Gracie Barra Belfast BJJ Academy, also known as Lycan Grappling Academy, is a premier martial arts destination in East Belfast. Located in the Prince Regent Trade Centre, the academy offers a world-class environment for learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The curriculum includes specialized classes for children as young as six, as well as comprehensive adult programs. Beyond BJJ, the academy provides world-class Judo instruction and dedicated strength and conditioning sessions. Facilities are modern and well-equipped, featuring clean mats, locker rooms with showers, and a comfortable reception area. The coaching staff is praised for being patient, professional, and attentive to the smallest technical details. Members frequently highlight the fun, friendly, and inclusive atmosphere that makes everyone feel safe and welcome. The community is described as supportive, often reaching out to check on members and encouraging progress at all levels. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced competitor, the academy provides a safe space to grow. Join us on the mats today to start your martial arts journey.
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
Fantastic place to learn and grow. Best Jujitsu club with great teachers and students.
Visited as a guest while on holiday, was made to feel welcome by everyone. Very professional gym with top class Professor, would recommend to people no matter their level of experience and looking forward to training again there in the future.
Joined GB Belfast as a complete beginner in September 2022. The club is fantastic with excellent instructors and members who are all very welcoming. Thoroughly recommended.
Brilliant club that has fantastic coaching and creates a fun and friendly atmosphere. This was exemplified yesterday when an extremely aggressive, abusive and threatening individual was dealt with professionally. I am encouraged to read that he has been asked to leave the club and there is zero tolerance for this kind of unacceptable behaviour.
I recommend Gracie Barra NI to absolutely everybody from age of 6 right up to 70 or over! it is never too late to start training Brazilian jiu jitsu and atmosphere at this particular club is excellent. Clubs offers kids classes 2 times a week and adult classes 6 times a week. Coaches are very patient and professional - they definitely pay attention to smallest detail. Every single person I trained with to date had been very helpful and friendly! Gym itself is very well equipped with modern Mats that are kept clean at all times, weights, pull up bars, locker rooms with showers and nice sitting area with comfortable couches in front reception. Membership for both kids and adults is worth every penny of it especially considering the amount of classes available in a week. Highly recommended!
Gracie Barra Belfast BJJ Academy (Northern Ireland) is located at Unit 3, Block B Prince Regent Trade Centre, 7 Prince Regent Rd, Belfast BT5 6QR, UK
You can contact Gracie Barra Belfast BJJ Academy (Northern Ireland) at +44 7773 522706
You can find directions to Gracie Barra Belfast BJJ Academy (Northern Ireland) by following this map link