About Fortitude BJJ Suffolk
Get to know us
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and friendly gym. You will be made to feel at home regardless of your experience in Jiu Jitsu.We believe everyone should be able to train Jiu Jitsu, whether you are a serious athlete or just want to learn something new and have fun, there is always a place for you on our mat. Community is important, here at fortitude we are one big family. We regularly socialise together and encourage team bonding. Our priority as coaches is your enjoyment, well being & safety.
About
Gary Oliver
Meet the founder of Fortitude Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fortitude BJJ was started by Gary Oliver in October, 2021 after Fortitude Gym built their Combat Zone and wanted an expert to coach a BJJ class. Fortitude BJJ grew fast and the demand for more classes kept increasing. Our members loved our sessions so much that we now offer classes in two locations!
About
Liam Stewart
Meet the coach at Fortitude Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Music, basketball and BMX had been my life predominantly up until I suffered an injury in 2014 requiring surgery. I started training BJJ in 2015 as a means of rehabilitation and I immediately enjoyed the problem solving nature of the sport. It kept my mind engaged while my body and conditioning caught up, proving you don’t need to get fit to start Jiu Jitsu.
I received my black belt from Tsuyoshi tamaki (carpe diem bjj) in 2023 and have been coaching since 2018.
I like to employ a combination of concept based, drilling and ecological learning to my teaching.
Alongside my training I have experience delivering workplace support, extra curricular music programmes and sports coaching to neurodiverse individuals. When I’m not on the mats, you’ll probably find me either playing golf or drums.
About
George Farrow
Meet the coach at Fortitude Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
I went to my first BJJ class in 2019 whilst studying at University of Sheffield. The gym I went to also had BJJ in the building and I was intrigued after watching the training through a window. I was nervous to attend my first class and even made my friend come with me! I loved it and have been training ever since. I joined Fortitude BJJ in 2023 and received my purple belt from Liam Stewart later that year. I train predominantly no gi but occasionally stick the gi on if any of the gi boys need teaching a lesson!
About
Brad Crawford
Meet the coach at Fortitude Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Hi, I’m Brad. I’ve been training in martial arts for over six years and earned my Kickboxing Black Belt and BJJ Blue Belt in 2023. I joined Fortitude in August 2024 and immediately connected with the coaching, the team, and the atmosphere. It’s a place that pushes me to keep learning and improving every day.
Martial arts has played a huge role in my life, and I’m working towards making it my full-time career. I focus on helping beginners get started and feel comfortable on the mats. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone take their first steps in training and start building real confidence.
Whether I’m on the mats as a coach or a student, I bring energy, focus, and a love for the process.
Get in Touch
Fortitude BJJ Suffolk
5 Brunel Rd, Ipswich IP2 0HB
