• PLUS SUMMARY OF 2025 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 2025 UKBJJA Board and Council Elections concluded at yesterday’s Annual General Meeting with the announcement of the association’s new officials for the next four years (pending vetting), with Lauren Brown taking the helm as Chair.

See election results .

All votes were conducted electronically via ElectionBuddy.com, with no requests for Proxy or in-meeting voting.

Incoming Chair Lauren Brown (pictured left) said: “I’m very excited to be elected to the position of Chairperson for the UKBJJA. I’m looking forward to working with the new Board of Directors to make an impact in the sport that has been such an important part of my life.”

Outgoing Chair Neil Williams commented:

“I want to say a huge thank you. After more than a decade with the Association, including the last four years as Chair, it’s been an incredible journey watching UK Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grow in professionalism, structure, and recognition. Together, we’ve achieved so much.

“My sincere thanks go to the outgoing Board for their commitment and expertise,  especially Lawrence Selby KC, whose legal insight has been invaluable; Simon Ling, whose financial expertise and business acumen as Treasurer have been instrumental; and James McIntyre, whose safeguarding, policy, and procedural knowledge have helped establish strong governance foundations. The UKBJJA would not be where it is today without them. A special mention also to President Dickie Martin and Mr. Simon Hayes for their long-standing service — both on the Legacy Committee and in Simon’s role as Principal Council Officer, which he now vacates.

“It’s been an honour to serve the BJJ community and to contribute to the growth of this incredible sport in the UK. Good luck to the incoming Board and officials — this is truly an amazing opportunity at a time when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is seeing exponential growth worldwide “

SUMMARY OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

At the AGM, outgoing Chairman Neil Williams (pictured left) presented a summary of work carried out over the last year along with the financial reports.

Key updates included:

• Appointment of Izzy Carnwath as CEO, strengthening UKBJJA’s executive leadership and operational delivery
• Significant growth of BJJ in the UK to 1000+ clubs and estimated 100,000+ participants, with around 50% now UKBJJA members
• Launch of the UKBJJA Coaching Qualifications framework, the first nationally structured pathway for BJJ coaches aligned to UK coaching standards
• Delivery of 14 referee courses across the UK in the last 12 months (50+ qualified referees)
• Organisation of Junior development camps in England and Wales
• Expansion of BJJ in Schools through GCSE and Higher / Advanced higher PE, allowing BJJ to be studied and assessed as part of formal education
• Ongoing collaboration with Armed Forces and Emergency Services
• Representation at Westminster and UK Parliament promoting BJJ in education and policing.
• Ongoing discussions with the Department of Culture, Media and Sports about safety standards in combat sports
• The attainment of Home Office approval to endorse international athlete visas.

Directors for Wales, Omied Jalalian-Khakshour, Scotland, James McIntyre, and Public Affairs, Gareth Morgan followed with their annual reports.

Next, the results of the 2025 Board and Council Elections were announced, and the successful candidates gave their introductory words.

A second vote was held for a change in the constitution to allow the UKBJJA to increase individual membership fees from £15 to £25. Requiring 90% in favour to pass, the motion was unsuccessful with just 83% of attending clubs voting in favour.

The full minutes of the AGM will be published shortly at ukbjja.org.