After a successful pilot program, UK schools can now offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to now form part of their GCSE Curriculum in Physical Education (PE).
This excerpt from the UKIBJJF website details the developments that has been made:
This exciting and welcome development means that adults and children across the UK can now gain recognised national qualifications in BJJ, by adding Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to their GCSE PE Curriculum.
Members of the UKJJA Board have been providing consultation to the CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment) to support a successful pilot of GCSE assessments in BJJ. Providing guidance on the curriculum for generic assessment and additional support to the Qualifications provider for Independent Moderator assessment, including suitably qualified UKBJJA members.
With a number of candidate schools already successfully running the assessment and lots more interest being generated, adults and children who already practice BJJ can now be assessed in GCSE BJJ, providing that their relevant education authority offers this option.
We expect this to be fully rolled out and available in Northern Ireland from May 2023, proving their relevant education authorities offer this option and with the rest of the UK nations in discussions to follow suit quickly. If you are interested in obtaining the qualification yourself please contact your school directly.
Neil Williams, Chair UKBJJA said: “This exciting news is a reflection of the relentless efforts that take place, often behind the scenes, by our board members to further grow and legitimise the presence of BJJ as a sport across the whole of the UK.
We’re very proud to be able say there is now a route to recognised, national qualifications in BJJ.
When paired with the safeguarding, coaching, first aid and referee courses available via the UKBJJA this builds a strong arsenal of skills to all sports leaders within jiujitsu so that we may continue to raise standards and provide a positive environment within which UK BJJ can grow.”
Robert Cullinan, UKBJJA Director Northern Ireland said: “I’m thrilled to see this now formalised and out there in the public domain as an opportunity for anyone who is passionate about developing their BJJ through a formal and nationally recognised route.
Working with the CCEA has been a pleasure and we’re very grateful to them for their collaboration and support on making this project a success”
FAQs BJJ and GCSE PE
Q. How does my child know Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is available to select as a module for GCSE PE?
A. Parents and children should contact their schools who will confirm with the relevant education authorities if required
Q. What does this mean to me as a BJJ club owner, can I teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in schools?
A. As Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is now a recognized sport across the UK and the UKBJJA it’s an officially recognized governing body. You can teach BJJ in schools if you have the required enhanced DBS, PVG, Access NI checks, safeguarding, first aid training, and the required insurance and the school has an appetite for this. This will however not form part of any GCSE PE instructions, children will learn BJJ at their academies as normal
Q. Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) available as a module for GCSE Physical Education in the United Kingdom
A. Yes BJJ is available as one of the modules for GCSE PE in Northern Ireland and also N5, higher and advanced higher in Scotland. Discussions on adoption in England and Wales have begun.