History of BJJ in the UK

BJJ was introduced to the UK in the early 1990s through seminars led by visiting Brazilian instructors and students who had traveled abroad. Early pioneers like Mauricio Gomes, Roger Gracie’s father, were instrumental in establishing permanent academies. Gomes’s arrival in 1998 marked a turning point, as he became one of the first black belts to teach regularly in Britain.

By the 2000s, the UK saw the rise of major teams and a surge in competitions such as the British Open. The success of athletes like Roger Gracie, widely considered one of the greatest of all time, elevated the UK’s profile in the global BJJ scene. Today, Britain hosts some of Europe’s largest events and boasts a strong talent pipeline.