Featured affiliated academy: Allsopp Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, UK
Where is the gym located?
Allsopp BJJ is in Wigan in the northwest of England, between major cities Manchester and Liverpool.
Our full address is:
First floor, 227 Ormskirk Road, Newton, Wigan, England, WN5 9DN
How many people train there?
Around 25-30 and growing steadily. We feel it’s a strong start for a gym that opened it doors less than a month ago, and are grateful for the amazing people we have coming through our doors.
Is the gym growing – if so by how many new members each month or year?
We are seeing new faces each week, and expect to welcome several new members a month as word spreads. We’re focusing on organic growth and fostering a community-first vibe.
What are the highest and lowest belt grades training?
From white belt beginners to purple belts. It’s a good mix that’s steadily growing in skill and keeps the mat culture balanced.
When did the gym open?
We officially opened our doors on 1st July 2025.
Allsopp Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, UK
Some facts about you:
Name: Ben & Tish Allsopp
Age: 35/36
Belt: Purple (Ben) & White (Tish)
Profession: IT&D Manager (Ben) & Sport & Exercise Specialist/TA (Tish)
Years in BJJ: 7.4 years (Meticulously tracked, Ben) & 1 year (Tish)
Other martial arts: Ben previously coached MMA; Tish enjoys Muay Thai
Currently living in: Wigan, England
Originally from: Lichfield, England
Allsopp Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, UK
Please tell us the story of how your gym came into existence
A few years ago, Tish casually made a comment that one day we could open our own BJJ gym. At the time, Ben was already coaching BJJ and MMA at another martial arts gym, and Tish’s dream began to take shape, becoming more and more likely that one day Allsopp BJJ would come to fruition.
After attending our first Globetrotters camp in Estonia in 2025, we realised that it wasn’t just Ben that loved BJJ, but Tish was fully fallen for the sport too; we both came back fired up. That’s when we knew it was time to take the leap.
We combined Ben’s obsession with BJJ with Tish’s passion for youth development, especially cultivated after finishing her masters degree in sport and exercise psychology, to create a space that’s not just a gym, but a alternative provision for young people struggling with mainstream education; something that could have a massive impact on the community.
Tell us about the people that train in the gym – who are they?
Everyone is welcome at Allsopp BJJ, and that inclusivity has fostered an atmosphere where families feel comfortable and safe to train. We are cultivating a community of people who just love to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, meaning you’ll see a range of kids, competitors, young athletic 20-somethings, and of course the more mature folk who want to train smart and not be broken in the process. The goal is simple; safe, enjoyable training for all, no matter your age, gender, or background.
Why do they train in Allsopp Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, UK?
People come for varied reasons, but we see that it’s mainly to keep fit and healthy, to feel accomplished in something, and to be a part of a community of decent people.
Tish’s background in sport psychology helps us stay tuned into the social and emotional wellbeing of our members, not just their technique; so we are always vigilant of the dynamics of the members on and off the mat.
Allsopp Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, UK
What are some of the challenges of running a BJJ gym in general, and in your area specifically?
You never really switch off. You’re always thinking of how you can be better and make things better for your members and visitors. The constant drive is a strength but comes at a cost. It can be exhausting.
In our area, we also have to balance affordability. The cost of living is making hobbies like BJJ harder to sustain for many people. We try to keep things accessible whilst not losing money running the gym.
How do you see the future for BJJ in your area?
The future is collaborative and we’re here for it. We really hope that with our ethos of collaborating with other gyms and people passionate about youth development, BJJ will become a go-to activity for families in and around Wigan.
What’s the best thing about your gym?
The people. Always the people. It’s sounds rote but it truly is the members that come to share in our passion for BJJ.
We run our gym, literally, as a family and so everyone who walks through our doors becomes a part of that and you feel it the moment you walk through the door. The gym has a homely feel. It’s warm and inviting.
Our motto is Elegant – Fierce – Informed, and we aim to live up to it every day.
What would you recommend Globetrotters to see in your area apart from the inside of your gym?
Catch a Rugby game (how can you not in Wigan?!), take a walk around Haigh Hall and woodland park, grab a pie from the local shops; the town centre has the classic northern no-nonsense charm. If you want to extend your trip, we’re spitting distance from both Liverpool and Manchester.
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