Private Training at Gracie Barra Roundhay

Personal coaching for faster progress in BJJ, No-Gi and grappling

Private training gives you focused, one-to-one coaching that accelerates your development and builds confidence in every area of your Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you are a complete beginner, an experienced student or preparing for competition, our private sessions help you learn faster, correct mistakes and progress with a clear plan.

Work directly with one of our qualified coaches to refine your technique, improve fitness, develop strategy or target specific goals. Every session is tailored to you.

Our Coaches

  • Mike Bates

    Elite performance. Skill acquisition, technical refinement, and conceptual understanding. Confidence on and off the mats.

    Professor Mike Bates is a second degree black belt, Founder & Head Instructor of GBRL.  Mike has been training Jiu Jitsu for 25 years and received his black belt in 2017 from Professor Victor Estima (Head of Gracie Barra Europe).

    Mike fuses his deep knowledge of the art with his personal experiences leading elite covert intelligence gathering and military teams, rowing across oceans and coaching elite professional athletes.   Mike’s experiences are in demand and have been refined to develop confidence, courage and clarity in all aspects of life.

    Areas of focus:
    - Expert fundamentals & goal setting
    - Personal confidence & courage
    - Elite performance
    - Conceptual understanding

    Contact Mike

  • Sam Hewitt

    MMA, submission grappling, striking, BJJ and S&C

    Sam offers a wide range of high-level private sessions for both adults and kids. Ranging from submission grappling, wrestling, leg locks, striking for mma and even strength and conditioning sessions in our own reorg room. Sam works with students that are intresting in competing, looking to improve their skill, fitness and confidence. Sam is a dedicated and passionate teacher with real-life experience competing and teaching MMA and BJJ. He has also worked for years as a personal trainer with a background in competition preparation and bodybuilding.

    Areas of focus
    - ⁠BJJ
    - ⁠⁠Submission grappling
    - ⁠⁠Wrestling
    - ⁠⁠MMA
    - ⁠⁠Strength and conditioning
    - ⁠⁠Fitness and physical transformations

    Book with Sam

  • Ben Griffiths

    BJJ Development and Technical Progression

    Ben is a purple belt and GB3 coach. He specialises in helping students build strong guard systems, understand transitions and sharpen their strategy. Private sessions with Ben allow you to deep dive into your personal game and make meaningful improvements quickly.

    Areas of focus:
    - Guard development and problem-solving
    - Positional strategy
    - Technical foundations
    - Improving competition confidence
    - Analysing and fixing gaps in your game

    Book with Ben

  • James Francey-Frost

    Fundamentals, Concepts & Structured Goal Setting

    James is a purple belt who coaches GB1 and the Kids Advanced programme. He focuses on high quality fundamentals, clear positional concepts and setting SMART goals that make each session productive. Training with James helps you build strong technique and long term understanding.

    Areas of focus:
    - Fundamentals and positional concepts
    - SMART goal setting
    - Structured progression plans
    - Improving problem areas
    - Kids advanced private sessions also available

    Book with James

Why Choose Private Training?

  • Personal attention that speeds up learning

  • Work on specific positions, weaknesses or goals

  • Improve confidence before joining classes

  • Build competition skills and strategy

  • Learn at your own pace with structured coaching

  • Flexible times to fit your schedule

    All sessions take place in a safe, friendly and professional environment at GBRL.

Contact a coach

Use the form below to get in touch with your chosen coach and discuss your goals or any questions you have.

Private BJJ Training FAQs

Here are some common questions about our No-Gi BJJ classes to help you feel prepared before your first session.

  • No. Private sessions are suitable for complete beginners through to advanced students. Your coach will tailor the session to your level and goals.

  • Private training gives you one-to-one attention, allowing your coach to focus on your specific strengths, weaknesses and goals. You progress faster because everything is customised to you.

  • Yes. Private training is one of the best ways to prepare for competition. Your coach can help with strategy, specific positions, mindset work and realistic training scenarios.

  • This varies by coach, but most private BJJ sessions at GBRL run between 45 and 60 minutes. Longer blocks can be arranged if needed.

  • Anything you like. Common focus areas include passing, guard development, escapes, takedowns, No-Gi skills, leg lock systems, fundamentals and competition strategy.

  • Yes. Many students choose one session per week to support their regular training, while others book two or more when preparing for competition or working on a specific goal.

  • Yes. Private training can be arranged for children or teens who want extra confidence, targeted development or help with specific positions. Your coach will ensure sessions are age-appropriate.

  • No. Your coach will work at your pace and help you build fitness gradually and safely.

  • Wear a clean GB gi for gi sessions or GB rash guard and shorts or leggings for No-Gi. If you are unsure, your coach will tell you what is needed.

  • You can contact your preferred coach directly through this page on the website. They will arrange availability and answer any questions.