⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I can't say enough good things about Alliance Jiu-Jitsu! My 5-year-old daughter has been attending classes for about a month and a half, and the experience has been fantastic. The gym strikes the perfect balance between discipline and fun, making every session enjoyable for the kids. What impresses me the most is the variety of skills they learn in each class. It's not just repetition; the curriculum keeps things fresh and exciting. Professor Sean is a dedicated instructor who takes the time to ensure that the kids make real progress in their Jiu-Jitsu journey.

My daughter (24) has been training at Alliance for over a year and can’t say enough about how great it is (she does jujitsu and kickboxing there). I decided to give a kickboxing class a try (I’m a 52 year old woman - complete beginner) and would give a 10 star rating if I could. From the moment I stepped in the door and met Sean and his team, I felt 100% comfortable and accepted. This has to be the least intimidating gym I’ve ever been in, and the culture they foster is one of learning at your own pace with encouragement and support. Although the class was multi-levelled, I was encouraged to go at my own pace and was positively supported throughout the entire class (not feeling comfortable with the end of class sparring I chose to watch and felt like it was completely acceptable to do as much/as little I felt comfortable with doing). Would highly recommend this for anyone - from beginner to advanced (watched black belts train and understand they have high level coaches).

If you’re interested at all in starting or improving your BJJ or learning kickboxing, Alliance Kelowna is the place to go. For context, I started there in March 2022 and trained consistently with Alliance until recently moving out of Kelowna. From the moment I walked through the doors - despite knowing no one and having no previous martial arts/combat sports experience - I felt so welcomed and a part of the team there. Gym owners Sean and Melissa are some of the friendliest and most generous people I know - from when I first started, they helped me with anything I needed and were always encouraging of all questions. The culture at the gym is fantastic - everyone is friendly, respectful, and wants to help each other out. There is an atmosphere of encouragement so that everyone feels both motivated to try their best but also can take it at their own pace and within their personal comfort zone. I would highly recommend this gym for women wanting to train in particular - this is a very safe place for you! All BJJ instructors I’ve had at Alliance (including Jimmy, Kristian, and Kody, and Kleber) are incredibly patient and also incredibly knowledgeable. The current coach, Kleber Brito, is a fourth degree black belt; he not only is very technically skilled but is an excellent teacher. He does a fantastic job of breaking down complex techniques into steps for beginners to understand, often adding extra detail for those more experienced, so that everyone can come away from class having learned something new. Kleber is always happy to roll with his students and always makes it a great learning experience for all levels. I’d recommend this gym to everyone, regardless of experience. The high quality of instruction and wide variety of training partners at all belt levels helps create a great learning environment for anyone looking to compete, demonstrated by the many kids and adults bringing back metals from local competitions. I competed in BJJ twice under Alliance Kelowna at local BC Absolute competitions and felt very supported in the weeks leading up to them, with coaches and all training partners (especially higher belts) going out of their way to help me improve, discuss a game plan, and allow me to refine specific techniques. My experience kickboxing with Alliance has also been phenomenal. My coach, Paul, has been an excellent teacher and mentor since I started. Similar to my BJJ experience, Paul was so patient and made me feel so comfortable and supported each class I took. He does a great job of teaching a class of mixed experience levels, such that you’ll learn something new regardless of skill level. There is the option (but no obligation) to live spar Wednesdays for the last ~15 mins at the end of class which really challenged me to improve in a safe and supportive environment. As with BJJ, there is a huge culture of respect and encouragement in these classes. In addition to these classes, Paul also has gone out of his way to support me when I inquired about sparring in boxing at a different gym to supplement my training. He volunteered time one-on-one with me to make sure I felt comfortable and prepared for boxing, which ultimately resulted in a fantastic and rewarding experience for me. It’s also worth noting that the gym itself is very clean, and I’ve never heard of anyone getting any sort of infections from dirty mats (which I’ve heard horror stories about at other gyms!). Overall, I can’t say enough good things about Alliance Kelowna. It was very bittersweet leaving this gym and the wonderful people who train there, but I hope this review will be the final step of encouragement for someone to take that scary first step and try out a free class! For someone with no prior experience - like me when I started - I would HIGHLY recommend giving Alliance Kelowna a shot. You won’t regret it!

Our whole family enjoys going to Alliance Jiujitsu to learn new skills at this most uplifting establishment. I find the discipline is amazing for kids to learn as well as skills from all of the highly skilled and positive instructors. It’s very inclusive for everyone from all walks of life. I just joined myself and am already hooked! Highly recommend. Thanks team!

Coach Sean and all the coaches do such a great job of incorporating young athletes with more experienced athletes. They have the focus of their students and make jiu jitsu for new martial artists to learn and focus easy and comfortable. Recommended to anyone wanting confidences, self defence or just a place to escape and work hard. My 10yr old loves it.

My five-year-old son started attending this dojo in June. Sean, the owner was super accommodating for a trial class, and it's as easy as showing up early and signing a form! My son was trying out this and one other dojo. It was a no-brainer for me because the environment offers a perfect blend of structure, true discipline and respect for the sport and fellow teammates. It also feels very good to see the owner and high-ranking Jiu-Jitsu artist training with the young children. Sean and his team help promote a sense comfort, confidence and fun for young children, kind of like that "cool uncle" everyone wishes they had!

I have trained on and off in the sport of Jiu Jitsu since 2013 with the past year at Alliance Jiu Jitsu. If you are thinking about joining, I can tell you that each and every class will be a positive experience with top quality instruction. Owner Sean McHugh truly cares about the members of his academy and you can see that in the environment he has created whereby everyone is treated with respect and valued. Professor Kleber Brito, 4th degree black belt and head instructor, has an immense amount of knowledge and makes each class challenging and enjoyable. I highly recommend Alliance Jiu Jitsu if you are interested in the sport of Jiu Jitsu or want to learn some self defense skills.

I was convinced by a friend to try classes at Alliance and I was not disappointed. The instructors are fantastic and make learning BJJ and Muay Thai fun and exciting! The environment is very supportive and makes me feel like I'm part of a family.

This place is amazing. Always wanted to try martial arts but the older I got, the more I thought I’d be too far behind to start. I was 36 when I started and this club has shown me that it’s never too late to start. All the coaches and team members are so welcoming and encouraging. Whether you’ve never thrown a punch in your life or have years training elsewhere, there’s always a great variety of training partners of all levels to help you reach your goals on the mat. They’re also very safety orientated to ensure we know how to defend and fall properly, ensuring everyone goes home healthy. Learned so much here in a short amount of time. Already feels like home. Now I’m just ninja kicking myself in the head for not starting sooner!

I started Jiu Jitsu here in 2019, and it was an incredible place to begin the journey! Instructors are highly welcoming, knowledgable and supportive. It's clear everyone is there to help each other improve. I've since moved to Vancouver but still drop in to train every time I visit Kelowna. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in self-defence, a fun new way to workout, competition, or just wanting to know how to choke their homeys out.. safely! Easy 5/5

Best martial arts gym I've been to. Hands down would recommend anyone give this a try. It's a friendly, welcoming environment that encourages self betterment.

If you're looking to get or stay fit or train with world class instructors and world class people the community at this gym could not be better. I train with another Alliance, in town for vacation and decided to reach out to Kelowna Alliance. I have had such a great time training with an incredible group of people. Professor Kleber Brito, Professor and Co-Owner Sean McHugh, Co-Owner Melissa McHugh and the students of Alliance Kelowna made me feel at home. It is truly an honor to train at such an amazing facility, I can not thank all of you enough.

Amazing environment filled with awesome ppl! Coming from someone who's been attending for a few years, the instructors are very skillful and welcoming, to not only advanced grapplers/kickboxers but beginners as well. Definitely an overdue review, but training here is definitely not a decision I regret. Trying a class can't hurt, right?

I have been attending Alliance for a year now and this review is far too late in coming. For some context, I began at 51 years old. I have a 5 year old daughter and 7 year old son who are both taking classes as well. Any Martial Arts journey is a potentially nerve wracking one. It can be difficult to sort out the charlatans from the true experts. It can also be difficult to find a supportive but challenging (in a good way) culture as well. All I can say is that all of the Five Star reviews are well earned. Professor Sean is an incredibly knowledgeable and caring instructor who has a phenomenal knack for identifying what each student needs to hone in on to advance. With the kids classes he is particularly supportive and does an incredible job of keeping kids of all ages engaged. They progress in skill without even knowing it because they are enjoying themselves so much. Finally, it should also be said that I have yet to meet anyone attending classes at Alliance who is not supportive or fun to be with. It is truly a great group of people. Credit to them and huge credit to Sean for creating such an amazing culture. Thank you.

I started at Alliance in 2019 and returned after Covid. It's been a great place to train with fantastic people. Sean and Kleber have fostered a culture of learning and acceptance. People want to get better but prioritize safety. I look forward to my training.

ALLIANCE JUJITSU IT’S A HOME: Alliance Jiu-Jitsu impresses with its commitment to technical excellence and a welcoming atmosphere. The instructors are knowledgeable, providing effective training for both beginners and advanced practitioners. The emphasis on respect and camaraderie creates a positive learning environment. Overall, Alliance Jiu-Jitsu is a solid choice for those seeking quality instruction and a supportive community in the world of martial arts.

I started my BJJ and Muay Thai journey in April 2023 as a COMPLETE beginner not knowing anything about either sport. The first day you try anything new for the first time is always the most intimidating and stressful day. I remember being nervous my first day as I did not know anyone at Alliance Kelowna and had zero experience in Muay Thai or BJJ. However, Sean and his team do a great job cultivating a positive and welcoming environment for anyone that walks through their door. Over the past 8 months, I have developed a passion for BJJ and Muay Thai all thanks to the culture and training programs that Sean and the Alliance team have developed. I would 10/10 recommended Alliance Kelowna to anyone looking to get into BJJ and Muay Thai. If you are a higher level belt, Alliance Kelowna is a great option as Sean is one of 6 black belts at Alliance Kelowna who have extensive knowledge and experience in the sport BJJ. I encourage anyone reading this to go out and try Alliance Kelowna's two week trial.

Its taken me too long to write this review as my son Luca has been attending Alliance for over two years ! Sean, Melissa and the team are the best ! Luca loves going to class and now looks forward to competing in tournaments thanks to the confidence given him by Sean and team. This is a first class operation, highly recommend to anyone interested in martial arts.

This was my first time doing any martial arts training and Coach Sean was very supportive and ran some amazing classes! The senior students were very welcoming to a newcomer and took the time to show me the ropes. Coach Ryan is always positive and great at motivating people, it’s always a great class and lots of knowledge is obtained from his lessons. The school has a very welcoming atmosphere and the coaches are backed by decades of knowledge learned from world renowned martial arts experts. Even if you are just looking to get into shape or try a different workout routine, this will definitely do all that for you. Thank you Coach Sean and Coach Ryan!

Am new to BJJ have been training at Alliance with Sean and team the last 6 weeks or so. Right off the bat felt comfortable, so much so that we enrolled our son as well. The rest of the club members in the studio are helpful, particularly with beginners like me! What a workout and quickly addicted. Great work guys!

Alliance Kelowna is everything I am looking for in a BJJ gym: small, friendly, good value, great instruction. The owner Sean is very helpful and easy to talk to by email or in-person. I've been coming mostly to Friday nights with Kody and he is a very good instructor. I feel like I am getting extra attention as a new student, not less. The atmosphere is very fun and welcoming. I can't wait until I can come more often!

This is not your average google review, I have made this specifically for those who are serious about BJJ and want a moderately comprehensive assessment in order to choose the best academy in Kelowna. This review will be divided into three main sections: environment, coaches, and BJJ level. First of all, the environment will consist of the physical environment and the psychological environment. In terms of the psychological environment, this academy is the most welcoming academy I’ve ever trained in; from the main coach to the newest white belt, everyone will make you feel at home! As an international student, this has been something that has helped me settle down very quickly. When it comes to egos, you won’t find any here. What you will definitely find is an environment full of respect and open-mindedness. Furthermore, with regards to the physical environment, the academy has a considerably large mat space which I consider to be in good condition. Additionally, there is a baggage storage area that will generally be able to hold everyone’s bags. As well, the bathroom is always clean and it has a small medical care kit with basic items that are always restocked. Moreover, the academy currently has a main coach and three assistant coaches, all of which put a lot of effort into teaching and making sure everyone knows what they are doing. If someone is struggling with a certain technique or drill the coach teaching will individually help that person until they understand how to correctly execute the movement. Additionally, being taught by various coaches exposes you to different styles which you can incorporate into your Jiu-Jitsu game according to what fits the best for you. Also, if you have any questions the coaches will always gladly answer them and take the time to drill whatever you need help with after class. Finally, the Jiu-Jitsu level here is amazing. The unique way of teaching that Alliance has developed allows beginners to learn very quickly and at the same time feel comfortable doing so. When it comes to the intermediate and experienced level practitioners, all of them are very skilled and they will push you in order to bring out the best version of you! Overall, this is an amazing academy and I seriously recommend it!

I love training with the amazing staff, instructors and fellow students at Alliance. It has a welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable and clean environment that is good for anyone new, experienced or advanced in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing.

I can’t say enough about how amazing our experience with Alliance has been. Our son Jack started taking JiuJitsu classes 9 months ago and is absolutely loving it. The coaches are fantastic with the all kids. The community that they’ve created there is so welcoming and supportive. It’s a safe space for them to learn and be challenged and to have fun. I highly recommend Alliance Jiu Jitsu Kelowna!

Visiting kelowna for work. Alliance was easily the highlight of my trip. Top notch quality instructors and friendly students 👌 Having trained for years nothing makes me happier than visiting a new gym and meeting new people. Thank you alliance for welcoming me onto the mats 🙏

Professor Sean has put together a great team of instructors for both muay thai and jiu-jitsu! I've been training jiu-jitsu and muay thai at alliance for just over a year now. The club is great for all levels of experience. I love the detailed and quality instruction from professor kleber(bjj) and coach paul(muay thai). I've made a lot of great friendships there and it's always a good laugh every class. If you've ever thought you'd like to give bjj or muay thai a try, alliance is the place! You won't regret it!