The people behind the mats and how we run our classes.
Our Story
We’re not a big commercial gym with a revolving door of members. We’re a club. People know your name, and you’re coached from day one.
Since 2019, we’ve built a consistent group of people training week in, week out.
If you’re starting from zero, you won’t be left to figure things out.
Every session is structured, guided, and paced so you can build confidence without pressure.
noun / /a'lentʊ/
01 / Breath
The vital force that sustains life, central to our practice as we learn to control and harness it during training.
02 / Courage
The determination and bravery required to grow, learn, and face every challenge with confidence.
Head Professor
Dom has been teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Lichfield since Alento opened in 2019. He built the club around one core belief — that beginners should be coached properly from day one.
His classes are structured and clear. You’re shown what to do, given time to practise, and corrected as you go. Nothing is rushed, and nothing is assumed.
There’s no pressure to prove anything. Sessions are coach-led, controlled, and focused on learning, not ego. Whether it’s your first class or your first year, you’ll feel supported.
“Dom is a brilliant coach and knows his stuff inside out. Everyone is made to feel incredibly welcome — from seasoned practitioners to complete novices.”
Leah has trained in BJJ for almost 13 years, working her way from white belt to black belt.
The sport has given her determination, problem solving, fitness, inner strength, self-confidence and lifelong friends.Jiu Jitsu is a lifestyle, not a hobby.
By day she’s an art teacher. In the evenings she’s either training or coaching and she loves watching her students progress.
As one of our female coaches, Leah has been instrumental in making Alento a genuinely welcoming space for women who want to train.
Charles has been training BJJ since 2016 and started training with Alento when he moved to the Midlands in 2020.
He runs structured and clear beginners classes that blend techniques with positional games, focussing on simple foundational principles.
Elliott has been part of Alento since the beginning, training and developing within the club from day one.
He actively competes in both gi and no-gi, bringing a well-rounded approach to his coaching.
Elliott works across all levels, including kids classes, and focuses on creating a supportive environment where beginners and experienced students alike can progress at their own pace.
BJJ rewards technique and consistency, not strength or fitness. That means you can start from zero and build up at your own pace.
Sessions are structured and supervised. You’re not pushed beyond what you’re ready for, and you’re always able to stop when needed.
You’re not lost in a big class. People train together, support each other, and get to know each other.
Real sessions, real people, no pressure
Real sessions, real people, no pressure
Choose a time that suits you. You’ll be coached step by step, with no
sparring and no pressure to keep up.