Meet the Instructors

Donal Carmody
1st Degree Black Belt
Head Instructor
Professor Donal Carmody brings over 20 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience as both a competitor and a coach. As Head Instructor, he teaches a modern, efficient style of Jiu Jitsu built on strong fundamentals, repetition, and clear positional understanding. Known for his calm, approachable manner, Donal helps create a welcoming environment where students of all levels can learn, improve, and enjoy their training.

Damien Barrett
1st Degree Black Belt
​Head Instructor
Damien is the heartbeat of the academy. A black belt for over four years, he’s built a space where both kids and adults feel welcome, supported, and challenged. Known for his calm leadership and high-level jiu-jitsu, Damien has a real gift for creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere where people genuinely enjoy showing up to train.

Graham Barlow
2nd Degree Black Belt
Professor Graham is a second-degree black belt and our resident morning person. You’ll find him leading the 7 am sessions with energy, precision, and a serious love for early starts. His classes are technical, focused, and perfect for setting the tone for the rest of the day especially if you like your jiu-jitsu served before breakfast.