The UKBJJA congratulates the outgoing Board for their outstanding
contribution to Brazilian jiu jitsu ahead of the 2025 Board and Council
Elections.

Since its formation in 2013, the United Kingdom Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association
(UKBJJA) has reached significant milestones, most notably becoming the officially
recognised National Governing Body for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in September 2021.
Under the leadership of outgoing Chairman Neil Williams and the Board of Directors,
the organisation has gone from strength to strength, navigating key challenges and
driving growth at every level of the sport.
The outgoing Board was instrumental in guiding the sport safely through the
aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping clubs and members return to training
and competition with confidence and care. Under their stewardship, the majority of BJJ
clubs in the UK are now fully registered with the Association – a testament to the
trust and value placed in the UKBJJA by the community.
The UKBJJA has also seen meaningful growth in its partnerships with the Armed
Forces and Emergency Services, reinforcing the role of BJJ not only as an effective
martial art, but also as a therapeutic, bonding practice that builds resilience and
community.
One of the organisation’s standout achievements has been the establishment of a
unified national rankings system across a vibrant competition circuit, alongside a
commitment to raising standards in event delivery, athlete safety, and fair play.
In the field of education, the UKBJJA has made major strides – with national BJJ
qualifications introduced at GCSE level in Northern Ireland and at Higher and
Advanced Higher levels in Scotland. The Association has also delivered key services
such as club kite-marking, coach and official education, event licensing, and
centralised safeguarding and vetting – all vital to the long-term health of the sport.
Perhaps most notably, the past four years have seen the creation of genuine
professional pathways for elite BJJ athletes in the UK. The nation has not only
nurtured home-grown talent, but is now attracting elite competitors from overseas,
who choose the UK as a place to train and compete at the highest level.

Founder and Honorary President Richard Martin said:

“On behalf of the UKBJJA, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the
outgoing Board for their tireless work in helping to develop Brazilian jiu jitsu in the UK
over the past four years. Neil Williams, Simon Ling and Stuart Forrester have led
from the front, overcoming difficult challenges and developing a professional aspect
to the sport that will benefit the entire community. They leave a secure and lasting
legacy that can be taken forward to the next level by the new Board of Directors in
October 2025, giving them a strong foundation to build upon for the years ahead”.

Chairman, Neil Williams, said:

“Over the past 12 years as a Director of the UKBJJA – and particularly during the last
4 years as Chairman – I’ve witnessed the incredible growth and transformation of
Brazilian jiu jitsu across the UK. As the sport continues its exponential rise, it’s vital
that a new board steps in with the vision and energy to take the UKBJJA and BJJ in
the UK to the next level. I’d like to express my sincere thanks to the dedicated
members of the current board who have worked tirelessly to grow the sport while
keeping the safety and wellbeing of participants at its core.”

– The UKBJJA Board and Council Elections will open to candidate applications
in August.
Voting will open to member clubs in early October.
The election results will be announced at the UKBJJA’s 2025 AGM on 26
October.

See here for more information