Coach Galera and Son Rayan Win Gold in Rome at Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026

Coach Galera travelled to Italy last weekend with his son Rayan to compete at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and AJP Tour No-Gi, and between the two of them they came home with four medals.

The Results

Coach Galera:

• Gold Medal, Gi (Abu Dhabi Grand Slam)
• Gold Medal, No-Gi (AJP Tour)

Rayan:

• Gold Medal, No-Gi (AJP Tour)
• Silver Medal, Gi (Abu Dhabi Grand Slam)

Galera's Performances

The Gi competition was clinical. Galera won both of his matches by submission - no points games, no close decisions, just clean technical jiu-jitsu finished exactly when it needed to be.

In No-Gi, there weren't enough competitors in his age category, so he moved down to Master 1 to get a match. He had one fight and took it. Double gold.

Rayan Making His Mark

It takes something to travel to an international competition and perform under that kind of pressure, especially at 12 years old. Rayan went to Rome, competed across both formats, and came home with a gold and a silver. A great result, and a sign of what's being built right here at Studio Galera in Bandon.

Train at Studio Galera

Results like these reflect what's happening in the studio week in, week out on the mats in Bandon. The BJJ being taught and trained at Studio Galera is the same jiu-jitsu that wins on the international stage.

If you've been thinking about starting BJJ in Bandon or West Cork, whether for your kids or for yourself, this is your club. We run BJJ classes for kids, teens, and adults at all levels right here in Bandon.

Not all our students are interested in competing, and that's absolutely fine. People train for fitness, for the technical challenge, for stress relief, for the community. Competition is there if you want it, but it's never a requirement.

Complete beginners are always welcome. Register for a free trial and come see what it's about.