The Top 5 Jiu Jitsu Gyms to Start BJJ in Dublin - 2024
Are you a complete beginner looking to learn the art of grappling, or a seasoned mat rat veteran with skin in the game looking for the best Jiu Jitsu Academies Dublin has to offer? Look no further! You’ve found the right place!
In this short and sweet blog post we’ll give you a quick run down of our top 5 favourite gyms to train at/visit in Dublin!
Jorge Santos Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
JSBJJ ran by Jorge Santos and Laura Peretti is a well-established team, growing visibly since 2011. The club environment is very positive and it is filled with friendly people that constantly try to improve themselves and work hard to reach their goals. This academy also relies heavy on building high level competitors while providing a safe environment for beginners learning the art for the first time.
Located in the heart of Dublin’s city centre, it is an ideal spot for people that live in town or for visitors looking to train while also getting some central sightseeing done. Yes, it is close to the famous Temple Bar!
Jungle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Jungle BJJ Dublin opened its door in 2016 and is located in the Liberties, Dublin 8, just a couple of minutes walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christchurch. This gym is another good option for people living in Central Dublin or people travelling and staying in close to the City Centre.
Jungle have Jiu Jitsu classes suitable to everyone from complete beginners to experienced grapplers scheduled throughout the week.
The academy is ran by Peter Mamaev, black belt under the head of Jungle BJJ association Fernando Nascimento, a 4th degree black belt. You can expect high-quality training, friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and a mutual respect from everyone.
East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy
East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy, also known as ECJJA is Ireland’s most successful academy competition wise. Led by 2nd degree black belt Darragh O’Conaill, located in South Dublin it is home to some of the best jiu jitsu athletes in Europe. If you’ve been on the scene for a while, you definitely heard of this place.
While ECJJA is known for being a competition powerhouse, they still offer beginner courses for day one people stepping on the mat for the first time. If this is you, don’t be intimidated, everyone is very friendly.
SBG Ireland HQ
SBG Ireland is run by John Kavanagh, Ireland’s first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and coach to Conor McGregor. The HQ is located in Inchicore, Dublin.
The facility is new and covers 16,000 sq ft and caters for everyone from ages 4 - 60+ wishing to train jiu jitsu and other martial arts. While this gym is mostly MMA focused, they do offer gi and nogi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for beginners and advanced grapplers.
The gym is equipped with a massive octagon, a dedicated weight lifting space packed with equipment and a luxurious sauna which they might just let you use if you’re visiting and ask nicely. This is definitely a must visit if you’re in town for a couple of days!
Royal Grappling Academy
Royal Grappling Academy is home of 2 Marcelo Garcia Jiu Jitsu black belts. It was established in 2011 and their jiu jitsu classes suit all levels from day 1 beginner to elite, active competitors. They pride themselves in running a friendly and welcoming academy with dedicated kids, ladies, and beginner jiu jitsu classes.
If you’re visiting Dublin for a weekend, you’ll be more than happy to know they offer a competition rounds class every Saturday from 2 PM to 3 PM.
The gym is located at junction 6 Castlenock of the M50 motorway (the motorway surrounding Dublin city). This will be the most accessible gym out of the 5 mention here if you’re coming from Dublin airport.