People often ask us, “Why did you open your own academy?”
The answer is simple: we wanted to create the kind of place we always wished existed – a welcoming, supportive, family-first home for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

We’re a family of four – Mum, Dad, two daughters – plus a dog and a cat who think they run the place. Our journey into BJJ began with Will, a lifelong martial arts lover. From Tae Kwon Do and Wing Chun to boxing and judo, he was always drawn to combat sports. But everything changed when he watched the first UFC tournaments on VHS (yes, we still have them!). That’s where he discovered the Gracies – especially Royce Gracie – a smaller man using Brazilian Jiu-Jtisu techniques to overcome opponents twice his size. Will was hooked.

He tried his first BJJ class back in 2006 – excited but unprepared. With no intro, no guidance, he left the class feeling overwhelmed and unsure if BJJ was for him.

Fast forward to 2012: multiple-time world champion Bruno Alves had just opened a school in Crows Nest. Will signed up for a trial class. He made it to the top of the stairs… heard the sounds of bodies hitting mats… locked eyes with Bruno who smiled and waved at him – panicked, as soon as Bruno turned his back… Will bolted back down the stairs. True story!

It wasn’t until 2016 – with baby #1 on the way – that Will felt that protective-dad instinct kick in. He knew it was time to get serious about learning the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, not just for himself, but for his family. He returned to SJJA Crows Nest and never looked back.

In 2017, shortly after the birth of their second daughter, Will encouraged his wife Nikki to join too – partly as a way to get active post-pregnancy, but mostly because he knew how empowering BJJ could be. Nikki, who proudly calls herself “very un-co and un-athletic” was hesitant – but gave it a go. To her surprise, she fell in love with it on day one.

When our family moved back to the Liverpool area, we struggled to find a gym that felt like home. We visited academies that didn’t quite align with what we valued – places that didn’t feel welcoming to young families, or lacked the community vibe we’d grown to love. One night, half-jokingly, we said: “Why don’t we open our own?”

That “joke” quickly turned into something real. In 2020, we met with Bruno Alves, shared our vision, and started the journey. In 2021, we proudly opened the doors to SJJA Prestons.

From day one, our goal has been to build a second home for families – a space where kids feel safe, parents feel supported, and everyone can learn one of the best self-defence martial arts in the world together.

We’re not just another BJJ gym. We’re a family. A community. A place to grow – on and off the mats.

Welcome to SJJA Prestons. We’re so glad you’re here.