How The Pandemic Has Affected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Europe?

Since 2020, we have had a really unstable society in many areas. Thanks to the pandemic, the economies of many countries have been affected all over the world, as well as many sectors. The tourism industry has been one of the most affected, but every financial activity has suffered at least a small tweak to adapt itself to the new regulations in place, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is no exception.

All over the world, we have seen the government taking preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19. With some countries having tougher regulations like Chile in South America for a moment or the United States where regulations have been on and off depending on the state. Although, here in Europe regulations have worked in different ways usually having a tougher approach towards Covid-19. Either, using vaccinal passes or locking down sectors of their country depending on the number of cases by region how was the case of France and Germany in 2020-2021.

However, there has been a business sector that has greatly suffered its development for the last 2 years, especially in Europe, and that's martial arts. Specifically, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu must be one of the physical activities where you have the most physical contact with other people. You not only are really close physically to your teammates or training partners but by the end of one session, you most likely can make a DNA sample of every person in the gym just with the sweat recollected in your Gi (Kimono). Due to this, many European countries have left Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (combat sports in general) as the last straw of approval before dance clubs.

Therefore, this has caused that for the last 2 years we haven't seen much BJJ going on in Europe. In fact, the IBJJF just made its comeback to the old continent with the 2022 European Championship that was celebrated in Rome, Italy last week. The first biggest tournament from the most important organization made its comeback after 2 years of absence. Ignoring the fact that we have had tournaments from other organizations around Europe just at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. The options have not been many for European competitors who have been left out these two years in comparison to their North American counterparts who have enjoyed competitions and training for most of the pandemic.

The pandemic has affected travel (which is one of the biggest guarantees of living in Europe), training, and tournaments. Leaving competitors with no other option than train in their tiny apartments or basements with their own teammates. Not an ideal environment but still better than nothing. For a moment BJJ looked like a dystopic fight club between friends who like to choke each other.

Anyways, is 2022 and a fresh new start began for European Jiu-Jitsu, and as far as it goes with results, Europe took 3 golds in the Adult division. With Adam Wardzinski (Poland), Espen Mathiesen (Norway), and Bruno Lima (Portugal) taking first place in their respective divisions (heavyweight, lightweight, and medium-heavy). This has been the best result in this competition for the European continent in the tournament at the black belt level (adult male division only). A great sign for the European BJJ community which has been working hard on making themselves competitive at the highest level, with many athletes finding success on the mats in the past years.

What will happen with the younger talent here in Europe now that the restrictions are lifted?

The landscape is hopeful for all the athletes in Europe as Bjj is becoming more and more mainstream for the European continent. With countries like France who have joined their BJJ federation under France Judo, which will bring more programs and government support for the young talent wanting to develop itself in the sport. Therefore, if WW3 doesn't start and blows the whole continent up, BJJ is bound to keep growing and keep touching the hearts of young Europeans igniting their will to keep growing as humans.

Although many schools suffered heavy losses due to the lockdown, many of them were able to go through the fire. Thanks to their own communities continuing the support for their schools or government support many schools were able to survive the pandemic and are ready to get back on track.

Today, the international environment couldn't be more uncertain for everyone but if the world leaders are able to find diplomatic solutions and protect the democracy of the continent we are sure to have BJJ for many years to come. Where Europe will demonstrate once again why they shouldn't be taken lightly, especially in the GI where they have shown a great level of technical prowess that differentiates them from the rest of the world.