Beginner BJJ Classes in Belfast

  • Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through clear, structured coaching.

  • Adult Foundations training with no previous BJJ experience needed.

  • Develop practical self-defence skills through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.


ICON JIU JITSU BELFAST

Boucher Road • Belfast

Learn the foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Group of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in gis and belts posing for a photo in a training facility with a sign that reads 'ICON' on the wall.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art and sport built around positioning, balance, control and technique. You'll learn how to move, escape difficult positions and apply techniques with a training partner.

At Icon Belfast, our adult Foundations classes introduce the essential skills of BJJ through structured coaching. Our coaches explain and demonstrate techniques, then help you practise them step by step. No previous martial arts experience is needed to get started.

As you develop your BJJ skills, you'll also learn positioning, control and escapes that can be useful for practical self-defence. Self-defence is one of the benefits of learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, rather than a separate programme we offer.

Our academy is on Boucher Road, Belfast, with free parking, changing rooms and showers. Contact the team to find out more about our Foundations classes and getting started.

Starting BJJ: Your Questions Answered

  • No. You don't need any previous martial arts or BJJ experience to start training at Icon Belfast. Our Foundations classes help you develop the essential skills and understanding of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with coaches explaining techniques and helping you practise them.

  • Foundations focuses on the core skills of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, including movement, positioning, balance, control, escapes and submissions. You'll learn techniques through coaching, demonstrations and practice with a training partner, building your skills as you progress.

  • Yes. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu develops practical skills such as positioning, balance, control and escaping difficult situations. These skills can be useful for self-defence, while the main focus of our classes remains learning and developing your BJJ.

  • Our adult Foundations classes are a great place to begin. They focus on the essential techniques and skills of BJJ, helping you build a strong understanding of the sport. Contact the team if you'd like help choosing a suitable class.

  • You don't need any previous experience to begin Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Icon Belfast. Our coaches will help you get started, and your BJJ Gi (uniform) is included as part of your welcome to the team when you join.

  • Contact our team to find out about current adult class times and which Foundations session would suit you. We'll help you find a suitable class and answer any questions you have about getting started.

Develop Your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Skills

Two male Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in gis practicing a technique on a mat in a gym, with other practitioners training in the background.

BJJ technique
Learn positioning, movement and control through coached partner practice.

Fitness through training
Stay active while learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu movements and techniques.

Progress through practice
Develop your understanding and refine your BJJ skills over time.

Practical self-defence
Develop control and escapes as an additional benefit of learning BJJ.

What to Expect in Your First BJJ Class

Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is about learning something new, one technique at a time.

In our Foundations classes, coaches explain and demonstrate techniques before helping you practise them with a training partner. You'll begin developing an understanding of BJJ positions, movement and control, building your skills through regular training.

There's no need to know any techniques before you start. Our coaches are there to guide you, answer questions and help you develop confidence in what you're learning.

Two Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners practicing on a mat, with four more practitioners lying or sitting in the background, one of whom is being attended to by an instructor.

Everyone starts somewhere.

Whether you're returning to sport, looking for a new challenge or interested in learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, our adult classes give you the opportunity to develop skills, improve your fitness and become part of a supportive training environment.

At Icon Belfast, you'll learn techniques you can continue developing for years to come, with coaches and training partners helping you progress.

I was nervous starting at icon

i never looked back!

–Rob mcconchie, Current Member

Take your training to the next level

  • Man in a white Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi with black belt standing in martial arts training room.

    David Terry

    Head Coach

    I am a BJJ black belt and I have trained with the Icon Team under Zé Marcello for over 17 years.  I loved the culture of the global Icon team as soon as I joined and it was exciting to be able to open my own Icon school and carry on our culture of no ego training, welcoming so many new starters to the sport.

  • Martial arts instructor practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a young student on a mat, other children training in the background.

    Tony McMorrow

    Childrens Programme Director

    Being a qualified Youth/Community worker for over 25 years with extensive expertise working with kids with disabilities, complex needs like ADHD, ASD , anger problems and running projects focusing on a group work setting, it was natural for me to get involved with the kids programmes at Icon.

  • Man in a white Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi with black belt standing against a plain wall.

    Zé Marcello

    Icon Founder

    Zé Marcello (sixth degree black belt) went from training on wooden floors in Brazil to creating a jiu-jitsu association with more than 140 affiliates.

    Icon Jiu Jitsu team founder and head coach, now living permanently in England.

Begin Your Jiu Jitsu Journey