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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Leeds: Where to Train
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Leeds has strong coaching across two Gracie Barra academies and a high-volume MMA gym led by a UFC veteran.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Leeds has real strength for a city of its size, with two Gracie Barra academies run by decorated competitors and a large MMA gym led by a UFC veteran. Whether you want a structured gi curriculum or a busy MMA-adjacent mat, Leeds covers it.
Academies in Leeds
- Gracie Barra Horsforth Leeds — a Gracie Barra academy in North Leeds run by Oliver Lovell, a black belt and world BJJ medallist, with a full curriculum including kids, adults, and a fitness class. Address: Wira Business Park, 250 Ring Road, LS16 6EB. Contact: +44 7855 335425, graciebarrahorsforth@gmail.com.
- Gracie Barra Roundhay Leeds — a second Gracie Barra academy in the LS8 area of North Leeds, running the same standardised Gracie Barra curriculum with access to the IBJJF competition circuit.
- **AVT MMA Leeds** (Asylum Vale Tudo) — based in Morley, run by UFC veteran Danny Mitchell, a 2nd-degree BJJ black belt. It runs over 40 classes a week across BJJ, grappling, wrestling, MMA, boxing, and Muay Thai, plus women's-only classes.
- Senshi BJJ — a Bramley academy, formerly a Gracie Barra member and now under Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Europe, with experienced black belt coaching.
Choosing a Leeds Gym
The academies sit in different parts of a spread-out city — Horsforth and Roundhay in the north, Morley and Bramley to the south and west — so travel time matters. Decide first whether you want a dedicated Gracie Barra gi curriculum or a high-volume MMA-adjacent mat like AVT.
Then run the standard checks: verified black belt lineage, enough weekly beginner classes, and gi or no-gi to match your goal. Take the free trial. Our guide on choosing a BJJ gym close to you covers weighing a strong reputation against schedule fit.
What Training Costs in Leeds
Leeds memberships are among the more affordable in the UK, below the English city-centre average. Most academies bill monthly with a separate one-off gi cost. Confirm what open mat and no-gi access are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tagged with:#Leeds#UK#city guide#gyms
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs Gracie Barra Horsforth Leeds?
Oliver Lovell, a black belt and world BJJ medallist. The academy is at Wira Business Park, 250 Ring Road, LS16 6EB (07855 335425) and runs a full curriculum for kids and adults.
What is AVT MMA Leeds?
Asylum Vale Tudo, a Morley-based MMA and BJJ gym run by UFC veteran Danny Mitchell, a 2nd-degree BJJ black belt. It runs over 40 classes a week including BJJ, wrestling, MMA, and striking, plus women's-only classes.
Is Leeds a good place to learn BJJ?
Yes. For its size Leeds has strong coaching, with two Gracie Barra academies run by decorated competitors and a large MMA gym led by a UFC veteran. All run beginner programmes.
How much does BJJ cost in Leeds?
Among the more affordable in the UK, below the English city-centre average. Expect a monthly membership plus a separate one-off gi cost.
Which part of Leeds has the most BJJ?
North Leeds — Horsforth and Roundhay both have Gracie Barra academies. AVT is in Morley to the south and Senshi BJJ is in Bramley to the west. Pick by commute.
Sources & Further Reading
About the Author
Mohsin AyubBJJ practitioner, 6 years — Gracie Barra
Founder & Editor, BJJ Sportswear
Mohsin has trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for six years at Gracie Barra and has competed at IBJJF-affiliated tournaments. He writes about competition, gear, and athlete careers, and founded BJJ Sportswear to help grapplers find equipment and information they can trust.
- Six years training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra
- Competed at IBJJF-affiliated tournaments
- Writes on BJJ competition, gear testing, and athlete careers
This article was last reviewed and updated on 2026-08-28.