Down Community JuJitsu operates clubs in Drumaness, Ballynahinch, Crossgar, Newcastle and Saintfield. The organisation has ten coaches and close to 250 members aged from three to 70 years old.

Gerald McAlister founded the club in Drumaness in 1999. McAlister, from Drumaness, started martial arts at age 25 to stay fit during the hurling off-season with Drumaness GAC. He won the Irish MMA Championship in 2000.

The group expanded to Crossgar a few years after starting. Further growth added locations in Ballynahinch, Newcastle and Saintfield. McAlister transitioned from part-time to full-time instruction almost 20 years ago after working as a carpet fitter.

One of McAlister's first students was Paul McVeigh. McVeigh won the Cage Warriors bantamweight world title in 2004, the first Irishman to claim an MMA world title.

McAlister holds a 7th Dan black belt. Students advance from white belt through techniques including stances, falling, punching, kicking, joint locks, throws and groundwork. Black belt mastery takes four to six years, starting at 1st Dan with potential to reach 10th Dan.