The GBJ - Who we are and what's our mission? - (2024)

Great Britain Jujitsu was formed 2 years ago, as a federation to take jujitsu for Great Britain, internationally.

Sport Jujitsu is a fantastic sport that has had its ups and downs over the years. GBJ found our place when we became accredited by the JJIF (Jujitsu International Federation) and the WCJJO (World Council Jujitsu Federation).

We train every month across the UK and compete internationally, representing the GB Squad.

We have competed all around the world including:

• Belgium
• Greece
• Israel
• Mongolia
• Germany
• Australia
• America
• Switzerland
• France
• UK
• Croatia..

and later this year, the JJIF worlds are expected to be held in Crete! So as you can see… we get around!

Our Aim:

To develop a squad, suitable for the Olympics. To become a world-class federation that selects and finds the very best fighters, that the UK has to offer. We want to be able to find and fund all talents from all backgrounds. We want to develop the GB Squad into a world-class team and give our fighters the best opportunities, available to them.

We participate in 3 main categories/ competition types:

Fighting Jujitsu:

This is the primary fighting style for GBJ. This is the sporting jujitsu style of fighting. The rules are reasonably straightforward – hit 3 ippons, one in each section of a ‘fight’. Striking, takedowns, pins/submissions. Get 1 clean strike, 1 clean takedown, and 1 submission/ pin, and you win! Simple! However, you only have 3 minutes to do it, so it’s very fast-paced, and you must engage in every part of the fight. This is the fighting style that the JJIF has successfully adopted and succeeded in getting, into the World Games and are trying to get into the Olympics.

Ne-Waza:

Aka…grappling, aka BJJ. Grappling starts from standing, you get points for takedowns/sweeps, passing guard, knee on belly and gaining either front and/or back mount. You get advantages for attempting all of the above. The rules are very similar to the well-known IBJJF Rules. One major difference is that there are no belt categories. You are expected to be at a pro level of competition.

Duo:

Essentially, demonstration takedowns and defences. You are scored for your performance and how accurate you are. The referees will give you 1 of 3 set drills to do. You won’t be told which one until the day. Duo is done with 2 x people from each team. One of the team usually doing the ‘attacking’ and one usually doing the ‘defence’ element.

In all of these categories you are either in the red or blue corner. All competitors are expected to have a red and blue belt for all fighting styles and additionally, red and blue gloves and shinguards for fighting jujitsu.

So – What does the GBJ Offer?

We can insure you’re club and yourself, which is underwritten and provided by the British Matial Art and Boxing Association. If you are already with the BMABA, then you are already permitted to train and compete with us. As it stands, everything is self-funded, but we encourage sponsorship, grants, fund-raising, and anything else that helps provide the fighters and teams with money.

By being part of Great Britain Jujitsu, you become part of a larger network of clubs, dotted all over the country, from Bude to Essex, Essex to Manchester, Manchester to Leicester, – across to Llanelli in Wales!

We have world-class coaches, who will ensure they get the very best out of you. We start from 6 years of age and have dedicated coaches, depending on your age. Meet the team here

Insurance

We cover martial art individuals and instructors, see below and click this link to find out more about the insurances GBJ can offer.

To find out more about membership or if you have a question, please email: steve@gbjj.co.uk