BJJ Competitions in the UK: Where to Compete and How to Choose
The UK has one of Europe's busiest BJJ competition scenes: a large network of local promotions running gi and no-gi opens almost every weekend, plus UK events from international federations like the IBJJF, AJP, ADCC, NAGA and Grappling Industries. Whether you're after a first competition or a ranking event, there's likely something within a couple of hours. Here's how the UK scene is organized and how to choose.
How Big Is the UK Competition Scene?
At the end of September 2026, the BJJ Radar calendar listed close to 80 upcoming BJJ and grappling events in the UK for the following months. They're spread across the country, with London hosting the most and regular events in:
| Region | Cities with regular events |
|---|---|
| London & South East | London, Reading, Brighton, Essex |
| Midlands | Coventry and the wider Midlands |
| North | Leeds, Manchester |
| South West & Wales | Bournemouth, Cardiff |
| Scotland & Northern Ireland | Scotland, Belfast |
Who Runs BJJ Events in the UK
UK promotions
Most UK competitions are run by domestic organizers rather than international federations. All Stars BJJ is one of the most active, with events in cities across the country, and there are many regional promotions running regular opens, no-gi series and kids events. These are usually the easiest events to enter: close to home, reasonably priced and friendly for first-timers.
International federations
| Federation | What it runs in the UK | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Grappling Industries | Regular events in London, the Midlands, Scotland and Belfast | First competitions — round-robin brackets guarantee several matches |
| IBJJF | The London International Open in seasons when it runs, plus nearby European events like Dublin and Paris | Ranked gi/no-gi events with IBJJF rules and belt verification |
| AJP | AJP Tour events when scheduled in the UK (London has hosted a Grand Slam in past seasons) | Ranking points, big-event experience, weigh-in without the gi |
| ADCC | ADCC UK events such as the British Open | No-gi submission grappling under ADCC rules |
| NAGA | NAGA UK and European events | Gi and no-gi with experience-based no-gi divisions |
Each federation has its own rules and weight classes — see BJJ weight classes by federation before you register, and how the AJP Tour works if you're considering AJP events.
How to Choose a UK Competition
For your first competition:
- Pick a local open or a Grappling Industries event — less travel, less pressure, more matches.
- Go when your team is going. A coach in your corner and teammates in the stands make a huge difference.
- Choose a format you train most — gi or no-gi.
Once you've competed a few times:
- Try an IBJJF or AJP event — in the UK when one is scheduled, or a short flight away in Dublin or Paris — for bigger brackets and ranked results.
- Consider ADCC UK events if you're a no-gi competitor who likes submission-focused rules.
Practical checks for any event:
- Registration deadlines — prices usually rise closer to the date, and brackets can close early.
- Weigh-in rules — gi on (IBJJF) or off (AJP), and whether it's the day before or on the day.
- Division structure — belt-based (IBJJF, AJP) or experience-based no-gi divisions (NAGA, Grappling Industries).
Tips for Competing in the UK
- Travel early for London events. Venues are often outside the centre and parking can be limited — plan public transport or arrive early.
- Expect long days at big events. Large opens can run late into the afternoon; bring food and water.
- Weight classes are usually in kilograms, though some organizers publish pounds as well — double-check the event page.
- Book accommodation early for big international opens — nearby hotels fill up.
If it's your first time, our guide to competing in BJJ for the first time covers preparation, weigh-ins and what to expect on the mat.
Finding Upcoming UK BJJ Competitions
The BJJ Radar calendar filtered for the UK lists upcoming events from local promotions and international federations in one place. Filter by federation to see only IBJJF, AJP or Grappling Industries events, or search by city name to find something near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many BJJ competitions are there in the UK?
A lot. At the end of September 2026 the BJJ Radar calendar listed close to 80 upcoming BJJ and grappling events in the UK for the following months alone — from small local opens to international-federation events. In most regions you can find a competition within driving distance nearly every month.
Which BJJ federations run events in the UK?
International federations such as the IBJJF, AJP, ADCC, NAGA and Grappling Industries all run UK events, alongside a large number of UK promotions. All Stars BJJ is one of the most active, and many regional organizers run regular gi and no-gi opens.
What is a good first BJJ competition in the UK?
A local open or a Grappling Industries event is usually the best first step. Local opens are relaxed and close to home, and Grappling Industries uses round-robin brackets so you get several matches even if you lose. Save IBJJF and AJP events for when you've done a couple of competitions.
Where are most UK BJJ tournaments held?
London hosts the most events, followed by cities such as Coventry, Brighton, Leeds, Manchester, Reading, Belfast and Cardiff. There are also regular events in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Bottom Line
The UK is one of the easiest places in Europe to compete in BJJ: dozens of local opens, regular Grappling Industries events, and a steady flow of IBJJF, AJP and ADCC tournaments. Start local, compete with your team, and move up to the bigger federation events once you've got a few matches behind you.