The History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Ireland
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has become one of the fastest-growing martial arts in Ireland, with dozens of gyms across Dublin and beyond. What started as a niche interest just a few decades ago is now a thriving community of practitioners, competitors, and coaches. But how did BJJ make its way from Brazil to the mats of Ireland?
Early Roots: From Brazil to Europe
BJJ was born in the early 20th century when the Gracie family in Brazil adapted traditional Japanese judo and jiu-jitsu into a ground-focused fighting system. Its effectiveness in both self-defense and mixed martial arts quickly gained worldwide attention, particularly after Royce Gracie’s success in the first UFC tournaments in the 1990s. This global spotlight inspired martial artists in Europe—including Ireland—to explore the art.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, a handful of Irish martial artists began traveling abroad to train with established Brazilian and European black belts. They brought home techniques, training methods, and the philosophy of BJJ, laying the groundwork for Ireland’s own scene.
The First Gyms in Ireland
The first dedicated BJJ clubs in Ireland were small, often operating out of community centers or shared martial arts spaces. Dublin was naturally the starting point, with early adopters running small classes for curious students who had seen BJJ in MMA or heard about its efficiency for self-defense.
One of the pivotal figures in Irish BJJ history was John Kavanagh, who became Ireland’s first BJJ black belt. Through his gym, Straight Blast Gym (SBG), Kavanagh introduced countless Irish students to the art and fostered a new generation of practitioners. His influence went beyond BJJ—his coaching of UFC fighter Conor McGregor brought even more attention to grappling in Ireland.
Growth of the Community
As more Irish students traveled abroad to compete and train, they returned with higher-level skills. Over time, the number of purple, brown, and eventually black belts in the country increased. This allowed more gyms to open and more instructors to teach locally, creating opportunities for beginners to learn without having to travel overseas.
By the 2010s, BJJ had spread beyond Dublin into Cork, Galway, Limerick, and other towns. Local competitions began to flourish, giving Irish athletes the chance to test their skills at home. Organizations like the Irish BJJ Association helped bring structure and recognition to the sport.
Today’s BJJ in Ireland
Today, Irish BJJ is thriving. Gyms across Dublin and the rest of the country cater to all levels, from children taking their first class to professional athletes competing internationally. High-level instructors regularly visit Ireland for seminars, and Irish competitors now make their mark on the European and global stage.
The community is also becoming more inclusive. Women’s programs, kids’ classes, and specialized self-defense courses are now standard in many gyms. What was once a small subculture is now a mainstream martial art in Ireland, embraced for fitness, competition, and personal development.
Final Thoughts
The story of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Ireland is one of passion, persistence, and community. From a handful of enthusiasts training on borrowed mats to a nationwide network of gyms, the growth has been remarkable. Whether you’re in Dublin looking for a place to train or simply curious about martial arts, Irish BJJ has never been more welcoming—or more exciting.
