Axon Point, Author at Roll Deep BJJ

The mats in Barcelona always bring a certain kind of intensity. This past April, a small but dedicated contingent from Roll Deep BJJ made the trip to Spain for the 2026 IBJJF European Championships.

As a team, we went there to test ourselves against the best in the world. While we didn’t all come home with hardware, we came home with exactly what we needed: experience, lessons, and one very important gold medal.

The Standard-Bearer: Conn Leighton Takes Gold 🥇

The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the performance of our boy, Conn Leighton.

This was Conn’s first major tournament competing as a purple belt in the Master 1 division. To step onto a stage this big for your debut at a new rank is one thing; to dominate the way he did is another. Conn secured the Gold medal with an outstanding performance that reflected every hour of sweat and grind he’s put in at the academy.

His work ethic is second to none, and seeing it pay off on the European stage is a proud moment for the entire Roll Deep family. Conn is the perfect example of what happens when you trust the process and stay disciplined.

The Heart of the Team: Resilience in the Trenches

While the gold shines the brightest, the stories of our other competitors are just as vital to who we are as a gym.

Dominika Brykakika stepped up and put it all on the line. She lost a very tight first round, but the margins at this level are razor-thin. We are incredibly proud of her courage and the way she represents the team.
Craig Thomas had an amazing start to his tournament, winning a tough first match with a great performance. He narrowly lost his second match on points, showing he absolutely belongs at this elite level.
Coach Carlos also saw action, battling his way through to the quarter-finals before losing a tight match.

No Sad Stories

In BJJ, you either win or you learn. There are no sad stories here. We went to Barcelona, we stood our ground, and we saw exactly where we are and where we need to go.

That’s the beauty of this sport—the mats don’t lie. We’re heading back to the UK to adjust the details, tighten up the game, and get back to work. We’re already looking forward to returning next year with an even bigger squad and more experience under our belts.

What’s Next?

The European Championships was a major milestone for 2026, but the year is far from over. Our focus now shifts back to the academy, developing our students, and preparing for the next set of challenges.

Whether you’re looking to compete on the world stage like Conn or you’re just looking to start your own journey, there is a place for you on our mats.

WhatsApp us at +44 7711 028362 or email Rolldeepbjj@gmail.com

Let’s keep rolling.

— Team Roll Deep BJJ

Are you looking to boost your fitness, learn a practical skill, and join a community that feels like family? Welcome to Roll Deep BJJ, the leading academy for Brazilian jiu jitsu in Nottingham.

Based in the heart of the community, we provide high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training in a welcoming, ego-free environment. Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned competitor preparing for the Nottingham Open BJJ, our mats are open to everyone.

Who We Are: The Roll Deep Story

Roll Deep BJJ was founded with a simple mission: to make world-class martial arts accessible to everyone. The academy is led by Carlos, a highly experienced instructor known for his technical expertise and his passion for student progression.

Carlos has built Roll Deep on the foundations of respect, discipline, and community. When you join us, you aren’t just another member on a register; you are part of a team that supports your goals, whether they are physical, mental, or competitive.

Start for Free: Trials for Adults & Kids

We want you to feel confident that Roll Deep is the right fit for you. That is why we offer dedicated trial periods:

Adults: Enjoy a 1-day free trial to experience our fundamentals or all-levels classes.
Kids: We offer a full 1-week free trial for our junior programmes to ensure they love the mats before you commit.

Why Choose Martial Arts in Beeston?

Conveniently located for residents across the city, Roll Deep is the go-to destination for martial arts in Beeston. Our facility is designed to be a safe space where students can push their limits. BJJ is often called “human chess”—it’s a fantastic way to keep your brain engaged while getting the best workout of your life.

Something for Everyone: Our Classes

We pride ourselves on offering a diverse timetable that caters to all ages and skill levels. Here is a look at what we offer:

BJJ Beginners Courses: New to the sport? Our structured 8-week fundamentals path is designed to remove the “intimidation factor” and get you moving with confidence.
Little Squids (Ages 5-8): If you are searching for toddler jiu-jitsu in Nottingham, our Little Squids programme is the perfect start. We focus on coordination, listening skills, and building “bully-proof” confidence.
Teenage BJJ (Ages 9-15): A great outlet for stress relief from school, promoting physical fitness and social belonging.
Women’s Only BJJ: We offer a supportive, female-led environment for women to learn self-defence and grappling at their own pace.
Advanced & Competition Training: For those looking to test their skills, our “Pro Comp” classes prepare athletes for high-level shows like Grapple Fest and local tournaments.
1-to-1 Private Tuition: For rapid progression, Carlos and our team offer personalised coaching tailored specifically to your game.

Join the Crew Today

At Roll Deep BJJ, we believe the hardest part of training is walking through the front door for the first time. Once you’re here, the rest is easy!

If you are looking for martial arts in Nottingham that offers more than just a workout, come and see why our members love training with us.

Ready to start your journey? Click here to book your free trial and sign up!

Author: Axon Point

Roll Deep BJJ Takes Gold in Barcelona 2026