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.
5. Ross began his BJJ journey around ten years ago, learning under John Stokes in Brierfield.
Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard | True North Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym in Burnley. National World
6. Currently, True North has we classes where they have anywhere up to 20 kids coming on a Saturday or a Tuesday
Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard | True North Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym in Burnley. National World
7. They have anywhere between 40-50 people training regularly on the Jiu-Jitsu side.
Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard | True North Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym in Burnley. National World
8. Among those who train with True North include Rob & Mick Sinclair.
Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard | True North Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym in Burnley. National World