Roger Gracie has announced the formation of the United Kingdom Jiu-Jitsu Federation, a new collaborative governing body that will foster collaborative working relationships between existing federations and help develop the sport of jiu-jitsu in Great Britain.

Gracie, the chairman of the UKJJF, joins notable figures such as Managing Director Gus Oliveira, Head of Coach Development Steve O'Keefe, and Head Referee Oliver Geddes. Gracie's father Mauricio Gomes, an eighth-degree red and white belt master who was instrumental in establishing jiu-jitsu in the United Kingdom, acts as a director of the UKJJF.

The UKJJF is recognized by the event organizers IBJJF and UAEJJF, as well as the global Jiu-Jitsu International Federation.

United Kingdom Jiu Jitsu Federation Strikes Landmark Deal with UAEJJF & IBJJF

PRESS RELEASE — The United Kingdom Jiu Jitsu Federation, a non-profit regulatory body for jiu-jitsu in the UK and a fully ratified member of the Jiu Jitsu International Federation, has reached a historical agreement with the other leading Federations of the sport.

The International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and the United Arab Emirates Jiu Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF)—the two leading competition organizers—have agreed, from this point forward, that they acknowledge the UKJJF as the sole and unified regulatory body for jiu-jitsu in the United Kingdom.

UKJJF Chairman Roger Gracie said: "This is very exciting, we’ve worked on this for a long time. It is very important for the future of jiu-jitsu that we work together for the benefit of our overall vision for the sport. We can now pull our collective resources and amplify our effectiveness."

Gus Oliveira, UKJJF Managing Director, said: "The UKJJF and its volunteers will continue to work hard in the background towards our mission, to bring jiu-jitsu to the level of professionalism you see with all the other biggest sports in the world."

Russell Christopher, UKJJF Commercial Director said: "Now we have brought together the biggest federations with their blessing, it allows us to do so much more, not just for the sport but for the wider society through our charitable foundation and various social projects, this is what really excites me."

What is the UKJJF?

The UKJJF is the organizing body for the sport of jiu-jitsu in the UK. It is a non-profit organization run by individuals who donate their time to the development of the sport. For more info go to www.UKJJF.co.uk.

Who is the UKJJF?

The UKJJF is a group of directors and executives who donate their time and energy to the development of the sport. They consist of jiu-jitsu practitioners, competitors or other professionals who have been involved in the sport for a long time and in some cases since its inception in the UK. They are all involved so they can give back to the sport that has given them so much in their lives.

How did the UKJJF come into existence/what makes it unique?

The UKJJF is in the unique position to represent the interests of the sport rather than the individual aspirations of any individual organization operating within the sport. However, it can also support those organizations to achieve their goals within the overall landscape of the betterment of jiu-jitsu for all. The Federation came about as a result of the growing need for one governing body to oversee and administrate all other organizations within jiu-jitsu. To ensure that the sport continues to grow both in popularity and in its positive influence on society at large. Including through its great work via the UKJJF Foundation.

Who can be affiliated with the UKJJF?

Any individual who practices jiu-jitsu at an affiliated academy within the United Kingdom can join the Federation and receive its member benefits. Any academy operating within the United Kingdom can become an affiliated academy.