BJJ Nottingham

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the UK has grown exponentially over the past 15 years, and there have been hotbeds around the UK. The obvious ones come quickly to mind, London, Liverpool, and Manchester to name a couple, but Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Nottingham now must be considered.

The Nottingham BJJ scene is one of the fastest growing in the country. Nottingham Jiu Jitsu can be seen through up-and-coming clubs as well as established ones such as Gracie Barra Nottingham, Spirit Dojo, Nottingham MMA, and Hardy Wallhead MMA. We will take a look into the offerings of each club and key info relating to the club. When in Nottingham next, make sure to check out a club and get a feel for the Nottingham jiu jitsu scene.

Gracie Barra Nottingham

Gracie Barra Nottingham is one of the premier gyms in the UK, run by BJJ legend Victor Estima, world NoGi champion and multiple-time World Gi Medalist. The Nottingham BJJ scene has benefited from the presence of such legends of the sport. When Victor and his brother, Braulio (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legend and world champion) moved to the UK to teach Jiu Jitsu, Braulio would settle in Birmingham while Victor would move to Nottingham.

It can be said Victor is one of the main reasons why Nottingham BJJ has been so successful. Many top athletes have come out of his academy including Oliver Lovell, Vanessa English, and Sean Coates, all medalists at major competitions and great representatives of Nottingham BJJ.

What is Available?

• BJJ
• Muay Thai
• Boxing
• MMA
• Wrestling
• No-GI
• HIIT
• Yoga
• Kids Classes

Coaches

• Victor Estima (Head Coach)
• Sean Coates (Head of Kids Programme)

Nottingham MMA

Nottingham MMA has its roots with Nottingham's famous MMA stars, Dan Hardy, Jimmy Wallhead, and Paul Daley. The current coach Paul Lukowski took over the gym in 2014, rebranding and relocating due to the gym outgrowing its original venue. Paul is an established Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and a veteran of multiple super fights, competing on shows such as Grapplefest.

What is Available?

• Grappling (Gi & No-Gi)
• Wrestling
• MMA
• Kids Classes

Spirit Dojo Legacy

Spirit Dojo Legacy is the official training facility of Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley. The academy, previously based at the YMCA, now operates from its own location. The BJJ programme is run by Alliance Black Belt Lee Bown, who is also the coach of UFC and Bellator veteran Paul Daley.

What is Available?

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi)
• Kickboxing
• Striking
• MMA
• Women’s Classes

Hardy Wallhead MMA

Hardy Wallhead MMA is run by two Nottingham MMA legends: UFC veterans Dan ‘The Outlaw’ Hardy and ‘Judo’ Jimmy Wallhead. The academy offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi), No-Gi Grappling, wrestling, and MMA. Jimmy Wallhead is the head coach overseeing MMA classes, while the BJJ side is run by black belt Joe Taylor, a long-time student of Braulio Estima black belt Kevin Webb.

What is Available?

• BJJ (Gi & No-Gi)
• Wrestling
• MMA
• Kids Classes

Competitors and Well-Known Practitioners

Mark Lindars, Sean Coates, Oliver Lovell, and Shane Curtis are just a few names who have competed in high-level events and are well known in the Nottingham BJJ scene.

Final Thoughts

While this list is not exhaustive, these are some of the top Nottingham BJJ academies. Keep an eye out for similar articles on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scene in the UK and other places around the world. Wishing you all the best out there on the mats!

- Team Progress Jiu Jitsu