Academy Spotlight: Gracie Barra Roundhay Leeds
Gracie Barra Roundhay Leeds partnered with Matthouse UK to complete a full-scale refurbishment of its main mat area - transforming the space into a high-performance, visually striking, and professionally optimized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training environment.
Project Overview
This project was a complete “top-to-bottom” upgrade of the academy’s training space. The goal was to combine elite-level safety standards with a premium, bespoke finish that reflects the identity and values of the Gracie Barra family.
At Matthouse, we managed the entire process end-to-end, including design, supply, project coordination, and installation. The result speaks for itslf - a modernised academy space that enhances athlete safety, improves functionality, and elevates the overall training experience for all members.
Scope of Works
Specialist Flooring System
A key element of the transformation was the installation of a professional-grade semi-sprung sub-floor system, engineered specifically for the physical demands of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and high-impact martial arts training. Unlike standard hard-floor installations, the semi-sprung construction is designed to absorb and disperse impact energy, reducing stress on the body during takedowns, throws, scrambling, and repetitive groundwork.
Built beneath the finished mat surface, this advanced flooring system creates a controlled level of flexibility and cushioning underfoot without compromising stability. The result is a training environment that feels firm, responsive, and secure while providing enhanced protection for athletes of all experience levels.
For academies running high-volume classes and intensive daily sessions, the benefits extend far beyond comfort. The semi-sprung structure helps reduce fatigue on joints, knees, ankles, and lower back areas that are subjected to constant impact during grappling exchanges. This contributes to a safer and more sustainable training environment for both recreational students and competitive athletes.
By integrating this specialist sub-floor beneath the 50mm Dollamur Tatami Flexi-Connect mat system, Matthouse delivered a premium-performance foundation that meets the standards expected in elite martial arts facilities. The finished result provides exceptional durability, improved shock attenuation, and a noticeably enhanced training experience across the entire mat area.
Premium Tatami Dollamur Flexi Connect Matting
The training area was completed with premium 50mm Dollamur Blue Tatami Flexi-Connect mats, creating a seamless, competition-grade surface engineered for elite-level martial arts performance. Renowned throughout the industry for their durability and consistent feel underfoot, Dollamur mats provide the ideal balance of grip, cushioning, and stability required for high-intensity Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.
The Flexi-Connect system eliminates visible gaps between mat sections, producing a clean, unified surface that enhances both safety and aesthetics across the academy. The tatami-textured finish delivers reliable traction during stand-up exchanges, transitions, and groundwork, while still allowing smooth movement for dynamic grappling situations.
Beyond performance, the mat system was selected for its long-term practicality and professional appearance. The non-porous surface supports easy cleaning and maintenance, helping maintain high hygiene standards within a busy training environment. Combined with the newly installed semi-sprung sub-floor, the finished mat system provides exceptional shock absorption, athlete comfort, and durability — creating a world-class training surface built to withstand the demands of daily academy use.
Installed by us, the finished result delivers a premium, modern aesthetic while significantly elevating the overall training experience for students and instructors alike.
“ The quality of the installation and attention to detail throughout the project were excellent, from the professional-grade semi-sprung flooring system and 50mm Dollamur mats to the bespoke perimeter seating with integrated shoe storage and custom finishes that perfectly match the aesthetics of our academy.”
Custom Joinery & Storage Solutions
To maximise both functionality and visual consistency throughout the academy, bespoke perimeter bench seating was designed and manufactured specifically for the space. Each unit features integrated shoe storage, providing a practical and organised solution for managing footwear around the mat area while helping maintain cleanliness and reduce clutter during busy classes.
Rather than relying on off-the-shelf furniture, every bench was custom-built and professionally finished to complement the academy’s branding, colour palette, and overall interior aesthetic. The result is a seamless integration between the training environment and the surrounding architectural details, creating a more refined and premium atmosphere throughout the facility.
Positioned around the edge of the mat space, the benches also improve the overall student experience by creating designated preparation and viewing areas without disrupting the flow of training. The combination of durable materials, clean lines, and purpose-built storage transforms a purely functional requirement into a key design feature of the academy.
Designed, manufactured, and installed by the Matthouse team, the finished joinery delivers a high-end, tailored solution that enhances organisation, usability, and the professional appearance of the entire facility.
Bespoke Branding Feature Wall
A striking bespoke “Legacy Wall” was created as the visual centrepiece of the academy, designed to reinforce the identity, heritage, and culture of the Gracie Barra brand. More than just a branding feature, the installation was conceived as a statement piece that immediately elevates the atmosphere of the training environment and creates a strong first impression for both students and visitors.
The feature incorporates custom-built detailing alongside integrated LED backlit signage, producing a clean, high-end finish with a modern architectural feel. Carefully positioned lighting enhances depth and visibility within the space, giving the academy a polished, professional appearance both during daytime training and evening sessions.
Designed to complement the wider refurbishment, the Legacy Wall ties together the surrounding materials, finishes, and colour palette while serving as a permanent representation of the academy’s values, achievements, and community. The illuminated signage creates a strong visual anchor within the mat area, adding a premium studio-quality aesthetic that distinguishes the facility from a standard training gym.
Designed, fabricated, and installed by our team, the completed feature delivers a bold combination of branding, craftsmanship, and functionality - helping transform the academy into a modern, world-class martial arts environment.
Wall Matting Refurbishment
The existing perimeter wall matting was carefully refurbished and professionally reinstalled to achieve a clean, seamless finish throughout the training space. Attention to detail during the installation process ensured all sections aligned precisely, creating a flush and consistent appearance that enhances both safety and aesthetics across the academy.
Beyond improving the visual presentation of the mat area, the refreshed wall padding provides essential impact protection during high-intensity grappling, takedowns, and movement along the edge of the training space. The upgraded finish eliminates uneven joins and worn detailing, resulting in a more professional, modern environment that complements the newly installed flooring and bespoke interior features.
By integrating the refurbished wall matting into the wider renovation, we ensured every aspect of the academy maintained the same high standard of craftsmanship, durability, and visual cohesion — delivering a polished, competition-quality training environment from floor to wall.
Facility Enhancements
New curriculum boards were installed throughout the academy alongside updated photography, creating a more structured, engaging, and visually cohesive learning environment. Designed to clearly communicate the academy’s technical framework, the boards provide students with an accessible reference for progression, helping to reinforce consistency across classes and support long-term skill development.
The inclusion of refreshed photography further enhances the training space, showcasing high-quality imagery that reflects the academy’s standards, culture, and identity. Together, these elements modernise the visual language of the facility, replacing outdated materials with a clean, professional presentation that aligns with the upgraded mat area.
Positioned strategically within the academy, the curriculum boards also improve coaching efficiency by supporting clearer instruction and faster student comprehension during sessions. This contributes to a more organised and structured training experience, where progression pathways are easy to follow and visually reinforced.
Installed as part of the wider refurbishment, these upgrades complete the transformation by strengthening both the educational function and the overall aesthetic of the academy.
“The biggest change is how the space feels now: bigger, cleaner, and more professional, while still retaining the character of our academy. The raised matting area and refurbished wall padding significantly improved the main room, and the updated seating area has enhanced both the flow and functionality of the space. The new Legacy Wall with integrated LED backlit signage has also become a real focal point for students and visitors, clearly showcasing our jiu-jitsu lineage across continents and generations.”
Delivery & Project Management
We provided full turnkey project management, overseeing every stage from concept through to completion. This included:
Material sourcing and specification
On-site coordination and installation scheduling
Bespoke fabrication and finishing
Quality control and final handover
The coordinated approach ensured minimal disruption to the academy while delivering a high-end, precision-finished result.
Outcome
The completed transformation has significantly elevated the Gracie Barra Roundhay Leeds facility, delivering:
Improved athlete safety through advanced flooring systems
A seamless, professional-grade training surface
Increased functionality with integrated storage solutions
A strong, modern visual identity through bespoke branding
A fully optimised mat space built for performance and longevity
Conclusion
This project highlights our capability to deliver fully bespoke martial arts facility upgrades that seamlessly integrate performance, safety, and design into a single cohesive solution. Every element of the transformation was considered and executed with precision, from the structural flooring systems through to the custom joinery and branded feature installations.
The result at Gracie Barra Roundhay Leeds establishes a new standard for premium academy environments, demonstrating how functional training spaces can be elevated through thoughtful design and high-quality craftsmanship. By combining technical flooring performance with refined, gym-specific aesthetics, the finished space not only enhances athlete safety and training efficiency but also strengthens the overall identity and presence of the academy.
Academy Owner Mike Bates Said:
In March 2026 we worked with Matthouse UK to upgrade and transform our mat area and it has made a huge difference to our academy... elevating it to a more premium look and feel.
The quality of the installation and attention to detail throughout the project were excellent, from the professional-grade semi-sprung flooring system and 50mm Dollamur mats to the bespoke perimeter seating with integrated shoe storage and custom finishes that perfectly match the aesthetics of our academy.
The biggest change is how the space feels now: bigger, cleaner, and more professional, while still retaining the character of our academy. The raised matting area and refurbished wall padding significantly improved the main room, and the updated seating area has enhanced both the flow and functionality of the space. The new Legacy Wall with integrated LED backlit signage has also become a real focal point for students and visitors, clearly showcasing our jiu-jitsu lineage across continents and generations.
The updates to the curriculum boards, photography, branding, and overall layout brought everything together visually while maintaining the unique GBRL feel that our members know and value.
The project was managed smoothly from start to finish, covering design, materials, installation, and project management. Matthouse UK delivered an outstanding upgrade that created a genuine “wow factor” training space. We highly recommend them to any academy looking to upgrade or create a premium, high-performance environment.
Delivered by Matthouse, this project reflects a commitment to raising expectations within the martial arts sector - creating environments that perform at the highest level while delivering a lasting visual and experiential impact.
