Jiu Jitsu International (JJI)

What Is JJI?

Jiu-Jitsu International (a nonprofit corporation) was formed to establish Jiu-Jitsu as an international amateur sport with an ultimate goal of Olympic inclusion. JJI will recognize official national Jiu-Jitsu organizations, set standards for senior belt promotions, provide rules for tournaments, sponsor the rotating World Championships, and represent the sport of Jiu-Jitsu to the International Olympic Committee and other applicable international forums.

Who is in Charge?

On November 19, 2009, a press conference announced the foundation of the organization, that’s lead by the Red Belt Council, composed by all the red belt grandmasters of ninth degree.

The Red Belt Council has Masters João Alberto Barreto, Francisco Mansur, Flávio Behring and Álvaro Barreto. According with the great masters, all red belts can be on the board, if they graduated before Grandmaster Helio Gracie’s death.

How is JJI Organized?

Besides the Grandmaster Board, the organization will have the World’s Black Belt Council.

Each country that is part of the organization will have two proxies, so all teachers and athletes can have a voice on subjects such as change of rules and championship locations, which will then be voted by the Grandmasters.

How Do I Join JJI?

Athletes interested in joining the organization would need to first join their respective National body.

If you're in the U.S., you can become a member of USA JJ now.

In the future, all of National organizations will be listed under the JJI page.

For now, you can contact USA Jiu Jitsu and one of our senior staff will help you.

What's the Way Ahead?

2011 World Championship (Open format in Brazil), Hall of Fame inductions, Initial WJJBBC meeting

2012 World Championship (Open format with National Team Division (Location TBD))

2016 (Rio) Jiu-Jitsu Olympic Exhibition Sport!