GB Jujitsu Squad Triumphs at the 2024 JJIF World Championships in Crete

The JJIF World Championships descended on the stunning city of Heraklion, Crete, bringing together over 3,000 athletes from more than 60 countries. It was a melting pot of talent, skill, and dedication — and Great Britain Jujitsu was right at the heart of it.

Six disciplines were on show: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi, Fighting Jujitsu, Combat Jujitsu (both head-contact and no-head-contact), Duo, and Showtime. Each tests a different blend of technique, athleticism, and mental fortitude. Against nations fielding deep, experienced squads, the GBJ team punched well above its weight.

The squad — Dave McFarland, Trevor Birmingham, Adam Phillips, Mike McGarry, Jessi McGarry, Yasmine De Carvalho, and Theo McPherson — delivered performances that will be remembered for years to come. Here's how it unfolded.

The Stage in Crete: A Spectacle of Martial Arts

Heraklion played host to one of the largest JJIF World Championships to date. The venue buzzed with energy as athletes from every corner of the globe competed across six distinct disciplines, each demanding its own specialist skill set. BJJ and No-Gi reward ground-based submission prowess; Fighting and Combat Jujitsu blend striking, grappling, and self-defence; Duo and Showtime bring a theatrical, synchronised element that tests timing and chemistry between partners.

For Great Britain, contesting both Fighting Jujitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the championship was a chance to measure versatility against the very best. The competition was fierce — France, Turkmenistan, and the United States all sent powerful delegations — but the GBJ squad rose to every challenge.

GB Squad Results: A Standout Performance

The squad returned with a haul of medals that reflects both the depth of talent and the quality of preparation behind the team:

• Dave McFarland — Gold in BJJ and Silver in Fighting Jujitsu. A phenomenal championship from one of the squad's most experienced campaigners.
• Trevor Birmingham — Silver in BJJ and Gold in Fighting Jujitsu, competing against professional BJJ athletes. Trevor has also medalled in Japan and Croatia this year.
• Adam Phillips — Competing in the Master 1 category (under 69kg), Adam claimed his first world title in Fighting Jujitsu.
• Mike McGarry — Narrowly missed a medal but fought an extraordinary eight matches, leaving everything on the mat. His resilience embodied the GBJ spirit.
• Jessi McGarry — Stepped up two weight categories above her usual division and fought fearlessly, gaining invaluable experience against tougher opposition.
• Yasmine De Carvalho — On her world-stage debut, Yasmine won her first-ever BJJ match with creativity and composure that bodes well for the future.
• Theo McPherson — Another newcomer, Theo braved a tough adult division despite his young age. His grit and potential were clear for all to see.

Fostering Talent Across All Ages and Abilities

GBJ's mission extends well beyond the medal table. As an inclusive organisation, we are committed to cultivating talent across all ages, weights, and abilities — including para-athletes. The championship in Crete underlined that ethos, from seasoned competitors like Mike McGarry to promising debutants like Yasmine and Theo.

Great Britain Jujitsu is actively seeking athletes ready to take on the challenge of representing their country, regardless of background or physical limitations. We believe that with the right support, training, and encouragement, everyone has the potential to excel. We are particularly committed to supporting para-athletes and creating an environment where martial arts is accessible to all.

Reflections: Growth and Gratitude

Reflecting on this year's championship, GBJ is immensely grateful to every athlete who represented Great Britain. Each match — win or lose — contributed to the team's growth and learning. The performances were a reflection not only of individual dedication but also of the collective support of coaches, trainers, families, and the organisation as a whole.

The Road Ahead

The 2024 JJIF World Championships marked a significant milestone for GBJ. The event showcased the talent, dedication, and sportsmanship of the GB squad and underscored the value of an inclusive, supportive approach to the sport. The road ahead is bright — with new goals to reach, more championships to conquer, and countless hours of training and preparation still to come.

With continued support from the community, sponsors, and martial arts enthusiasts, Great Britain Jujitsu aims to bring more talent into its ranks and further establish itself on the international stage. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success — here's to many more victories and inspiring moments for British Jujitsu.

Stay up to date with future events and support the GBJ team by visiting our events section. Together, let's keep the spirit of British Jujitsu alive and thriving.