Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
& MMA in Manchester
Structured training for complete beginners, experienced practitioners and competitive athletes in the heart of Manchester.
Expert Martial Arts Training in Manchester
SBG Manchester provides structured Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA training alongside no-gi grappling, boxing, kickboxing and wrestling for adults and children.
Established by Karl Tanswell in 1999, we are Manchester’s original Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts academy. Our experienced coaching team helps complete beginners, recreational students and competitive athletes develop within a friendly, professional training environment.
Whether you want to improve your fitness, learn practical skills, compete or simply find an enjoyable way to train, we will give you a clear and progressive route forward.
Why Train at SBG Manchester?
Develop genuine skill through structured coaching, progressive training and the support of an established martial arts community.
Experienced, Professional Coaching
Established in 1999, SBG Manchester has decades of experience coaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA and combat sports at every level.
A Clear Path of Progression
Our structured curriculum introduces skills at the right time, allowing you to build strong foundations before progressing to more advanced training.
A Supportive Training Community
Train alongside people with different backgrounds, abilities and goals in an environment built around mutual respect and steady improvement.
Training With a Purpose
Build confidence, fitness, resilience and practical ability through training that challenges you while supporting long-term development.
Our Training Curriculum
Our curriculum provides a clear route from your first class through to advanced training, without rushing development or introducing unnecessary complexity.
Strong Foundations
We begin with the fundamental movements, positions and principles that support everything you will learn later. Developing these foundations properly makes training safer, more effective and easier to understand.
Progressive Skill Development
New skills are introduced in a logical order and developed through practice, drilling and live training. You progress when you are ready, with guidance from experienced coaches.
Practical, Tested Skills
Techniques are developed against realistic resistance so students learn timing, movement and application—not simply a collection of movements performed without context.
Learn at the Right Level
Our class structure helps students train at an appropriate level while providing a clear route towards more advanced practice.
Build Your Foundations
Learn essential movements, positions and skills in a supportive introduction to training.
Develop Your Game
Expand your technical knowledge and apply it through more challenging training.
Train Together
Continue developing alongside students with a range of experience and training goals.
What Our Members Say
The best way to understand SBG Manchester is to hear from the people who train here. Read what our members say about the coaching, community and their experience on the mats.
Finding SBG Manchester
We are located on Sheffield Street in Manchester city centre, approximately five minutes on foot from Manchester Piccadilly Station.
Five Minutes From Piccadilly
Manchester Piccadilly railway station is approximately five minutes away on foot. Nearby tram stops also provide easy access from across Greater Manchester.
Convenient Local Parking
Pay-and-display parking is available directly outside the gym, with a large public car park opposite for additional spaces at busier times.
External Bicycle Parking
Bicycles can be secured to the railings outside the building. Please remember that bicycles are left there at the owner’s risk.
Attending a class? Ask at reception for the parking discount code, which currently reduces the nearby parking charge to £1 per hour.
Book an Intro Session
A relaxed introduction to training at SBG Manchester. No pressure, no experience required.