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Lycan Grappling Academy
Belfast's premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo academy—where community and world-class training meet.
5(5 reviews)
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Structured BJJ training for all levels, led by experienced professors focusing on technique, sparring, and competition preparation.
World-class Judo classes integrated into the curriculum, offering throws, groundwork, and self-defense skills.
Drop-in sessions for free sparring and practice in a supervised, community-driven environment.
Specialized coaching for tournaments, including strategy, drills, and conditioning to help athletes excel.
Introductory courses and trials for new students, with patient instruction and a focus on safety and fundamentals.
Coffee bar hangouts, seminars, and social gatherings to build connections and support members beyond training.
Belfast's premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo academy—where community and world-class training meet.
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Lycan Grappling Academy is a top-tier martial arts school in Belfast, specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo. We offer expert coaching in a safe, welcoming environment for all skill levels, from beginners to competitors. Our clean, modern facility includes a coffee bar, showers, and a supportive community that fosters growth both on and off the mats. Join our family to learn, train, and thrive with passionate instructors and friendly training partners.
I had a fantastic experience training at Lycan Grappling Academy! If I lived in Belfast I would be here all the time, super clean, excellent instruction, well run classes and as an added bonus there is a protein shake and coffee bar. The changing includes showers and a is also very clean. I can't recommend this spot enough!
Starting out, having just turned 30 with two kids I wanted to get back to a competitive sport while I still could train at my best. Having done my research I came across Lycan (formerly GRACIE BARRA) and realised it was one of the best clubs in Ireland with links to the best competitors in the world (which now has world class judo included too) and it was on my doorstep. I knew I wanted to compete but was also worried about getting injured being older etc but my first day the people were wonderful. They’ve built me up over time and since starting I’ve competed on numerous occasions and won 5 tournaments! Which is thanks to the standard of training partners at the club. I know I won’t compete forever so having a club that trains hard but also has the social element where I can spar light, spend time learning as well as hang out and talk to friends means a lot. i often come down on days when I can’t train and need a rest just to hang out. As someone said in the club it use to be hard to be motivated to come down to the club to train but now its harder not too. I wish all the success to this club and proud to be part of it and if there is any new faces that come along in the future I’m more than happy to help them the same way the higher belt levels helped me.
If you're looking to learn BJJ from some of the best coaches and truly lovely people in a very safe environment, then look no further! This club offers top-tier BJJ coaching and an unbeatable community. My sincere thanks go to the coaches for creating an environment where everyone feels welcome to train BJJ.
My friend Matt and I dropped into Lycan (formerly Gracie Barra) today, and right from the start we were made to feel completely at home. Aaron, Gary, and Graham were all super welcoming and gave us a great tour of the gym. We came for the seminars, open mat, and grading, and honestly, we had a blast. Graham took the time to chat with us about the club’s history, the recent rebrand, and what’s ahead with the new curriculum. You could really feel the passion behind it all. Today was the big relaunch, and the energy in the gym was high and positive. The rebrand looks sharp, the vibe was great, and the people were even better. Matt and I left buzzing, and we’re already excited to come back for another seminar!
I had been looking for a new gym and had signed up for a 2 week trial with Lycan back in January on the advice of a friend. Honestly, I wish I had of done it way before. Walking in for the first time, I was greeted by so many different faces who loved the sport as much as I did. Friendly, eager to help me progress on my journey and full of banter. My first class was with Prof Graham Keys, who explained the structure of the class and said, "just do what you can". He explains everything clearly, doesn't mind showing you again, he's patient. My training partners and ones I rolled with that day were the same. I left feeling great and determined to go back as many times as I could in a week. I trained under Prof Aaron Keys, who also has the patience of a saint. As the week progressed and I met more coaches, members and the other owner, Jan, I just felt more and more at home. The facilities are brilliant, its clean and the coffee is pretty top notch. That first day has been consistent 6 months on. It is a great club to be a part of. The community genuinely wants you to succeed in all areas of your life. "If you're injured and can't train, then call down for a coffee" and if you've not been in in a while, somebody will reach out to check on you. Most importantly, as a woman, I feel safe there. I don't drive and it's a bit of a trek for me but I make sure I get there because of the high level of teaching and community that is there. The owners have created a safe environment for us to train, to learn and it's a community I'm proud to have been welcomed in to. Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of Lycan Family! I truly appreciate it. Come down and train with us, honestly you won't regret it!!! See you on the mats
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