What is the Saskatchewan Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation?
The Saskatchewan Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (SBJJF) is a non-profit organization created to oversee the sport and martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Saskatchewan.
Why is the SBJJF needed?
A traditional martial art, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been both taught and practiced in Saskatchewan for over 20 years. However, it has not been properly recognized within the province in the same manner as other martial arts, such as Tae Kwon Do or Judo. By creating a governing body to oversee the martial art and sport in Saskatchewan, we are providing the same level of legitimacy to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as other martial arts enjoy, while increasing its profile at the same time.
How will I benefit as a member of the SBJJF?
As a member of the SBJJF, students are insured whenever they compete at SBJJF-sanctioned tournaments. In addition, members will have access to all programming, courses and seminars organized by or through the SBJJF, in some cases at a discounted price.
What are the goals, both short and long term, of the SBJJF?
Over the short term, the primary goal of the SBJJF is to enroll between 200 and 400 members from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools throughout Saskatchewan and Western Canada, while at the same time increasing the profile of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the province.
Over the long term, our goal is to become a member of Sask Sport and have our athletes funded to promote Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Who can become a member of the SBJJF?
Recreational or competitive athletes who actively train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In addition, any competitor who competes in a SBJJF-sanctioned event requires a membership that permits them to compete in all SBJJF-sanctioned events throughout the calendar year.
What happens if I choose not to become a member of the SBJJF?
Competitors without a SBJJF membership will NOT be covered by insurance and will therefore be deemed “ineligible” or “inadmissible” to compete inl SBJJF-sanctioned events. In addition, they will not have access to any programming, courses or seminars offered by the Federation at the discounted prices.
Which tournaments are sanctioned by the SBJJF?
At this point the only BJJ/Submission Wrestling events which are sanctioned by the SBJJF are:
Western Kids Open
CopaSask
Queen City Open
Northern Grapplers Challenge
The Saskatchewan Provincial Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships (organized by SBJJF)
Where do my membership fees go and what do they pay for?
Membership fees primarily go towards purchasing insurance for all SBJJF associate members, club members and sanction tournaments. In addition, membership fees are used to cover all costs associated with the administration and operations of the SBJJF.
Any remaining funds will go towards programming, courses and seminars.
Please note: At this time all Board of Director positions are voluntary based and non-commissioned or salaried, including participation at Board meetings and any work associated with the SBJJF.
If I’m no longer a member of the SBJJF before my one-year membership expires, do I get my money back?
Membership fees are non-refundable.
How can I become a member of the Board of Directors?
Our current Board consists of five members: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer/Secretary. Board terms are three years in length. Please click here to see the members of our current Board.
Anyone interested in becoming a Board member is encouraged to contact the SBJJF.
If I’m not planning on competing in any BJJ/submission wrestling tournaments, do I still need a SBJJF membership?
If you are a member of a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school, academy or club that has an active membership with the Federation, you will be required to hold an active recreational membership.
Do I need a SBJJF membership to compete in all Saskatchewan-based BJJ tournaments?
Yes
Do I need a SBJJF membership to compete in tournaments outside of Saskatchewan?
No. However, you will still be covered (insurance) by the SBJJF if you have a active SBJJF membership.
What if I have my own insurance?
If you carry our own insurance they would be first payer on any claim you submit for injury. The SBJJF insurance would be the second payer if you don’t have 100% coverage.
If I’m a Club Member does the SBJJF insurance cover my equipment in my gym if damaged?
No it doesn’t. The SBJJF only covers liability and accidental sport insurance.
Click here to see Basic Outline of Sport Accident Insurance for the SBJJF