01Origins
Early 1900s
Carlos and Helio Gracie learned traditional Jiu-Jitsu from Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda.
Discipline 01 · Gi & No-Gi
Brazilian
Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
BJJ is a grappling martial art built on leverage and technique — letting a smaller person control and submit a bigger, stronger opponent with joint locks and chokes.
It builds fitness, confidence and calm under pressure. Gi and No-Gi, for every age and level, in a safe, clean and welcoming academy — and your first class is free.
4+Ages Welcome
7Days a Week
Gi& No-Gi
FreeFirst Class
Heritage · c.1900 → Now
A brief history of
A brief history of
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
From Japan, to Brazil, to the world — the lineage behind the art we teach every day.
02Evolution
In Brazil
The Gracies rebuilt it around leverage and technique — so a smaller person could beat a larger one.
03Breakthrough
The 1990s
Early MMA competition proved the art's effectiveness and sparked its global rise.
04Today
Today
Practiced worldwide for self-defense, fitness and sport — and taught here at ALAVANCA.
The Benefits
Fitness, technique and mental strength — for every age and level, in a safe, welcoming academy.
Book Your Free Intro Class
The Team
Physical Fitness
Full-body training that builds cardio, strength, flexibility and coordination.
Skill Development
Proper technique and a progressive curriculum, from beginner to advanced.
Mental Strength
Problem-solving, discipline and calm under pressure — on the mats and off.
Safe & Welcoming
A clean, supportive environment where every student feels included.
Practical self-defense
Learn to use joint locks, chokes and control to protect yourself in real situations — and gain the confidence that comes with it. It's also serious conditioning: a full-body workout for strength, endurance and flexibility, whatever your goals.
Led by Dave Pogson
Our classes are led by head instructor Dave Pogson, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with deep experience and an authentic Gracie lineage. Coaching is welcoming and detailed, tailored to every level so each student gets the guidance they need to progress.
Founder & Head Instructor
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Gracie Lineage
More Than Jiu-Jitsu
Beyond BJJ, we train No-Gi, Muay Thai and MMA for every level — a well-rounded martial arts education under one roof.
Member Reviews
Don't take
Don't take
our word for it.
5.0
★★★★★
Five-star rated by our members
One of the best choices I've made in years.
Starting BJJ is intimidating, but the professors, coaches and other members at Alavanca took me under their wing and made sure I was safe and had a positive experience. I've found a new sport I love and made some great friends along the way. The schedule is full of class options so you can always make it in to train. Can't recommend this gym enough.
Welcoming, clean, and great music.
Started BJJ eight months ago at this gym and it's been great. Very welcoming, clean, and always a great atmosphere. I highly recommend this gym to anyone wanting to try any martial art. Dave, Irina and Jason are my favourite instructors.
Welcoming and supportive from day one.
I've had a great experience training here over the past few months. I started as a complete beginner, and from day one the instructors were welcoming and supportive. The instruction is clear and detailed, and I genuinely feel able to apply the techniques during training. The space is large and clean, and the mats are cleaned after every session. I always look forward to training here.
Your First Class Is Free
Build Confidence,
Build Confidence,
Skill & Discipline.
Book your first BJJ class and experience structured, technical training for every level — no obligation, no contracts.
Beginner Friendly
All Skill Levels Welcome
Free Intro Class