About us
Why train with us?
Learn how to defend yourself
Learn how to fight and how to defend yourself, through live demonstrations, drilling new techniques and sparring with a range of people and ability levels.
Friendship and community
Train, socialise and unwind with like-minded people from a range of different backgrounds. Alliance Jiu Jitsu brings people together and breaks down barriers.
Discipline and toughness
Improve your mental and physical toughness by pushing yourself, setting yourself goals and improving your strength and fitness.
Learn, grow and grade
Progress through the different belts, graded by our qualified coaches, as you learn to be a better jiu jitsu practitioner and a more well-rounded confident person.
Compete
Develop your competitve edge, test your abilities and reach new levels of jiu jitsu by taking part in regular team competitions and events, organised by the club.
Most importantly, enjoy yourself
Most of all, we want you to come to class, enjoy yourself, and go home feeling great. Alliance jiu jitsu gives you the relief of blowing off stress in a fun and friendly environment. We strive to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable at our club!
Who are we?
Alliance
Alliance Jiu Jitsu Newcastle is an approved affiliate of one of the most prominent Brazilian jiu jitsu associations in the world - Alliance Jiu Jitsu.
Founded in 1993 by Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti, Fabio Gurgel and Alexandre Paiva, Alliance is recognized as one of the best Jiu Jitsu schools in the world. It’s a reference not just for technique but for professionalism by all of the teachers throughout the world. Alliance has hundreds of leaders in the world of jiu jitsu, with more than 60 world champions. Today, there are more than 300 affiliates worldwide. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, you will be able to train in an Alliance academy.
The team
Chris Short, Head Coach
The head coach of Alliance Newcastle, Chris, was promoted to a black belt in 2019 in Brazil by Alliance co-founder Alexandre Paiva after initially starting his jiu jitsu journey with Alliance in 2015.
"Jiu Jitsu is a massive part of me and my life. I've trained various physical activities over the years and nothing comes close to the workout that BJJ can give you in my opinion. Not only is it physically tough, but also works out the brain at the same time. There really is nothing like it! I love to compete, and train everyday with all of my students at our gym. The best days are when you're feeling unmotivated but go and have a really hard class, dig deep, forget about your outside problems and have a laugh with your friends - you feel instantly refreshed."
Favourite part of coaching: Watching hundreds of students change their lives for the better through Jiu Jitsu.
Favourite part of the club: Meeting so many amazing friends and students.
Favourite move: Cross collar choke and Lasso guard.
John Craig, Assistant Coach
"I started BJJ in my mid-thirties after 30 years of playing football. It challenges me physically and mentally, and has improved my self-discipline and work ethic, which has carried over into other aspects of my life"
Favourite part of coaching: Watching students overcome their struggle.
Favourite part of the club: A great team spirit and intensity level, yet remaining very friendly and supportive.
Favourite move: Triangle choke.
Steven Alcock, Assistant Coach
"I can’t imagine my life without Jiu Jitsu. It’s played a huge role in my life. It’s helped me keep a level head and has led me on a good path over the years."
Favourite part of coaching: Helping students with certain situations and seeing them land it in training.
Favourite part of the club: Training with your mates and no one feeling left out regardless of skill, who you are or where you’re from.
Favourite move: Faria Sweep and an armbar from technical mount.
Ross Lowery, Assistant Coach
"Jiu jitsu is a very big part of my life, its a routine now. It helps me focus on a day to day basis and keep me on track as well as keeping me fit."
Favourite part of coaching: Watching people develop and evolve into better jiu jitsu fighters from young to old.
Favourite part of the club: Support from the fighters, coaches and Alliance board, all here for the same thing with no egos.
Favourite move: Arm bar from all angles. Also loves a "good flying triangle"...
Come find us
We offer classes for all genders, age ranges and skill levels - from complete beginners to advanced black belts and pro athletes.
We cover all aspects of Jiu Jitsu - from takedowns using judo, gi and no-gi grappling, sparring and basics beginner classes.
Never tried jiu jitsu before? We offer an introduction class you can try before buying a membership, just bring £5 to class. View our sign up page for more details.