Club: Elements Martial Arts Brighton & Haywards Heath – England South
Belt: Black+
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the UK has grown significantly over the past two decades, and I have been fortunate to witness and contribute to that growth since beginning my journey in the sport in 2004. Since establishing my academy in 2012, I have been actively involved in developing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at a grassroots level, working with students, coaches and affiliated academies across England and Scotland.
Through running academies and supporting affiliated clubs, I have gained first-hand experience of the challenges and opportunities faced by gym owners, coaches and practitioners. My focus has always been on building strong, sustainable programmes that support participation for all ages and abilities while maintaining high standards of coaching, safeguarding and community values.
In the role of South England Councillor, my priority would be to support the continued development of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu across the region by strengthening connections between local academies, supporting grassroots initiatives and ensuring that clubs in the South of England are well represented within the UKBJJA.
One important area is grassroots club support. Many academies are small independent organisations run by passionate instructors who often balance coaching with the practical demands of running a business. I believe the UKBJJA can play a valuable role in supporting these clubs by providing clear guidance and accessible resources, particularly for new academies starting up, helping them establish strong foundations in areas such as safeguarding, governance and coaching standards.
Another key area is coach education and development. As participation in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu continues to grow, supporting instructors with access to guidance, best practice frameworks and shared knowledge can help maintain high standards of coaching and safe training environments across the region.
Competition is also an important part of athlete development. Within the South of England there is a strong and active competition community, and I believe there is an opportunity to further support this through the development of clearer regional pathways for competition participation, including the continued support and promotion of interclub events. These events often provide the first competitive experience for many athletes and play a valuable role in helping students build confidence before progressing to larger competitions.
Finally, I believe clear communication between the UKBJJA and regional clubs is essential. As South England Councillor, I would aim to help ensure that the perspectives and experiences of academies within the region are represented and that information from the governing body is shared clearly and effectively with member clubs.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has had a profound positive impact on my life and on the communities I have worked with over the years. I would welcome the opportunity to support the continued growth of the sport in the South of England, helping to strengthen the regional community while contributing to the broader development of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the UK.
Qualifications/ relevant professional experience
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner since 2004
- Managed my own academy since 2012.
- Developed and managed a structured martial arts programme serving a broad community of practitioners across different age groups and experience levels.
- Operate two academy sites, alongside a growing network of affiliated clubs across England and Scotland. Through this work I have gained extensive experience in club development, coach support, governance, safeguarding implementation, and community engagement.
- Since 2012, delivered comprehensive programmes for both children and adults, ensuring that classes are structured, inclusive and accessible while maintaining high coaching and welfare standards.
- This includes implementing safeguarding frameworks, maintaining appropriate coach-to-student ratios, supporting instructor development, and creating clear pathways for beginners through to competitive athletes.
- Practical experience in the real challenges faced by gym owners, coaches and athletes, including safeguarding responsibilities, club sustainability, regulatory compliance, and the development of positive training environments.
Social Media
Instagram – @yousufnabi
Facebook – @yousuf.nabi.7