Introduction from Jimmy Johnstone, UKBJJA Youth Development Officer

The UKBJJA is planning a monthly get together for our young BJJ players aged 17 and under. These sessions would be held at a different academy each month and in different towns to ensure that the sessions are as accessible as possible.

In my experience working with large groups of our young athletes i have found these sessions to be highly motivating and rewarding for the next generation of BJJ competitors in the UK. As well as the ability to train alongside young people with the same passion the kids will benefit massively learning from a variety of professors with different coaching styles and philosophies.

The sessions will be 2 hours long and structured by the professor coaching the session. If you would like to donate a couple of hours of your time maybe once per year to get involved in this project, please let me know and contact you to discuss putting your school on our calendar.

The sessions will be free to UKBJJA members. Non-members will be asked to pay £15 (the cost of annual membership, which will be included). This is to make sure all kids are covered by UKBJJA liability insurance.

All parties involved in this project would be giving their time voluntarily. This purpose of this project is not to create a competition team. Our goal with your support is facilitate youth development, promote jiu jitsu to a wider audience and make jiu jitsu more accessible to young people.

For any questions or to get involved, please contact me at youthdevelopment@ukbjja.org

Guidelines for participating clubs

• Clubs need to be UKBJJA member academies
• All coaches/volunteers attending the sessions should have valid DBS / Disclosure Scotland / Access NI in place
• All clubs/coaches/volunteers will be bound by the UKBJJA policies on child protection (attached) and risk management (attached)
• A register of attendees must be taken

Guidelines for participating juniors

• Participants will need a valid UKBJJA membership number
• Non members can sign up in advance on the UKBJJA website, or can pay £15 on the day and complete a UKBJJA membership form
• Participants should bring a gi if at all possible
• Participants and parents/guardians agree to abide by the UKBJJA respect rule

Respect Rule

We operate a zero tolerance policy regarding inappropriate behaviour by coaches, parents/guardians, spectators and participants. Any swearing, inappropriate gestures or violence (towards person or property) will not be tolerated.

There will be juniors of all ages at this event and we are here to set an example.

• No shoes are to be worn on the mats.
• Gis and training clothes should be clean and undamaged.
• Finger/toe nails should be clipped and long hair appropriately tied up
• No parents/guardians will be allowed on the mats under any circumstances.
• In the unlikely event of emergency, appropriate action will be taken by the coaches in attendance (including contacting emergency services if needed) – parents/guardians and participants should follow their instructions at all times.
• The mat, surrounding areas and especially the entrances/exits should be kept free of clutter at all times