Defiant Martial Arts

Fun, friendly and focused - head coach Justin leads by example and has created a fantastic, inclusive environment for anyone who wants to learn about BJJ.I signed up to the two week free trial on a whim, and as a middle aged woman with no martial arts experience I was really nervous. From the first time I stepped on the mats the coaches made me feel safe, welcome and supported. There's a good mix of men and women of all ages and belts, and everyone is happy to help, share experience and encourage you to progress. There are plenty of serious competitors and casual hobbyists, and classes cater for all levels.There are early morning, lunchtime and evening gi and nogi classes, as well as judo and wrestling on offer. Plus the gym is reassuringly clean and the mats are disinfected after classes.I would recommend Defiant to anyone wanting to explore BJJ. You'll be challenged as much as you want, and supported all the way. You certainly won't regret it!

Great little gym. Very welcoming, very clean, very modern. Coach is very friendly, no big marketing push, always you and your circumstances first. Members are fab, no egos and all keen to help you develop and improve. No questions are stupid questions. Love it.

Joined the gym in October 2022 for a 2 week free trial to try BJJ for the first time, absolutely loved it and joined as a full time member. The coaches are incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable and patient. Great atmosphere in the gym, train hard and have a laugh while doing it.There’s a mixture of Gi, NoGi classes, as well as wrestling and Judo which very few clubs can offer under one roof.Highly recommended anyone considering trying BJJ for the first time to join Defiant and give it a go!

Super friendly gym! I started here almost a year ago and I’ve dropped two dress sizes just with showing up to class and having fun. It’s such a different sport and the people are supportive and easy going.Gym is clean and there’s good space for changing. Plus there are weights etc if you want to add that to your training as well.You can train only women or the coach will place you with someone higher up to look after you. Always really good at monitoring how you’re doing it’s great. Highly recommend

Fantastic and very welcoming gym. Justin is highly knowledgeable & experienced and has a great ability to teach without overwhelming novices (like me) with too much information. The other coaches and higher belts are always helpful and keen to offer their advice. My son also attends and he loves it - the difference in his discipline, social skills, listening to instructions etc has been fantastic. BJJ is tough but highly rewarding and this is a great place to learn!

I started here as a complete beginner and was welcomed and made to feel part of the team from day one. There is a great group of people who are happy to help anyone wanting to get started or progress your BJJ.

I’ve been interested in starting to take up BJJ but since moving back to Belfast it’s impossible to find a club which suits my religious needs.I reached out to Justin and told him my situation and from day one he has been amazing! Fully supportive of my religious needs and even called me to find out more ways he can make me feel comfortable.I’m glad that I found this place and can explore BJJ without compromising my religion.Thank you Justin (and the members - all have been understanding and accommodating).So anyone from an ethnic minority background / or have any religious requirements - definitely sign up to this club, really inclusive and you’re made to feel very much part of the community regardless of your background!Now to the gym:Justin is a great coach, takes his time explaining the moves and the why behind it.The other coaches are great too!It’s a friendly and welcoming environment from all members (everyone is more than happy to give advice and help - no egos!).When practicing the moves, Justin and other coaches or higher belts come over to you, watch and give you personal 1-1 support which I find hugely beneficial!Hygiene wise - a clean gym which is disinfected regularly.Give it a go and see for yourself!

I've been a member of Defiant Martial Arts for almost 6 months, and I can't recommend this club enough!I don't have a contact sports background or any form of martial arts experience prior to joining, so it's safe to say I was very nervous stepping onto the mats for the first time.Justin, his coaches, and all the members made me feel very welcome and put my nerves at ease and safely let me experience arm bars for the first time!!Like me, take your first steps with Defiant Martials Arts and make friends and experiences for life!

Starting Brazilian jiu-jitsu can seem like a daunting process as most people tend to worry about what kind of environment they are entering, what might be expected of them or how they will be treated. This is especially true for people who have never studied a martial art before and there is additional pressure to choose the right school or coach.After a ten year hiatus from martial arts I decided to finally commit to learning BJJ so I googled all the clubs in my local area and looked at their respective websites and facebook pages. Still none the wiser I decided to email a some of the clubs to get more information about their classes and club structure. RMNU Ireland head coach Justin McGibbon was the first to email me back (some didn't bother) and answer my queries. After a few more email exchanges I went to one the Monday night sessions at the Valley leisure centre where I met the guys and after years of procrastination (re)started my bjj journey.RMNU are a great team with no undue pressure and a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Beginners are made to feel welcome and learning / rolling increases in a way that is concurrent with your skill level. Great club, great atmosphere and approachable, highly knowledgeable coaches. Highly recommended.

Joined the team by signing up for the beginners course. Unbelievable offer and now I am full member. They offer a wide variety of classes throughout the day with top level coaches and a very welcoming atmosphere. If you are thinking about doing BJJ then look no further, you won’t regret it!