The Scene That Keeps On Growing

When we look around the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gyms in the UK, it's easy to see that they are more full now than in previous years. Whether that be complete beginners or experienced practitioners either adding to their resume or making the transition entirely. It's creeping onto social media timelines and gaining attention in the fitness industry.

Why is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu growing so fast and where is this surge heading? Let's dive into exploring this growth and getting to the bottom of what is fuelling the fire in the UK.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

The numbers don’t lie, the UK now has a lot of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms. We know here at matr-bjj, just look at our locations . Trying to keep up with all the gyms keeps us more than busy.

The UK Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association reports over 16,000 regular practitioners nationwide. This is a large leap from the few thousand when the association was founded in 2013. Additionally, search interest in “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” has more than doubled over the past 10 years, according to Google Trends. In contrast, terms like “karate” and “judo” have seen a slow decline in comparison. On top of this, FloGrappling (2017–2020) saw an impressive monthly increase of 1.75% in subscribers. So the trend is established and the numbers look solid for the sport, but why now?

The influence of MMA and the use of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the UFC is reflected in the numbers on the mats up and down the country. UK trained MMA fighters with solid roots in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu like Tom Aspinall and Paddy Pimblett are making waves with their impressive performances sending new people in droves into local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms to get their slice of the action.

Other high-profile UFC BJJ black belts like Demian Maia and Mackenzie Dern and commentators like Joe Rogan and Jocko Willink often highlight its effectiveness and lethal application. This feeds into the upward trend in the numbers, and what is even more fun about it?

You don’t even have to be punched in the face to join in on the action your favourite UFC names show off. It’s super adaptable and can be taken on by all ages, shapes and sizes. A combat sport that allows young and old, both large and small, all to enjoy grappling together in one shared pursuit, improvement. The more laid-back attitude could also be attributed to the increase in popularity compared to more rigid and traditional martial arts that have deeper roots in tradition.

From TikTok to Fame: How Celebrities Are Fueling BJJ’s Rise

Alongside many other topics, modern social media is helping bring light to the more niche interests and hobbies and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is getting its fair share. A quick scroll through TikTok will show this in real time. Never before have we seen BJJ shown in so many places to such a wide variety of audiences. People are now sharing their BJJ journey and the demand for such content seems to be growing, where people can see the passion for the sport shown by those already deeply involved. This helps with the growing popularity of the sport and accomplishes what has always been the most difficult, getting BJJ in front of future potential practitioners.

From the new fame of TikTok to the traditional view of celebrities, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be found, with names like Tom Hardy, Guy Ritchie, Mark Zuckerberg and many more. This helps in further propelling the reach of BJJ. With such widespread exposure, the sport is becoming more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. This is encouraging more people to explore and embrace Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a hobby or lifestyle.

This increased visibility not only boosts the sport’s popularity but also fosters a sense of community among practitioners. As more people engage with the BJJ content, they are inspired to join local gyms, attend events, and connect with others who share their passion, further solidifying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s place in mainstream culture.

What Could the Future Look Like?

So, where’s all this heading for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the UK?

Well, it’s not hard to imagine that in the next ten years, BJJ could be as big as boxing or yoga around the UK. With more gyms popping up and the media giving it a good shout, the sport’s got all the makings of a household name. And who knows? The UK’s competitive scene might just churn out some world-class athletes, putting us on the global BJJ map like never before. A position in the global scene could do wonders for the sport nationally as the UK represents a small slice of the global interest in BJJ.

For gym owners, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. There’s a chance for some serious revenue with all these new faces rolling in, but it’s not all smooth sailing. The competition is heating up, and finding enough skilled instructors to keep the quality high is a challenge. Then there’s the worry about accessibility. Gym fees between £80 and £150 a month might be out of reach for some. Luckily, the UKBJJA’s been stepping up with inclusive initiatives to make sure everyone gets a fair shot at joining in with gyms also trying to keep their pricing inclusive.

Looking wider, BJJ’s rise could shake things up in the fitness world. You might start seeing gyms throw in BJJ-inspired classes, blending grappling goodness with regular workouts. It could even push traditional martial arts to get more creative or risk losing their edge. It’s an exciting time to see how this all plays out across the country.

Fancy Giving BJJ a Go?

Whether you’re after some solid self-defense skills, a killer workout, or just want to step into the competitive ring, now’s the perfect moment. With the sport growing like wildfire, there’s never been a better time to join a gym and become part of this buzzing community. Why not pop down to a local spot or check out our resources to find a beginner-friendly class near you?

Grab your gi (or not) and get rolling!