About Great Britain Jujitsu
The national federation taking British Jujitsu to the international stage.
Our Mission
Great Britain Jujitsu (GBJ) was formed to take Jujitsu for Great Britain to the international stage. As a federation, we exist to develop, promote, and govern competitive Jujitsu across the nation — providing a clear pathway for athletes, coaches, officials, and clubs to participate and succeed at every level.
We are the only UK federation approved by the Jujitsu International Federation (JJIF), meaning our members can compete on the world stage under the sport's international governing body. We follow JJIF rule sets across all our disciplines, including Fighting Jujitsu, Ne-Waza, and Duo.
Great Britain Jujitsu is working towards recognition as a National Governing Body, building the structures, safeguards, and standards expected of a modern, inclusive sporting organisation.
JJIF Recognition
Great Britain Jujitsu is the UK or Great Britain organisation recommended or recognised in relation to JJIF participation. This means our athletes can compete at JJIF European and World Championships representing Great Britain.
As the only JJIF-approved federation in the UK, we follow their rule sets and governance structures, ensuring our competitions meet international standards.
The Jujitsu International Federation (JJIF) is the worldwide governing body for competitive Jujitsu. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Switzerland, the JJIF represents over 100 member nations across every continent and is the sole Jujitsu organisation recognised by the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) and the International World Games Association (IWGA). In short, it is the body that speaks for Jujitsu on the global stage.
On a world scale, the JJIF sets the international rule sets, runs the JJIF World and European Championships, and oversees the sport's four main competition disciplines — Fighting, Combat, Ne-Waza (ground fighting), and Duo (self-defence pairs). It also coordinates anti-doping, referee and coach education, athlete rankings, and development programmes that grow the sport from grassroots to elite level. Jujitsu is a recognised sport of the World Games and the JJIF continues to pursue Olympic recognition on behalf of the global Jujitsu community.
By being JJIF-recognised, Great Britain Jujitsu gives British athletes a direct, legitimate route into that worldwide structure — from regional selection through to competing for Great Britain at the very highest level.
Recognition statement last reviewed: January 2026. This statement is administrator-configurable and may be updated as recognition status evolves.
Governance
We are working towards recognition as the National Governing Body for Jujitsu in Great Britain, building transparent structures, accountable leadership, and policies that align with UK Sport and JJIF governance requirements. This includes safeguarding, anti-doping, and disciplinary frameworks fit for a modern federation.
Standards
All GBJ-affiliated clubs and competitions operate under the official JJIF rule sets across Fighting, Combat, Ne-Waza, and Duo disciplines. We maintain consistent standards for refereeing, coaching qualifications, belt grading, and athlete welfare, so members train and compete to a recognised benchmark wherever they are.
International
As the UK's only JJIF-approved federation, we give British athletes a direct route to the European and World Championships. GBJ selects, supports, and fields the Great Britain squad at international events, opening doors to continental medals and global ranking.
Inclusive
We provide pathways for every age, ability, and discipline — from children's introductory sessions to veteran competitors, and from full-contact Fighting to self-defence Duo. Our structures welcome athletes with disabilities, foster safe club environments, and champion equal opportunity across the sport.
Our Values
Excellence
We pursue the highest standards in competition, coaching, and governance.
Integrity
Transparent, fair, and accountable in everything we do.
Inclusion
Welcoming athletes of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Safeguarding
Protecting children and vulnerable adults is at the heart of our organisation.
Community
Building a supportive network of clubs, coaches, and athletes across Britain.
Ambition
Relentlessly working towards National Governing Body status and international success.