Last Thursday (19 March), UFC athletes visited UKBJJA member club Grapple Hub, a community-led social project based in Tower Hamlets, East London.
The visit took place during fight week for UFC Fight Night at the O2 Arena, bringing an exciting opportunity for local young people to train alongside top-level athletes. UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett and featherweight Arnold Allen were joined by Tinie Tempah for a special training session led by Head Coach Abdul Hannan.
A Community Project Making a Difference
Founded in 2020 by youth worker and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt Abdul Hannan (Coach H), Grapple Hub was created with a clear mission: to use martial arts as a vehicle for positive change. The project focuses on supporting young people through mentorship, structure, and community engagement.
At the heart of the initiative is a free youth programme, aimed at underprivileged children and young people from low-income families across Tower Hamlets and surrounding areas. Sessions provide not only high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training but also a safe and supportive environment that promotes discipline, confidence, and personal growth.
Coach Hannan explained:
“Founded in March 2020 during lockdown, The Grapple Hub began in a small basement on Hessel Street as a positive outlet for people wanting to train and stay connected.
In June 2022, we transformed one of Tower Hamlets’ largest former drug cafés into a safe, inspiring space for our community.
All our coaches volunteer their time to ensure the project remains accessible to those who need it most. At The Grapple Hub, we believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport – it’s a tool for empowerment, character development, and building stronger communities.
Today, we run sessions throughout the week, offering free training for young people. Using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we empower youth with discipline and confidence, helping steer them away from drugs, crime, and anti-social behaviour.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond regular classes, Grapple Hub goes further by supporting students with competition costs, providing training equipment and kit, and offering mentorship that builds resilience, confidence, and a positive mindset.
A Special Occasion
During the visit, students demonstrated impressive technical skill while training with the UFC athletes and guests. The session took place on the final day of Ramadan, with many participants still fasting – making their performance even more commendable.
The event concluded with photos and a shared sense of community just ahead of Iftar, which all attendees were invited to join, and the commencement of the Muslim religious festival of Eid.
UKBJJA Chairwoman Lauren Brown, CEO Izzy Carnwath, and Coach Andy Roberts were also in attendance. Food for the evening was generously provided by local community businesses, Johnny Walls (Stepney) and Detroit Pizza (Bricklane).
Chairwoman Lauren Brown said: “We’re incredibly grateful to partner with the UFC to provide young people with the opportunity to train alongside world-class professional athletes. Experiences like this can be genuinely transformative. A special thank you to Coach Abdul, whose gym embodies Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at its best: welcoming, inclusive, and deeply rooted in community. The impact of that environment on young people cannot be overstated.”
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