Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art, combat sport, and self-defense system that focuses on grappling, ground fighting, and submission techniques. Developed in Brazil in the early 20th century, it evolved from traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu and judo into a dynamic and practical discipline centered around leverage, control, and technique.

Unlike many martial arts that rely on striking, BJJ emphasizes taking an opponent to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a variety of holds and submissions such as chokes, joint locks, and strangles to force a tap out. It is widely practiced both recreationally and competitively by individuals of all ages and skill levels.

BJJ has become one of the fastest-growing martial arts in North America and is a core discipline in mixed martial arts (MMA). Its effectiveness in real-life self-defense situations and its strategic depth continue to attract a global community of practitioners.

Modern Trends in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The landscape of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is constantly evolving. Here are some of the most notable technical and competitive trends seen in 2025:

• Guard Pulling and Entries – Competitors are refining guard pulls with stronger grips and faster transitions into attacking positions.
• Duck-Unders and Front Headlocks – Duck-unders have become a staple no-gi takedown, while chest-wrap and front headlock control are common counters for guard passers.
• Reverse Closed Guard – A creative guard variation gaining popularity at elite levels for its versatility and control.
  
• Professional-Level Instruction – Instructional content and online platforms have helped spread advanced concepts to recreational practitioners more than ever before.

These trends are influencing athletes at all levels, and top competitors are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the mats.

BJJ Competition Highlights

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions continue to gain prestige and viewership around the world. Here are a few of the top events shaping the competitive landscape:

IBJJF Grand Slam

The Grand Slam includes the four major IBJJF tournaments: European Championships, Pan Championships, Brazilian Nationals, and World Championships. Winning all four in the same year is a rare feat achieved only by a few elite athletes.

Craig Jones Invitational (CJI)

Launched in 2024, the Craig Jones Invitational is a high-profile professional tournament offering over $1 million in prize money. With its second event scheduled for August 2025, it is quickly becoming one of the premier submission grappling events worldwide.

UFC BJJ: A New Era in Professional Jiu-Jitsu

In 2025, the UFC launched a new tournament series: UFC BJJ. This groundbreaking event features high-level grapplers competing in a rule set designed for action and entertainment. World titles are awarded in multiple weight classes, and the series is gaining massive attention from both martial artists and general sports fans.

Some of the inaugural champions include:

• Mikey Musumeci – Bantamweight Champion
• Carlos Henrique – Lightweight Champion
• Andrew Tackett – Welterweight Champion

With reality-series-style episodes and celebrity involvement, UFC BJJ is introducing jiu-jitsu to a global audience like never before.

BJJ in Saskatchewan

SaskBJJ proudly supports the growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in our province by organizing sanctioned competitions, seminars, and ranking events for youth and adults. We believe in building community, promoting discipline and respect, and encouraging athletes to pursue excellence—whether for recreation, self-defense, or competition.

With new developments in the sport and increased access to elite-level instruction and events, there has never been a better time to start training BJJ in Saskatchewan.

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The Saskatchewan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (SBJJF) is dedicated to promoting and developing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) throughout the province of Saskatchewan. This commitment is reflected in all of our programs, events, and courses.

As part of our ongoing development, the SBJJF regularly reviews its organizational structure, operations, and policies to align with national and international standards, including those of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). In addition, we are proud members of the Canadian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association (CBJJA), further reinforcing our commitment to the national growth of the sport and the adherence to high standards of professionalism and athlete care.

Our Federation is guided by a comprehensive set of policies designed to maintain the integrity of our operations and to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all. These policies support:

• The health and safety of all participants,
• Fair and equal access to programs and services,
• The protection of members’ rights, and
• The maintenance of ethical and consistent practices across all levels of involvement.
  

All SBJJF members—including board members, gym owners, coaches, athletes, and officials—are expected to understand and follow these policies. Those in leadership roles have additional responsibilities to ensure policy compliance within their respective areas.

The SBJJF is committed to reviewing and updating its policies regularly, and as needed, to respond to changes in the sport and the evolving needs of our community.