Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is growing fast, there is no denying it. Last week, we heard the news that BJJ would be included in the 2018 Asian Games which is the 2nd Biggest Multi- Sport Event After Olympics.

In a time when when the International Judo Federation (IJF) has done everything in it’s power to counter the growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, things are working well in the British Judo and BJJ scene.

The British Judo Association (BJA) have just announced a new affiliation with the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu UK Association. The British Judo Association is the governing body for the Olympic Sport of Judo in the United Kingdom. The BJA represents the United Kingdom internationally and is a member of the International Judo Federation, the European Judo Union, the Judo Confederation of the European Union, the British Olympic Association, the Central Council of Physical Recreation, and the Commonwealth Judo Association.

One of the main actors of this deal is the Chairman of the BJJUKA Ray Stevens who is a BJJ Black Belt under Roger Gracie and Judo 6th Dan and Olympic silver medalist.

Chairman of the BJJUKA Ray Stevens (BJJ Black Belt under Roger Gracie, Judo 6th Dan and Olympic silver medallist) Photo by Jiu-Jitsu Style

This affiliation demonstrates the commitment of both organisations the development of the sports of Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the UK. What can be expected? For BJJ in the UK to benefit from BJA’s infrastructure and increase the credibility of BJJ across the UK.  The affiliation agreement between British Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu UK Association was signed by Andrew Scoular, British Judo Chief Executive, Ray Stevens, BJJUKA Chairman and Ed Semple, BJJUKA Board Member on Wednesday 7 January 2015.

As reported on the British Judo website:

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu UK Association (BJJUKA) is an organisation set up to govern the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the UK. The BJJUKA principle purpose is to raise the regulation, governance and credibility of BJJ across the UK.
The BJJUKA has now affiliated with the British Judo Association (BJA). The affiliation agreement means that British Judo can use the many years of experience it has as a National Governing Body (recognised and supported by Sport England) to provide guidance and advise to the BJJUKA on areas such as coaching and academy/club development. The affiliation agreement means that the BJJUKA will comply with the rules and ethics of good governance, and administration that Sport England would expect of any independent, nationally recognised Governing Body.
Chairman of the BJJUKA Ray Stevens (BJJ Black Belt, Judo 6th Dan and Olympic silver medallist) speaking on the new affiliation, said:
“This is something I have wanted to do for a number of years, I very much see Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo as cousins in the world of combat sport. Both BJJ and Judo can learn from one another by sharing our expertise and knowledge and as such there is a great deal of mutual benefit to be had from the affiliation. With my background in BJJ and Judo I see myself as bridging a gap between the two arts. I want to bring greater regulation and credibility to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through our affiliation with British Judo.”

British Judo Chairman, Kerrith Brown, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu UK Association to the British Judo family. This new affiliation will be important for the development of both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo across the UK. Both sports offer a great training and competing experience and we’re pleased that this affiliation will broaden our ability to cater for different needs. We’re aiming to become a high performing governing body and we’re pleased to be able to share our governance experience and expertise with the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu UK Association.”