Welcome to Strive!
Strive BJJ was established in 2023 by our owner and Head Coach, Karl Tallowin. Karl has been on the mats for over 20 years and has been a BJJ coach for 15 of them, having taught MMA before starting BJJ. Karl opened Strive because he wanted to offer a space to train that was relaxed, fun and most of all a space that is safe to learn in. We always promote a good atmosphere at Strive, with music in every session, friendly members, high quality coaching and effective technique. Karl’s vision for the gym is a relaxed community of skills, where members can come and go and learn BJJ at their own pace, safely and effectively. No strict start or finish times, just come when there’s a class on and leave when you want to. Everyone has something to teach and everyone has something to learn – even the coaches. We really welcome anyone to come along and try it out; you will definitely learn something and you’ll almost certainly be back!
Our Affiliation
How did we become affiliated with Mavericks Jiu-Jitsu? Karl had known Jon Thomas, pro BJJ athlete, for some time prior to the creation of Mavericks. He and Jon had talked about how great BJJ could be if coaching focused on evidence-based sequences, techniques, body placement and the mechanics of the art. When Karl started thinking of opening his own gym, he asked Jon who he was affiliated with and Jon said he was just about to launch his own franchise with Espen Mathiesen: Mavericks. Karl didn’t waste any time and Strive were one of the first three gyms to onboard with Mavericks and the first in the UK.
What Affiliation Means For Strive BJJ
Strive members get regular opportunities to train with Jon and Espen in Sweden or Norway. Jon and Espen also regularly offer seminars at the Strive gym, where you can ask questions and learn from their vast experience. Mavericks has an online platform which is packed full of tutorials, instructionals and guides to help you develop your training – members have full access to this. The coaches at Strive have direct access to Jon and Espen to support their own development and coaching, too, which you will benefit from in every class you attend. We’re really proud to be part of the Mavericks family and you’ll definitely see the benefits of our affiliation at Strive.
Jonathan Thomas
BJJ Black Belt
IBJJF World Champ Purple & Brown
Espen Mathiesen
World Pro Champion AJP
European Champion IBJJF
“Cannot fault this gym, absolutely brilliant. I had never tried BJJ before and was welcomed with open arms. The atmosphere in this place is great, help doesn’t just come from the coaches but from other people training. I can honestly say every person in this gym wants you to improve and will give you the time you need.”
Strive Member – May 2024 (Google Review)
Strive 