Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Rigan Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association, Europe (RAPID Academy)
Our Brazilian Jiu jitsu classes cater for kids age 6+ and adults. Fermanagh Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an official member of RAPID Academy in Italy which is the home of the Rigan Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association in Europe under Prof. Antonio La Salandra, 6th degree black belt and direct student of Rigan Machado.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a combat sport and self defence system based on grappling, mainly on the ground, using leverage, locks, chokes and positional dominance to control and submit an opponent. BJJ evolved from Judo which evolved from Japanese Ju Jitsu and has continued to evolve with new techniques and training methods developing over time.
Our instructor is Lyle Gawley who is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Prof. Antonio La Salandra. He is trained in first aid, child protection and is vetted through Access NI.
Please visit our contact page to get in touch.
BJJ belts
The best thing to do is to not worry about belts! It is good to set goals to aim towards, especially for kids, but always remember it is about the journey (training) not the destination (belt). The best way to ensure progress in bjj is to train as often as you can.
The adult system is white (beginner), blue, purple, brown, black with usually 2 to 3 years minimum between belts. Students can also earn stripes on their belts between grades. Our adult belt promotions are done by our head coach Prof. Antonio La Salandra.
Kids belts are white, grey & white, grey, grey & black, yellow & white, yellow, yellow & black, orange & white, orange, orange & black, green & white, green, green & black with at least a year at each belt.
It takes commitment and hard work to progress through the ranks in jiu jitsu but it is worth it and nothing worth having comes too easy! We always see the people who have been promoted but behind that is those who haven't. Remember to take your time. It's not about being promoted or getting stripes every time someone else does. Don't compare your training to anyone else as even though we are on the same path, we are all moving at different speeds. Your instructor will promote you when he believes you are ready.