UKBJJA announces Board and Council Elections

2025 AGM called for 26 October
UKBJJA Congratulates Outgoing Board for their Outstanding Contribution to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The United Kingdom Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association has announced its Board and Council Elections which will open to candidate applications in early August when members will be invited to apply.

Qualifying candidates will be named and voting open to member clubs in early October. The election results will then be announced at the UKBJJA’s 2025 AGM, confirmed for the evening of 26 October, online.

Board Elections

The election will see new representatives take the helm of the UKBJJA’s Board of Directors in the following positions, to lead the organisation through its next four years: Chairman; Secretary; Treasurer; Regional Development Directors (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales); Principal Council Officer.

Council Elections

The elections will also see the appointment of sub-regional Council representatives for: North of England; South of England; London Officer; Midlands; Northern Scotland; Southern Scotland.

Specialised Council Officer roles open to election include (but non-exclusively) those for: National Junior Development; Universities; Armed Forces; Chair of Women’s Committee, Disability Inclusion; Elite Performance; Welfare and Equality

See details of roles below:

For questions and enquiries contact the CEO at [email protected].

Although the elected roles are open to UKBJJA members only, there remain independent director positions to be filled under the new board, plus future opportunities on the UKBJJA’s committees and for volunteers. If you would like to express interest in potential volunteer opportunities at the UKBJJA contact: [email protected]

UKBJJA congratulates outgoing Board for their outstanding contribution to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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”.

Outgoing 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.”

UKBJJA announces Board and Council Elections