What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is widely recognised as one of the most effective and respected combat sports in the world, focussing on grappling techniques with takedowns, joint locks, and chokeholds. Its emphasis on ground fighting and submission techniques gives fighters a significant advantage, allowing them to control opponents and finish fights without relying solely on striking. BJJ is a cornerstone of modern Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and has proven to be one of the most effective and essential disciplines in the UFC and other MMA promotions. Many of the top UFC champions and MMA fighters have a strong BJJ background, showcasing the sport's importance as a combat sport. Beyond the mats, BJJ is valued for its practicality in self-defense, its ability to build mental resilience, and its transformative impact on physical fitness. By joining the QUB BJJ Club, you'll develop invaluable self-defense and grappling skills, improve your fitness, confidence, and mental discipline. You'll also become part of a supportive and dedicated training community that fosters personal growth and lasting friendships. 

When do we train?

We offer a variety of training sessions to fit around a busy student schedule. 

Where do we train?

We train on the minor hall dojo mats upstairs at Queen's PEC, Botanic Park, Stranmillis Embankment, Belfast BT9 5EX. 

How do I join?

Joining our club is easy. We have links in our instagram on how to pay the £10 initial sign-up fee. This will lead you to a groupchat, where we discuss details on classes and social events.

Rules for training at QUB BJJ

Health and Hygiene

Jiu jitsu is a very close-contact activity. If good hygiene standards are not maintained, members can become unwell from skin infections and other illnesses. So we ask all members to adhere to the following hygiene guidelines :

• Do not attend class if you are unwell
• Shower regularly
• Wear clean clothes to class
• Footwear is prohibited on the mats
• Footwear must be worn OFF the mats, even temporarily
• Fingernails and toenails must be kept short
• Jewellery is prohibited on the mats

If you find yourself bleeding, make sure to stop training immediately and address it right away by cleaning and covering the wound before returning to training. Also, if any blood has contaminated the mats clean this as well, and let the instructor know, as they may wish to disinfect the area.

Sparring

We ask that all members take care when sparring. It is a time to practice techniques shown in the class, not a time to go crazy. Keep things relaxed and controlled. Your training partners are there to help you improve and if you go excessively hard on them, chances are they will go excessively hard back. In the interest of safety, all members must adhere to the following rules:

• If your training partner taps, stop whatever you are doing
• If you feel a submission, tap early. Don’t be stubborn, it risks injury
• Maintain good awareness of the people sparring around you
• Make sure to consider differences in rank, size, age, and gender
• Stop immediately when the instructor signals the end of a round

The following techniques are not permitted to be used in sparring by anyone in the club:

• Slams
• Neck cranks
• Twisters, or any spinal locks

The following techniques are permitted ONLY if both athletes have the rank of purple belt or higher AND there is mutual consent between both athletes:

• Heel hooks
• Kneebars
• Toeholds
• Knee reaps

If you aren’t aware of what these techniques entail, please ask an instructor so they can inform you.

Lastly, have fun! Whether you’re at training just to exercise or you want to compete, we are all a team and will always show support to each other. We look forward to seeing you on the mats!

QUB Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club Committee 2025-2026

Chairperson/President: Niall Owens

Secretary: Anna Hutchinson

Treasurer: Misty Saha

Social Media Manager: Amalia Louis Emieux

Social Secretary: Sorcha O'Neill

Wellfare Officer: Sofia Barrett

Competition Coordinator: Euan Simpson