About SBG Orkney

SBG Orkney was founded in December 2022 by purple belt Mick who relocated to Orkney from England in August 2022. As Mick was a purple belt, he was fortunate enough that this level enabled him to officially register as an instructor and obtain the appropriate club insurance. The club was initially started on a trial basis to test the market and assess its viability. However, it has since proved a huge success and we now have over 60 registered members. Due to this popularity and success, it was decided to incorporate as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company so that we could reinvest profits back into the club to be able to offer more services to the local community of Orkney. Additionally, by incorporating as a CIC, we now have a board of 3 directors who are involved in the running and the continued future success of the club, and who bring a diverse range of skills and attributes. Orkney BJJ was incorporated as a CIC on the 11th of May 2023 and is also a registered and certified member of Social Enterprise UK. We now boast 91sm of mat space and offer classes in BJJ and MMA.

SBG Orkney is an insured member of the single-style regulatory body – The UK Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association (UKBJJA) and is also registered with the multi-style regulatory body – The British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA). We are affiliated with the Straight Blast Gym (SBG) UK network and are also in the process of affiliating with Boxing Scotland.

Mission Statement
SBG Orkney promotes the advancement of mental, physical and social well-being in the local village of St Mary’s and the wider community of Orkney through the participation of accessible and affordable martial arts. Referrals, incentives and subsidies are to be provided for a range of diverse, less advantaged, vulnerable target groups.

SBG Affiliation

In order for the continued progression of the instructor’s own BJJ journeys, as well as for the benefit of the club and its students, it was discussed and decided that affiliation with Straight Blast Gym (SBG) would be a positive move. SBG is an international network of clubs, with a strong network of affiliated clubs throughout the UK, including local clubs nearby on the mainland in Moray and Aberdeen. It is envisaged that this affiliation will bring positive benefits to the community of Orkney, and the students of the club will be able to move up through the ranks of the BJJ curriculum. We will also be able to host and attend seminars and training events run by the high level coaches at SBG. Once again we were fortunate in gaining agreement from SBG UK to be able to affiliate with their brand from the launch of our club. Orkney BJJ CIC is affiliated with the Straight Blast Gym network and therefore uses the trading name of SBG Orkney.

Instructors

Mick is currently the head instructor for the club. Mick has previously trained in Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA and has been enthusiastically involved in health and fitness from a young age. He has been training in BJJ since 2013 and received his blue belt in 2014 from Dark Star Jiu-Jitsu Hastings. He later received his purple belt at Roger Gracie Brighton (now Grand Union Jiu-Jitsu). Mick holds the following accreditations;

  • UKBJJA Coach License and Instructor Insurance
  • BMABA Level 1 Instructor Qualification
  • Highfield Emergency First Aid Qualified
  • Sports Scotland Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer Certified
  • Skills for Health Level 3 Safeguarding Children
  • Skills for Health Level 1 Safeguarding Adults
  • Disclosure Scotland Enhanced PVG Cleared

Thomas is an assistant instructor for the club. He is a brown belt in judo and earned his blue belt in BJJ in May 2023. Thomas has been interested and trained in BJJ from a young age and he used to run a small unofficial NOGI grappling group in Orkney. Thomas also works with youths and is therefore fully vetted and he also has valuable transferable skills in the safeguarding and well-being of students.

Policies

SBG ORKNEY SAFEGUARDING POLICIES

Location

SBG Orkney BJJ gym

Holm Community Centre

SBG Orkney boasts 91sm of mat space and is currently run out of Holm community centre located in St Mary’s. This is 15 minutes on the X1 bus from Kirkwall, there is also ample free parking, toilets and changing facilities.

Club Rules

Students will be required to complete and sign a registration form consisting of a basic health questionnaire, disclaimer and agreement to the club rules. These rules consists of but are not limited to;

  •  Students must be respectful towards other students
  • Egos must be left at the door
  • No shoes on the mats
  • Nails must be kept short as they can inadvertently cause serious skin gouges. Please also try to limit nail varnish on the toes as this rubs onto the mats and stains.
  • Please remove all jewellery, piercings and watches.
  • Please maintain you personal hygiene
  • Gi’s should be laundered before every class
  • Clothing should always be worn
  • It is your responsibility to inform the instructor of any illness or injury
  • Please put your phones on vibrate or silent mode
  • Please refrain from swearing
  • The wearing of mouth guards during sparing is advised.

See you on the mats!