A friendly, hard-working club in the heart of Alton. Nine black belts on the mats, classes seven days a week, and a welcome for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned competitors.
The academy
Alton BJJ is run by owner and head coach Brian Livie, a 2nd degree black belt, backed by a coaching team of black belts — nine in the club in all. We train Gi and No Gi jiu-jitsu, judo for BJJ, and self defence — from total beginners to seasoned competitors.
Whether you want to get fit, learn to defend yourself, compete, or just find a sport your whole family can do together, there's a place for you on our mats.
New to the sport? Read what Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is all about →
On the mats every day
New to jiu-jitsu? Start with Saturday 17:00 Beginner Gi — or just come along to any All Levels class.
Confidence · Discipline · Fun
Our junior programme takes kids from their first forward roll to the competition podium. Classes are grouped by age so everyone trains with the right partners.
Coaches
Nine black belts train on our mats — and these four lead the coaching, week in, week out.
Brian first found grappling in New Zealand, training No Gi and Catch Wrestling and winning a national Chinese Kickboxing title in 2010. Back in Hampshire, he began BJJ under Andy Roberts — and in 2016, while still a purple belt, founded Alton BJJ as a way to train with friends. It grew into something far bigger. He received his black belt from Andy Roberts in 2018 and is now a second-degree black belt.
His proudest moment came in 2023 when, after years of encouragement from his own children, the club launched its youth programme — watching young students grow in confidence, resilience and character has become the most fulfilling part of his coaching journey.
Away from the mats Brian works in forensics, bringing the same analytical mindset to his coaching, with a strong focus on health, fitness and longevity. His goal is to still be training well into his 80s — and to help every student, whether they're five or seventy-five, leave the academy fitter, more confident and a better version of themselves than when they first walked through the door.
Simon King, "Kinger", has been involved with martial arts for most of his life. He started with judo at a young age, moving on to kung fu and kickboxing, where he successfully competed full-contact several times. In 2008 he tried traditional jiu-jitsu under John Andrews and fell in love with the ground game. Kinger joined Alton BJJ on day one, when it was first formed, and after ten years training multiple days a week he proudly received his black belt from head coach Brian Livie. He has taught the Saturday evening beginner Gi class since September 2019, focusing on white, blue and purple belts and their skill development.
Luke stepped onto the mats in 2012, blending traditional jiu-jitsu and BJJ before committing fully to BJJ in 2014. From day one he was all about competition — testing himself against all belt levels, and earning a 3rd Kyu orange belt in judo along the way. That drive paid off: in 2023 he was awarded his black belt by Andy Roberts and Brian Livie. Luke has coached students of every level in Gi and No Gi for eight years — and if you roll with him, don't be surprised if you tap to one of his signature armbar variations.
John Andrews is a filthy wristlocker. He trained in Japanese Jiu Jitsu from 1984, began self-training BJJ with training partners from TJJ in 1999, and won his first competition in February 2000. He was awarded his blue belt by Royce Gracie at a seminar in 2001, then restarted BJJ at white belt with Colin Howells in 2011. When Winchester BJJ closed in 2016 he was lucky enough to find and be accepted by Alton BJJ with Brian Livie under Andy Roberts — who John first met when Andy was a purple belt up in Sheffield. He has grown with the team ever since, achieving his black belt in December 2019. He is an advocate for BJJ Globetrotters and BJJ Beltchecker.
No joining fees, no contracts. Your first trial session is on us.
FAQ
Two things: book your spot (message us via the form below or call), and sign our waiver online — it takes about a minute. If you're booking for a child, a parent or guardian signs on their behalf. Then just turn up 10 minutes early and we'll look after you.
None at all. Most of our members walked in having never done a martial art. Beginner classes run every week and everyone remembers their first session.
Shorts or leggings and a t-shirt or rash guard is perfect. No zips or pockets. If you stick with it, you'll want a gi for the Gi classes — we can advise on where to get one.
Gi classes are trained in the traditional jacket and trousers, with grips on the fabric. No Gi is done in shorts and a rash guard, with a faster, wrestling-influenced style. We recommend training both.
Jiu-jitsu is a contact sport, but beginners are looked after. You'll drill techniques with cooperative partners, sparring is always optional at first, and everyone taps early and trains smart.
From 5 years old in our Sunday kids class. Juniors (9–11) and teens (12–15) have their own sessions. Parents are welcome to watch.
Use the form below or just message us on 07795 165 298 — tell us which class you fancy and we'll save you a spot. Your first session is free. Everyone also needs to sign our waiver before stepping on the mats — it only takes a minute online.
Free trial
Fill this in and it opens a ready-made text message to the club — hit send and you're booked. Or just call us.
Call 07795 165 298Opens WhatsApp with everything pre-filled. Prefer a text? Send it as an SMS or email altonbjj@yahoo.com.
Sign the waiver before your first class