Studio Galera Marks 10 Years with Anniversary Week Celebration

From 6 to 12 April, Studio Galera in Bandon, West Cork marked 10 years with a full week of events on the mats. Seminars, free classes, parents and kids training together, competition prep, gymnastics sessions, open mats, and a BBQ to close things out.

It was a proper reflection of what the gym has become over the past decade: a place built on consistency, community, and people showing up for each other.

Friends on the Mats

A big part of the week was the seminars, and we were delighted to welcome friends from academies all over the region, from Cork city, Ballincollig, Bantry, and Killarney, who came out to coach our adults and brought their own students to train alongside us.

Fair play to everyone for making the trip and being part of the celebration. It meant a lot to have that kind of support from the wider BJJ community.

We shared plenty of videos from the free classes and seminars throughout the week on Instagram if you'd like to see more. There's also a full photo album on Facebook with more from the graduation.

Graduation and Recognition

The week finished with our largest graduation to date, bringing together kids, adults, families, and long-time members.

Alongside the graduations, we also recognised a number of students, both kids and adults, who have been part of the gym since the early days and have shown long-term commitment over the years.

Moments like this are a reminder of what can be built through steady work over time.

Supporting Bandon Community First Responders

As part of the anniversary week, we ran free classes and invited donations in support of Bandon Community First Responders, a volunteer group providing critical emergency response in the local area.

They're currently fundraising to maintain and replace community defibrillators, and it was brilliant to have some of the team join us on the final day.

Together, €750 was raised across the week. A strong effort, and a cause that directly supports the wider community here in Bandon. The GoFundMe is still open if you'd like to contribute: donate to Bandon Community First Responders.

A Note from Coach Galera

Ten years ago, we opened our doors in Bandon.

Last Sunday, the mats were full for our biggest graduation yet, kids, adults, families, and members who have been here for years.

What's been built over that time comes down to the people who show up consistently, train, and support each other.

Thanks to everyone who has been part of it. Here's to the next 10.

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If you've been thinking about joining us, there's no better time. We run BJJ classes for kids, teens, adults at all levels, and gymnastics right here in Bandon. Register for a free trial and come see what it's about.