The United Kingdom Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association (UKBJJA) is pleased to announce upcoming referee training courses and assessments taking place this October and November, led by Marcelo Coppa.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Referees Level 2 Assessment – Southampton Neon Open
- Date: 04 October 2025
- Location: Testlands Wellbeing Hub, Green Ln, Southampton SO16 9FQ
- Time: 10:00
- Eligibility: Blue belts and above
- Register here: https://ukbjja.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/44
Referees Level 3 Course – London
- Date: 21 November 2025
- Event: Referees Level 3 Course
- Location: Carlson Gracie London, 89 Richford St, London W6 7HJ
- Time: 14:00 – 17:30
- Eligibility: Black belts and above
- Register here: https://ukbjja.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/43
Referees Level 2 Assessment – English Open
- Date: 22 November 2025
- Location: UEL, University Way, London E16 2RD
- Time: 11:00
- Eligibility: Blue belts and above
- Register here: https://ukbjja.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/45
A UKBJJA license qualifies referees to officiate at UKBJJA licensed and partner events: Level 3 certification enables holders to referee up to their own belt level under supervision, while Level 2 licenses holders to referee independently up to their own belt level. Level 3 is for Black belts only, qualifying holders to stand as Head Referee.
Courses are available to UKBJJA members only. Sign up for individual membership (+ insurance) from £15 here.
ABOUT THE COURSE LEADER – MARCELO COPPA
Marcelo Coppa is a 5th-degree black belt with almost a quarter of a century’s experience in teaching and refereeing Brazilian jiu jitsu and around 20 years as a black belt.
Competition Career
Marcelo has competed at the highest level across the world, championing and medalling at World Championships, Brazilian Nationals, European Championships, Pan-Americans and the UAE Armed Forces Tournament, besides multiple other international events throughout Europe, South America, and the Middle East.
Referee Career
Commencing refereeing in 2003 as a brown belt with the São Paulo State Federation, Coppa became an international referee for CBJJE in 2005, IBJJF in 2011 and UAEJJF in 2013. He was also appointed Head Referee of the UKBJJA in 2013, where he has since been responsible for the referees training programmes.
Coaching & Education
With a degree in Physical Education and Sports and a postgraduate qualification in Sports Psychology, Coppa has extensive experience coaching Brazilian jiu jitsu around the world, notably at the Zayed Military College and multiple UAE military bases.
For more information about course content visit: UKBJJA Referee Training