Latest news& updates

The Borderlands Grappling community has once again proven that our strength extends far beyond the mats. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our members and supporters, we are proud to announce a total donation of £75 to St Michael’s Hospice, raised entirely from the profits of our limited-edition "Breathe Easy" charity t-shirt. A massive thank you to the community The "Breathe Easy" campaign was launched with a simple but powerful mission: to channel the passion of our l

This weekend, student and assistant coach Andrew Lloyd made the trip to the prestigious BJJ British Open, stepping onto the mats to test his skills against the best in the UK and bringing home a well-deserved bronze medal. Andrew’s First British Championship The BJJ British Open is one of the toughest and most competitive events on the UK calendar, making it a major milestone for any grappler. This was Andrew’s very first time competing at the British. Stepping into an arena

At Borderlands Grappling, we believe that the mat is more than just a place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; it’s a place where young athletes build character, resilience, and lifelong friendships. To ensure our Juniors and Minis get the most out of every session, we’ve formalized our kids’ code of conduct. This isn't just a list of "dos and don’ts"—it’s the foundation of a safe, high-energy, and inclusive environment. Here is a breakdown of why these standards matter for our yo

The mats in Coventry were home to some of the highest-level grappling in the country this past weekend, and Borderlands Grappling was right in the thick of it. On April 25th, Coach Owain stepped onto the big stage at the ADCC National Championship, putting his skills to the test in one of the most prestigious and challenging environments in the sport. The road to the podium Owain’s day started with a statement victory. In his opening match, he showcased the technical precisio

At Borderlands Grappling, we believe the mats are about more than just technique—they’re about community, resilience, and looking out for one another. That’s why we are incredibly proud to announce our newest release: the "Breathe Easy" t-shirt . But this isn't just another piece of gear. We’ve committed 100% of the profits from every single sale to St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford. Why St Michael’s? For those in our local community, St Michael’s Hospice needs no introducti

We are thrilled to share that our gym has been featured in a major national media outlet, BJJ Eastern Europe (BJJEE). The article, written by our Head Coach, chronicles the journey of opening our doors and the challenges of building a thriving BJJ community in a town of just 10,000 people. When we first started, many skeptics said a specialized BJJ gym couldn’t survive in a smaller market—that the numbers simply wouldn't add up. In the feature, Coach dives deep into the "why

Image credit: Melissa Davies The mats of the United Kingdom are undergoing a quiet, yet powerful transformation. Once a space dominated by men, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academies across the country are seeing a surge in female participation that is reshaping the sport's landscape. Is female participation in BJJ growing? Participation in BJJ has exploded in the UK in recent years. The United Kingdom Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association (UKBJJA) reported over 1000 club members and

If you’ve spent any time falling down the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu YouTube rabbit hole, you already know the name, Jon Thomas. Known globally for having one of the most analytical BJJ styles, Jon has a knack for deconstructing complex modern guards into concepts that actually make sense for the rest of us. On July 11th, he’s bringing that world-class knowledge to our friends over at Three Points Martial Arts , and we've been invited. An exclusive invite for Borderlands Grappling T

Everything you need to know about our classes over the Easter weekend.

The mats were buzzing with energy last Sunday as we officially kicked off the first-ever Borderlands Minis session. Designed specifically for children aged 4 to 8 years old, this new program is all about introducing the next generation to the fundamentals of movement, discipline, and teamwork through the lens of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our inaugural class saw five enthusiastic youngsters take to the mats, ready to see what Borderlands is all about. Under the expert guidance of

Last Sunday marked a significant milestone for our academy as we officially launched our first-ever Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) class. Held at the Ludlow Primary School (Clee View) hall, the atmosphere was one of focused energy and shared ambition as we opened our mats to a new community of practitioners. Led by Coach Mel , the session was designed to break down the barriers often associated with combat sports. Mel brings a wealth of technical knowledge and a coaching

We are thrilled to announce a brand-new addition to the Borderlands Grappling timetable! Starting March 22nd, we are launching a dedicated Women’s Only Class at Ludlow Primary School. Whether you are looking to build functional strength, learn self-defense, or simply find a supportive community to stay active with, this class is designed specifically for you. Plus, you can give it a try with a 100% free trial . What to Expect Grappling is more than just a sport; it’s a way t

We are thrilled to announce that the all-new Borderlands Minis program will be launching on Sunday, 22nd March. If you’ve been looking for a fun, disciplined, and engaging way to get your little ones active, this is the perfect opportunity. Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) sessions are specifically designed to introduce younger children to the fundamentals of movement, coordination, and teamwork in a safe and supportive environment. Class Details Here is everything you need to k

The competition was fierce this past weekend as Borderlands Grappling sent two of its dedicated competitors to represent the gym at Roll Models 29 . Both Damian Lewis-Colledge and Andrew Lloyd stepped up to the challenge, proving that the hard rounds in the gym translate to podium finishes on the big stage. Here is a breakdown of how the day unfolded for our athletes. Damian "Hide Your Arms" Lewis-Colledge Damian had a busy day across both Gi and No-Gi divisions, finishing

Want to get rolling in Herefordshire? We've listed the best clubs in the county based on coaching, facilities and community vibe. Ground Hammer in Hereford tops the list, closely followed by The Combat Academy in Hereford and Borderlands Grappling for North Herefordshire. Below you will find all of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in Herefordshire and all the information you need to make an informed decision on which one is best for you. This guide was created with our He

Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is like being dropped into the middle of the ocean. You’re drowning in techniques, terminology, and "expert" advice from every corner of the internet. Most beginners make the mistake of trying to do everything at once - lifting, cardio, solo drills, and endless YouTube tutorials, only to find their progress on the mats is stalling. If you want to stop spinning your wheels, you need to know where to spend your energy. Here is the Training Focus Ti

Borderlands Grappling has officially expanded its weekly schedule, offering students a new way to refine their technique and build community. Starting last week, Coach Mel is now leading a dedicated open mat session every Sunday morning at Cast Iron Culture . Sharpen Your Game These sessions are designed to give practitioners a break from the structured pace of traditional classes. Instead, the focus shifts to individual growth. Whether you are looking to troubleshoot a speci

Borderlands Grappling students now have a faster, simpler way to stay connected with the club and manage their training schedule thanks to the Fit by Wix app. Whether you’re looking to secure your spot in a busy no-gi session, plan your week of training in advance, or keep up with club news on the go, the app brings everything into one streamlined hub. You can download the app on both IOS and Android here: https://www.mobileapp.app/to/WLLDEv5?ref=cl The app is for current s

Well, 2025 is coming to a close and we've ticked off the end of year grading and parties - but that doesn't mean Borderlands is closing its doors for the year. However, we will be running a limited timetable for a few weeks to allow ample time for family, turkey and Christmas movie marathons. Below you will find everything you need to know about what's going on at Borderlands between now and the start of 2025. week 1 (15/12 to 21/12) Timetable running as normal. week 2 (22/12

Last Saturday marked a massive day for Borderlands Grappling. We held our annual grading, training, and social event, and the energy on the mats was absolutely electric. It’s hard to believe how far we have come in the last 12 months . We had 13 students step up to be graded, and the turnout for the social afterwards was double that of last year—a true testament to the growing grappling community we are building in Ludlow. A Historic Promotion: Our First Blue Belt The highli