"From Grapple Fest & Beyond: Exploring the Rise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the UK"

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that has seen tremendous growth in recent years in the United Kingdom (UK). The rise of promotions like Grapple Fest and Polaris, along with the emergence of top-level grapplers, has contributed to the growth and popularity of BJJ in the UK.

Grapple Fest and Polaris are two of the biggest grappling promotions in the UK. Grapple Fest, founded in 2017, focuses on submission-only matches, while Polaris, founded in 2013, features a mix of submission-only and points-based matches. Both promotions have gained a strong following among BJJ enthusiasts, and they regularly host events that showcase some of the best grapplers in the world.

One of the most notable aspects of the growth of BJJ in the UK has been the emergence of top-level grapplers. One of the most well-known BJJ athletes from the UK is Craig Jones. Jones, who hails from Australia but has been based in the UK for several years, is a multiple-time Polaris champion and a well-respected instructor at the famed BJJ gym, Absolute MMA.

Another rising star in the UK BJJ scene is Ffion Davies. Davies, who is originally from Wales, is a black belt under multiple-time world champion, Caio Terra. She has made a name for herself as one of the top female competitors in the world and has won numerous championships, including the 2021 IBJJF European Championship.

Other notable UK-based BJJ athletes include Ross Nicholls, Ashley Williams, and Shane Curtis. All three have made a name for themselves in the world of competitive grappling and have earned numerous titles and accolades. Shane influential with another amazing promotion Intergrapple in partnership with Nottingham MMA which has show cased incredible matches.

In addition to the success of individual athletes, the growth of BJJ in the UK can also be seen in the number of gyms and academies that have opened in recent years. There are now BJJ academies in cities and towns across the UK, and the sport has become more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Overall, the growth of BJJ in the UK has been fueled by a combination of factors, including the rise of promotions like Grapple Fest and Polaris, the emergence of top-level grapplers, and the opening of new gyms and academies. As BJJ continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that we will see even more talented athletes emerge from the UK scene, and that the sport will continue to gain a wider following among martial arts enthusiasts.