True North, owned by Ross Widdup, launched in its current form in 2025 after the gym’s initial establishment in 2021. Widdup’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey began around ten years ago training at John Stokes’s gym in Brierfield after previously engaging in combat sports, such as judo and boxing. The rest is history.
Currently, the gym has up to 20 kids coming in on a Saturday or a Tuesday for classes and has around 40-50 people training regularly. The gym is hoping to expand even further by accommodating boxing in the future, with plans to install a mezzanine floor, a boxing ring and some boxing equipment on the gym’s upstairs level.
Additionally, the gym will welcome a top-level fighter next month in Saul ‘The Hangman’ Rogers. Rogers, who is a European champion with an elite BJJ black belt, is set to host a special coaching session at the gym on Sunday, August 30th, covering his 'A-game material' – attacking the front headlock.
Our photographer Kelvin Stuttard was on hand to capture the gym’s training session on Thursday, July 2nd. Take a look at our photo gallery below to see if you can spot anyone you know.
1. True North Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a dedicated community, offering a supportive and inclusive environment to practice BJJ.
Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard | True North Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym in Burnley. National World
2. True North, in its current form, was launched by Ross Widdup last summer.
Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard | True North Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym in Burnley. National World
3. True North trains seasoned grapplers looking to refine their technique and complete beginners eager to start their martial arts training
Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard | True North Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym in Burnley. National World
4. Including Ross, True North has experienced coaches at the gym.
Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard | True North Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym in Burnley. National World