A MMA coach from North Belfast is hoping to give something back to his local community through the teaching of martial arts.
Niall Smith has opened his Roots Jiu Jitsu school at Hillview Road which will cater adults of all ages, male and female.
An Open Day is being held this Sunday, July 21 from 12 to 2pm, for anyone interested finding out more about martial arts, and even step on the mats for the first time.
"Classes will commence on Monday, July 22 with a beginner's program coming next month," Niall said.
"The gym is open to adults of all ages, male and female, and we will have kids classes coming soon.
"The classes will focus on using the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as structure while acknowledging and addressing the applications for MMA and self defence."
Niall was born and raised in North Belfast and has trained in martial arts since he was just 12.
He now wants to give something back to his own community.
"I am interested in giving something back as I feel indebted to martial arts," he added.
"It has been a vehicle to which I have improved my entire life, and there is a big demand as there is no Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in North Belfast."
Niall has trained in Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, Boxing, Muay Thai and MMA. and was previously a coach at SBG Belfast where he worked for the past three years.
"Through consistency, discipline and hard work we improve ourselves both on and off the mats to become better versions of ourselves," he said.
"We are a club that strives to give fun, safe and practical lessons in both the sport and art of Jiu-Jitsu. So hopefully anyone who is interested comes down on Sunday for a look around.
"They will definitely like what they see."
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