Other Sport / martial arts
Former bank receives new lease of life as martial arts centre
A bank building that has been closed for more than four years has received a new lease of life as a martial arts centre and premium gym facility.
The former Barclays branch on the Clifton Triangle, which closed in April 2021, had remained vacant until its transformation into Roger Gracie Academy, offering a seven-day gym, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA classes, yoga and a co-working space capable of hosting 20 people at a time.
The Bristol franchise of Roger Gracie, co-owned by the brothers Luke and Clayton Chamberlain, specialises in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the tradition of Roger Gracie, one of the revered figures in the history of martial arts training.
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The Bristol franchise of Roger Gracie Academy was founded by the brothers Luke (pictured) and Clayton Chamberlain
The site on Queen’s Road marks the fourth Roger Gracie Academy to open in Bristol, following sites in Greystoke Avenue in Southmead, Foundry Lane in Speedwell and Duckmoor Road Industrial Estate in Ashton.
The Chamberlain brothers’ journey has not been without challenges.
The main site at Southmead Youth Centre, next to Aldi on Greystoke Avenue, was earmarked for auction in October 2024 by the city council. Luke Chamberlain launched a petition citing the loss of a community hub and the adjacent memorial garden, built to remember three young people who tragically died in 2005.
One of the changing rooms of the new gym
The petition gathered over 960 signatures, helping reverse the original decision and allowing the brothers to secure the site with local investment.
The business secured a £390,000 funding boost from Bristol and Bath Regional Capital (BBRC) to support its growth and sustainability, which Luke cited as a “massive boost”.
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Speaking to Bristol24/7, Luke Chamberlain described the Clifton Triangle as “the perfect location”.
“This is the first dedicated martial arts training centre in the heart of Bristol and our most prestigious location,” he said.
“The purpose-renovated, three-floor facility offers our broadest range of activities yet. There’s also a co-working space designed to foster community, allowing members to come in before or after work, pre- or post-training, and feel comfortable spending time with friends, working, or simply being part of the space.
“This isn’t just somewhere to train and leave — it’s a place to connect, engage and make part of your lifestyle.”
One of the three martial arts studios with an assortment of robes of various sizes
The four sites currently serve around 1,200 members. Beyond paying clients, the academy runs BJJ AID, a pro bono initiative providing free Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training to public service workers, including the police, fire, prison, NHS and ambulance services.
The academy also partners with charities and community organisations to deliver structured programs supporting personal resilience and well-being.
The vault from the basement of the bank was retained and repurposed as a gym space
The group has also sponsored Clifton Rugby Club, Bristol Pakistani Cricket Club and the Robbins Foundation, further extending community engagement.
Luke Chamberlain, who began martial arts training under his father, Steve “Elmer” Chamberlain, grew up in North Bristol and is a former pupil of St Bede’s in Lawrence Weston. Reminiscing about his school days, he said with a smile, “I probably left school before I should have because I was a bit naughty”.
The three-floor Clifton Triangle facility is almost complete and opened its doors in mid-July. The Chamberlains retained the original vault of the bank and has repurposed as “The Vault Gym”.
The former Barclays branch in Clifton Triangle was closed in 2021
All photos: Milan Perera
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