About Lifestyle Monks
Our Story
Lifestyle Monks began in a small log-cabin studio, offering personal training and group fitness classes. As the business grew, we expanded into private and small-group Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) lessons, followed by Yoga and Physical Therapy.
Today, we offer a comprehensive BJJ programme for children, teenagers and adults, alongside a dedicated Judo programme for teenagers and adults. Our Yoga, Fitness and Strength & Conditioning classes welcome participants of all abilities and experience levels.
Our studio is located at 8 Upper Main Street in Rush, Co. Dublin, Lifestyle Monks has grown into a thriving community of over 100 members, ranging in age from 4 to 80 years old.
Our journey has been shaped by hard work, perseverance and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Our Philosophy
At Lifestyle Monks, we believe the habits we develop and the goals we pursue shape the lives we lead. Our philosophy is inspired by two Japanese concepts: Ikigai, finding purpose and fulfilment in life, and Kaizen, the pursuit of continuous improvement. We believe that meaningful progress comes through discipline, consistency and small, positive actions repeated over time.
By combining martial arts, fitness, movement and wellbeing, we aim to help our members build healthier habits, develop confidence and resilience, and reach their full potential.
Our goal is not simply to help people become better at what they do, but to help them build a healthier, more fulfilling way of life.
Dean Monks - Founder | Head BJJ Coach | Yoga Teacher | Fitness Coach
A first-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a Master's degree in Strength & Conditioning, Dean is currently pursuing a PhD in Health & Sports Science at SETU Carlow, further developing his expertise in human movement, musculoskeletal health and sports performance.
Dean has been coaching professionally since 2012, Dean has accumulated over 10,000 hours of practical experience across martial arts, strength & conditioning, fitness, yoga and physical therapy.
Qualifications
Martial Arts & Yoga
- 1st Degree Black Belt — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Orange Belt — Judo
- 300 Hours Yoga Teacher Training — Hatha, Vinyasa & Yin
Academic
- PhD Researcher — Health & Sports Science, SETU Carlow
- MSc Strength & Conditioning
- Postgraduate Diploma — Digital Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor's Degree — Entrepreneurship
- Business & Computers — Level 6
- Exercise & Fitness — Level 5
Fitness & Therapy
- ITEC Fitness & Exercise Diploma
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Neuromuscular Physical Therapy
- Orthopaedic Sports Massage
- Massage & Event Massage
.jpg/:/cr=t:12.93%25,l:47.43%25,w:32.89%25,h:32.89%25/rs=w:1080,cg:true,m)
Jeka Khramov - Head Judo Coach | Kids BJJ Coach | Teens BJJ Coach
Jeka is the Head Judo Coach and kids' and teens' BJJ coach at Lifestyle Monks. He is a Ukrainian National Judo Champion, Judo Black Belt, and Master of Sport in Judo, a prestigious title awarded to athletes who reach an advanced competitive standard. He is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt.
Keith O' Callaghan - Teens BJJ Coach
Keith is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and Judo practitioner. A natural leader, he plays an important role in supporting and mentoring our younger students, helping them build confidence, discipline, and skills on the mats.
Safeguarding & Coaching Standards
Lifestyle Monks is a member of the Irish Amateur Wrestling Association and Judo for All UK. Creating a safe and supportive training environment is central to Lifestyle Monks. All coaches at Lifestyle Monks are Garda vetted, and we have safeguarding procedures in place for our children and teenage programmes. Our club follows Children First and Sport Ireland safeguarding guidance, including a Child Safeguarding Statement and procedures to protect and support young people. Coaches working with children complete appropriate safeguarding training, and the club has designated safeguarding roles in place. Our coaching team also holds relevant martial arts, coaching, first-aid, and professional qualifications appropriate to their roles, helping ensure classes are delivered safely, responsibly, and to a high standard.
HEAR FROM OUR MEMBERS
I have been attending Dean’s fitnesses class for the last 3 months, it has made a dramatic difference to my strength, toning and flexibility, the class has a great buzz to it, Dean has been so encouraging and helpful to top it all, it only takes 30 mins. Thanks Dean for motivating me every week.
Dean is a guy who really knows his stuff.
He has helped me immensely with work and training related injuries with his in-depth knowledge. Alway has a smile on his face and haply to answer any questions. Looking forward to more training this year.
Thanks a million Dean.
I'm so glad I reached out to Dean to start in his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class. I had zero experience but was made feel welcome from the very first moment. Dean is a top notch coach who promotes a disciplined and hard-work ethic but also has time for good banter with all the lads. I would strongly encourage anyone who may be interested to reach out and get started 👍.
I was the first girl to join and all the lads immediately treated me like one of the group, I never felt like I was any lesser or treated any differently by anyone else. If you join the Lifestyle Monks you are not just joining a BJJ club, you are joining a family. Dean is a highly qualified great instructor, every single class made my day better at the end and we always had a laugh together. I am super grateful I had the chance to meet these lovely lads and I am so thankful for all that Jiu Jitsu taught me as a person. I’d recommend to anyone to join because BJJ really makes you grow, it really makes you better, stronger and humbler. I’ll keep this Dojo at heart.