Sub Club Open Mat

History

Sub Club began as a small group of friends getting together for some extra rounds and a bit of fun. What started as casual Sunday morning sparring quickly became a regular and much-loved part of the weekly training schedule.

The name “Sub Club” was born out of that relaxed, light-hearted atmosphere—playfully inspired by the cult classic Fight Club, but with a BJJ twist.

Our Sunday sessions are more than just sparring—they’re a great way to kick off the day with energy, community, and purpose. We’re proud to welcome friends from other gyms, academies, and clubs who regularly drop in to cross-train, share knowledge, and enjoy the friendly vibe on the mats.

Sub Club Open Mat

Dates: alternative Sundays (check timetable schedule)

Time: 09:30 – 11:00 am

Price: £10 per session

Sub Club Open Mat is an independent training session held at a separate location from Sub Club Grappling’s which is also a permanent dojo. While primarily focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, all grappling disciplines are welcome—whether you’re training in BJJ, submission wrestling, judo, traditional jiu-jitsu, or sambo. Participants are free to train in Gi, No-Gi, or both.

Our goal is to create a friendly and open environment where grapplers from all affiliations and academies can come together, cross-train, and test themselves against a wide range of training partners they might not usually encounter during the week.

Please arrive by 09:20 ready to start. The session begins promptly with 15 five-minute rounds, each separated by a one-minute rest. The timer runs on schedule, so punctuality is appreciated.

All participants must complete a waiver form before stepping onto the mats. Please contact us in advance to receive and submit your form.

Big Sub Club

Date: Sundays – dates to be released throughout the year

Time: 10:00 – 11:30 am (these times vary subject to availability of the sports hall)

Price: £15 per session

Occasionally, we host an Open Mat session at the Winchester Lido Sports Association’s main sports hall, featuring an impressive 12m x 12m mat area. This event is always a blast and has earned the nickname “Big Sub Club” from our community. In the past, we’ve welcomed up to 50 grapplers from surrounding counties such as Dorset, Berkshire, Sussex, and Hampshire—making it a truly exciting and diverse event.

Held on Sunday mornings for 90 minutes, this Open Mat session provides the perfect opportunity to train with a wide range of grapplers in a high-energy, fun environment. We advertise these events at least 4 weeks in advance, so you’ll have plenty of time to make arrangements and join us.

The cost for each session is £15 per person.

Please note, all participants must complete a participation form before stepping onto the mats. Contact us to receive and submit your form.

FAQs

What's the location?

Address for Sat Nav directions: The Lido Sports Association, Worthy Lane, Winchester SO23 7DZ

(Please use SO23 7AB for the post code in Sat Nav rather than the one registered against the lido online)

Parking: There is a car park immediately outside however if it is full the Cattle Market carpark is opposite and access is off Worthy Lane, SO23 7AB
Access to the Building: The Lido is a large white rendered building set behind a brick and flint wall. The access is via the steps on the right-hand side of the building where there is a door with an entrance panel and two buttons to choose from. For the open mat in the permanent dojo please press the top button with dojo written next to it and the permanent dojo is up the stairs and to the right.When the open mat is in the main sports hall there is a pair of doors in the middle of the building and access is via these.

What are the rules of Sub Club?

The first rule of Sub Club: You must tell every grappler you know about Sub Club
Second rule of Sub Club: You must tell every grappler you know about Sub Club
Third rule of Sub Club: Gi or No Gi and you mutually decide the rules at the beginning of the fight
Fourth rule of Sub Club: If someone shouts “stop” or “taps out” the fight will stop and reset to the rules agreed at the beginning of the fight
Fifth rule of Sub Club: If someone goes limp (unconscious) you MUST stop the fight immediately and request help to ensure a speedy recovery
Sixth rule of Sub Club: fights will go on as long as pre agreed
Seventh rule of Sub Club: If this is your first time at Sub Club you have to fight as long as possible with NO rest.

What else do I need to know?

NO heel hooks when wearing Gi trousers.

We do not tolerate any ill-mannered behaviour of any sort, and you will be asked to leave.

We do not tolerate anyone arriving with any form of skin infection e.g ringworm and you will not be allowed on the mat. If you go on the mat and we notice any mark that is suspicious we will call you out on it and report it back to your head instructor of your club/ gym. If you are unsure about any marks on your body that you think may be infectious, stay at home and do not attend our open mat.

Please be considerate of others who you will be training with and take pride in your personal hygiene before attending Sub Club by showering, clipping all your nails, brushing your teeth and wearing freshly washed and dried attire whether that is Gi or Nogi. If you are training just nogi please wear a rash guard or T-shirt- either short or long sleeved, plus shorts and/ or spats.

Gum shields are recommended.