a bigger taste of no-gi grappling here. It also helps being connected to other SBG gyms in the region which means there’s plenty of crosstraining going on.
Address: Joy’s Entry, 30 Ann St, Belfast BT1 4DR
Gracie Barra Belfast:
This gym is one of the oldest in Northern Ireland and was one of the first in Belfast. As a result, you can expect plenty of knowledgable students and a fairly large team, as well as a professional, clean atmosphere which is typical of the GB organization.
Address: Unit 3, Block B Prince Regent Trade Centre, 7 Prince Regent Rd, Belfast BT5 6QR
Icon BJJ:
Another franchise gym, Icon has a great reputation globally and its Belfast branch is as solid as any of them. Expect plenty of classes with gi, no-gi, women’s and kids programs too. It also has a fairly large mat space and a great, team atmosphere.
Address: 89, Boucher Centre, Belfast BT12 6HH
Vanquish BJJ:
Vanquish is a smaller, independent gym that almost has a family feel about it. At the same time, make no doubt about it – these guys also know how to train hard and honest. It also has a beginners program and relaxed vibe which is great for newcomers and veterans alike.
Address: 93, 95 Ravenhill Rd, Belfast BT6 8EB
Kyoujin:
Headed by a team of experienced black belt coaches, Kyoujin is one of the oldest gyms in the area. As a result, it unsurprisingly has a large, competitive team who are very successful on the regional circuit. They also do MMA and Judo which is a nice positive if you want to improve your takedowns as well.
Address: 1st Floor, 44-46 Corporation St, Belfast BT1 3DE
Trickster BJJ:
Trickster is located just outside of the city center and also has a nice, relaxed atmosphere whilst the coaches are still very knowledgeable. Ideal for beginners, Trickster also offers a free 2 week trial which is a pretty awesome opportunity as a beginner.
Address: Trickster Jiu Jitsu, 337b Donegall Rd, Belfast BT12 6FQ
Talos Grappling:
Talos has a pretty big emphasis on the gi (whilst also training no-gi as well). Headed by coaches Henry and Conner, this gym is really welcoming and the coaching is top notch.
Address: Kilwee Business Park, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 0HD
IFS MMA:
IFS is an MMA gym, so you can expect to learn other martial arts if that’s your flavor. At the same time, they still offer plenty of BJJ – including gi classes too.
Address: 5 18 W Bank Rd, Belfast BT3 9JL
Forge Grappling:
Located in the north of the city, Forge is definitely one of the best BJJ gyms in the city and has plenty of top competitors too. It also has plenty of belts at all levels, so if you’re new or traveling then you’ll have nothing to worry about!
Address: 17A, Harbour View, Heron Rd, Belfast BT3 9LE
