Sub Club Open Mat
History
Sub Club began as a small group of friends meeting for extra rounds and some fun.
Casual Sunday sparring soon became a regular and much-loved part of the weekly training schedule.
The name “Sub Club” came from that relaxed, light-hearted atmosphere. It was playfully inspired by the cult classic Fight Club, but with a BJJ twist.
Our open mat sessions are more than sparring. They’re a great way to start the day with energy and purpose.
We proudly welcome friends from other gyms, academies, and clubs. They drop in to cross-train, share knowledge, and enjoy the vibe.
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.
Attending the session
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.
Please note, all participants must complete a participation form before stepping onto the mats. Contact us to receive and submit your form.
Location
Winchester Lido and Sports Association
Hyde Church lane
Winchester
SO23 7DZ
(For Sat Nav directions please use SO23 7AB)
Accessing the building
The Lido is a large, white-rendered building set behind a traditional brick and flint wall. To access the building, use the steps on the right-hand side. Enter through the central double doors, which lead directly into the main sports hall.
If the double doors are closed, use the door to the right of the steps. You’ll find an entrance panel with two buttons—press the one labeled “Badminton”.
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. This is a pay per hour carpark.
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.
Personal hygiene
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.
How can I contact you?
If you have any questions please contact me on dan@subclubgrappling.com or DM us on Instagram @subclubgrappling.