Jiu-Jitsu is booming in France. Already last July, The France Championship 2023 was an extraordinary success, with a passionated team, a professional organization, a very athletes oriented staff and Jiu-Jitsu technical level fights never seen before in France.
With 2100 competitors on a two days event and 200 black belts, the France Championship run by @cfjjbfrance is one of the biggest competitions in Europe after the @ibjjf European Championship.
Now the French BJJ scene took it to another level. On December 21, 2023, the CFJJB, in collaboration with Adidas, orchestrated a groundbreaking event in France—a professional BJJ spectacle featuring cash prizes, live streaming on YouTube with expert commentary, and an international panel of referees. Drawing over 1200 attendees in Paris on a Thursday night, it marked a historic moment for French BJJ.
The crème de la crème of the French CFJJB circuit battled it out for a chance to claim the 1000 euros prize in four-athlete brackets, with special awards for the best athlete, best match, and fastest submission.
Male competitors faced off in gi and nogi tournaments across three weight categories (under
70kg, under 85kg, and over 85kg), while female athletes in the gi competed in two weight divisions (under 60kg and over 60kg).
Laurence Fouillat, the first European IBJJF World Champion, secured gold in the under 60kg
gi division with two flawless victories.
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In the over 60kg gi division, newly promoted black belt Stephanie Faure triumphed, submitting
Amandine Layec in the finals. She also won the “fastest submission of the event” award with an armbar in the semi finals.
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Cassio Silva, a Brazilian with a BJJ school in Paris, clinched the nogi under 70kg gold with
two stellar performances. One remarkable fact : he was the lightest athlete of the division !
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Rising French star Pierre Manzo dominated the under 85kg nogi division, showcasing a refined
game to claim the top spot.
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In the heavyweight nogi division, the formidable Benjamin Sehic, an MMA Fighter and BJJ black
belt weighing in at 130kg, displayed remarkable flexibility, securing victories in both matches through points.
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The male under 70kg gi category saw Brazilian Gustavo Jovelino, now teaching at Gracie Barra
Paris, seize the gold in a thrilling final against Danny Pla, declared the “best match of the event” by judges.
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Emerging talent and captain of the CFJJB French National Team, Leon Larman conquered the under
85kg gi division, securing two submissions against formidable opponents. Awarded “best athlete of the event,” Larman’s prowess earned him an additional 1000 euros.
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The highly anticipated over 85kg gi division showcased a clash between two of France’s finest
fighters, Reda Hamzaoui and Reda Mebtouche. Former teammates, they submitted their first opponents to meet in the finals, where Mebtouche secured victory with a decisive guard pass.
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The Pro League’s success marks a significant stride in the professionalization of BJJ in France,
leaving both spectators and athletes eager for the next edition.
