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GALLERY: Highlights from ‘Diamond Alley’ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Bonar Hall, Dundee

“Diamond Alley,” a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu event held at Bonar Hall in Dundee was a first for Dundee's martial arts scene.

Diamond Alley Jiu Jitsu event at Bonar Hall. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Diamond Alley Jiu Jitsu event at Bonar Hall. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Hundreds came together on Saturday, May 24, to watch and compete in the “Diamond Alley,” which took place in Bonar Hall, Dundee.

More than 100 jiu-jitsu fighters from across Scotland and Ireland gathered for this one-of-a-kind event to demonstrate their talent and skill. The full-day competition kicked off with the kids’ matches from 9 am to 2 pm, followed by the adult bouts starting at 4 pm and continuing into the evening.

With competitors ranging in age from as young as 5 to over 50, the event offered a rare opportunity for UK BJJA athletes of all generations to compete in a safe, supportive, and professional environment, all on the same stage, something virtually unheard of at a BJJ event in Dundee or even across Scotland.

Competitors had the chance to showcase their skills in front of family, friends, and supporters, while the live stream extended the event’s reach, offering athletes a platform to gain recognition well beyond the local scene.

The event was organised by Inverted Diamond JJ Fife, led by Professor Darren Clark, in collaboration with Professor Valentine Duke of Gracie Barra Dundee. With support from the wider Gracie Barra organisation, the team brought together a high-calibre event for the BJJ community. Inverted Diamond also secured sponsorship from several local businesses, including Onyx Detailing Studio, Plaster 4 U, and Violet Autos.

“Diamond Alley” was a groundbreaking event for Dundee, setting a new benchmark in scale, production quality, and promotional reach. It helped promote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, provided a valuable platform for competitors, and gave a welcome boost to local businesses while raising the city’s profile in the combat sports community.

We asked photographers, Steven MacDougall and Elliott Cansfield, to capture all the action throughout the day:

Diamond Alley Jiu Jitsu event at Bonar Hall. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
David Irvine, Inverted Diamond Gym coach, referees a fight. Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
A tough fight! Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
A clear winner. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Darren Clark, Head Coach at Gracie Barra, referees a fight. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Valentine Duke, Gracie Barra Dundee owner, addressing the crowd. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
A respectful handshake before they begin. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Action! Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
David Irvine, Inverted Diamond Gym coach, reveals the winner. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
David Irvine, Inverted Diamond Gym coach, reveals another winner. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Victorious!  Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Darren Clark, Head Coach at Gracie Barra, referees a fight. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Judges show their preference. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Diamond Alley Jiu Jitsu event at Bonar Hall. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Getting ready for the fight. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Getting ready for the fight. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Darren Clark, Head Coach at Gracie Barra, referees a fight. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
It’s tough competition. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
David Irvine, Inverted Diamond Gym coach, referees a fight. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Adult Competition. Image: Elliott Cansfield
Winner in the adult Competition. Image: Elliott Cansfield
Let the fighting commence. Image: Elliott Cansfield
Tough Competition. Image: Elliott Cansfield
Its a struggle. Image: Elliott Cansfield
Hundreds of spectators showed up for the competition. Image: Elliott Cansfield
Round of applause for the fighters. Image: Elliott Cansfield
Not an easy fight. Image: Elliott Cansfield
Another winner! Image: Elliott Cansfield
Ready to go. Image: Elliott Cansfield

 

 

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