TJ Baker, a decorated athlete and a former recipient of the UK’s Best Female Wrestler award, is set to establish Northern Ireland’s first all-female wrestling club. Based in Carrickfergus, Baker has been involved in the sport since the age of nine, having been introduced to it by her father, Stuart Baker, who serves as head coach at the town’s Barbarians Wrestling Club and Northern Ireland.  

Named Bellatrix, the new club will provide dedicated training sessions exclusively for women and girls, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region.

“Women’s wrestling is growing worldwide; it’s the fastest-growing sport in America and in Europe at the minute,” Baker noted. “The Bellatrix club hopes that by providing a safe space for just women and girls to train, it will motivate more females to try wrestling.”

Baker’s initiative arrives at a time when women’s wrestling is experiencing unprecedented growth globally. By establishing a female-only training environment, she aims to foster both confidence and competitive excellence among new and experienced athletes alike.

TJ was recently interviewed by the Belfast Telegraph about her new endeavour, the full article can be found by clicking below.