Member Spotlight: Neil McTaggart – 10+ Years on the Mats
Deciding to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can be a life-altering choice.
At Lycan Grappling Academy, we love hearing the stories of our members – what brought them through our doors and why they’ve stayed.
Every few months, we’ll be featuring a member’s journey here on the blog. This month, it’s time to hear from Neil McTaggart.
Neil is a personal trainer, a long-standing member of the club for over 10 years, and currently coaches our children’s class.
How old were you when you started BJJ, and did you have any previous martial arts experience?
“I started over 20 years ago and had an on-off relationship with martial arts.
Work often took priority as I tried a few different styles and clubs, but I never settled in one place for any serious length of time.”
Why did you choose BJJ – and why this club?
“Two main reasons.
First, the lunchtime timetable worked perfectly for me compared to clubs with limited times. I love how the schedule is structured and repeats, allowing you to develop solid basics rather than just jumping between random classes.
Second, head coach Graham. I knew of his experience through friends, and I was very conscious that if I was going to join a club, I wanted to learn under someone I could trust to pass on their expertise.”
The biggest lesson BJJ has taught you?
“Consistency. I always felt I was pretty consistent, but after training for the guts of a decade, I consider myself part of the furniture now.
I’ve applied this white-belt-to-black-belt process to other hobbies – photography, handstands, chess, videography, guitar – all tackled with the same mindset of improving the fundamentals.”
How often do you train?
“I’m at the club 3–4 days per week for my own training, plus I help with the kids’ class on Saturdays.
My kids didn’t even exist when I first started, so it’s surreal seeing my two daughters now working positional drills and sparring, all while building strength and confidence.
I’ve adjusted my work-life balance to allow Jiu-Jitsu almost daily – even with the longer drive, I wouldn’t change it.”
What keeps you motivated?
“Motivation is just the trigger to get started – now it’s a habit. You could call it discipline, but when you enjoy it and it breaks up your day, you don’t need a strong reason to go.
You always learn something new, have a bit of banter, and leave feeling better than when you arrived.”
Best moments at the club?
“I took silver in my first competition, which really surprised me and gave me huge faith in the coaching staff and my training partners.
I went on to win silver at the British Championships and gold at the Dublin Open, Irish Winter Open, Irish Nationals, and Grappling Industries – most of these via submission in the finals.
While winning is great, I’ve also loved coaching others to gold and seeing new members fall in love with the art. Coaching kids has even helped my own understanding of Jiu-Jitsu.”
Advice for newcomers?
“The hardest part is getting through the doors. At first, you’re a newbie and totally clueless, but within 3–6 months BJJ will make you fitter, stronger, and more confident.
Everyone needs a healthy outlet, and Jiu-Jitsu not only provides that but also practical self-defence skills.
The Gracie Barra fundamentals programme is perfect for beginners through to advanced students. If you enjoy structured learning and building skills layer by layer, you’ll love it.”
Final thoughts?
“It’s the hardest sport in the world – but the juice is worth the squeeze.
Do the two-week free trial, ask for help from higher belts and coaches, and immerse yourself. In just a year or two, you could be a coloured belt, winning medals, helping others, and an upgraded version of yourself. It’s a no-brainer.”
If you’d like to begin your own BJJ journey, come and train with us – you never know where it might take you.
