Frequent Questions

If you are interested in joining SBG Belfast, you first must book an appointment for a free, no-obligation one-on-one Consultation with one of our team.

Once your Consultation is booked via our online booking system, we will confirm via email and include a link to complete an online Consultation Form. This enables our team to discuss your training needs and goals, and identify which package is best suited for you.

You will receive an email reminder 24 hours before your appointment. During the session, we will explain the programme in full and give you a chance to jump on the mat and try a class.

A member of our Consultation Team will talk this through at your appointment based upon your Consultation Form. We encourage everyone to try a range of classes first off to see what fits best and experience variety.

Our coaches are always intently watching students in class looking for progression; they will advise what classes are best suited for you as you evolve.

At your Consultation, we go through the timetable according to your specific needs. Once you become a Member, we issue you a full, detailed timetable.

Should any changes occur (especially during seasonal holidays), all members are fully updated via our internal systems.

We have a specifically tailored 12 Week Foundations Programme for Beginners. Over the 12 weeks, you attend two classes per week where we teach the absolute fundamental movements of BJJ, from self-defence to sport Jiu-Jitsu.

This is the definitive way to begin your journey. We provide a free one-on-one Consultation to explain the programme in full.

Initially, you don't need to buy a Gi. Our classes are easily adapted for No-Gi, so shorts and a t-shirt (or long-sleeve top) are perfect to start. If you decide to progress, you will need a Gi; these can be purchased at reception where we can help with sizes and prices.

Specific "What to Bring" details are outlined in your booking confirmation email.

Absolutely. We are a family-orientated Martial Arts Centre with programmes for everyone from age 4 upwards.

For Kids (4-17): Growing Gorillas focuses on BJJ foundations and seasonal development like Nature Walks and team building. Cheeky Monkeys is a specialized programme for children with Autism, championing neuro-diversity in a safe environment with trained coaches.

For Ladies: We offer dedicated Ladies-only BJJ classes for all levels. Additionally, all our adult mixed classes (MMA, Kickboxing, Thai, Boxing, and Wrestling) are highly suitable for female members.

Yes. We have two separate Changing Rooms (Male/Female) and full Shower/Bathroom facilities for both. Access is fully secure for Members only, and lockers are provided for your gear.

Mon – Fri: 6:00am to 9:00pm

Sat: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Sun: 11:00am – 12:00pm & 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Competing takes commitment. Our coaches will endeavour to help you reach competition level based on your progress. We offer One-to-One Private Coaching across all MMA disciplines to help you prepare once you are familiar with your goals.

Rank is earned through two methods:

1. Merit: Coaches identify members consistently progressing, and stripes are awarded based on consistent improvement.

2. Grading Classes: You may be invited to specific sessions to be tested on technical ability and physical endurance, where stripes or belts are awarded based on overall performance.

All injuries or changes in health must be reported to a coach or the Consultation Team immediately for your safety. We keep an updated online medical record for every member.

We offer specialized Mobility (with Wil) and Sports Massage (with Rachel) for rehab. For pregnancy, we advise speaking to your GP immediately; you will not be able to continue standard classes, but we will discuss membership options to suit you.

If you need to freeze your membership, please provide a note from your GP.