Newcastle University’s Jiu-Jitsu Club is celebrating yet another incredible victory after securing multiple titles at the BUCS Jiu Jitsu Atemi National Championships this November - most notably winning first place in the BUCS Women’s Tournament and third place in The Jiu-Jitsu Foundation overall title.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for the club, who have now placed first across all three major competition titles in the last three years - winning the BUCS Men’s Tournament in 2023 and The Jiu-Jitsu Foundation overall title in both 2023 and 2024, making them one of the strongest university Jiu-Jitsu clubs in the UK.
To find out more about the team’s success, I went along to their latest training session to talk with the members of the competition team and their Senseis, Brian Naisbitt and Adam Walton. What I found was a club whose achievements extend far beyond trophies and medals.
The championship weekend was a success all round, with standout performances from medalists Hope Mawdsley, Lara Hall, Eliana Stern and Luke Rowbottom. Every competitor I spoke with talked about the tournament with genuine excitement - not just for the results, but for the experience itself.
Every competitor I spoke with talked about the tournament with genuine excitement...
Despite their achievements, all members of the club said that what they looked forward to most during the weekend was simply having fun. Their ability to compete to such a high level while maintaining this attitude is a real testament to the club - committed and capable, but grounded in pure enjoyment for the sport.
What really stuck out to me during my visit was the love each member has for the Jiu-Jitsu community. They spoke warmly of the people they met while competing - the support they offered one another, the friendships they built and the sense of shared purpose when training together.
The club itself embodies this spirit. When discussing what they enjoyed most about Jiu-Jitsu, every member mentioned the community they have built in the club. Several students also spoke about how training has helped their personal wellbeing and confidence - not just in combat, but in their everyday lives.
The national championships were undeniably a triumph for Newcastle Jiu-Jitsu Club, but I believe the community they’ve built deserves just as much praise. Their passion, friendships and resilience are what keep the club thriving, and what make it such a welcoming space for newcomers.
The club is already preparing for their next national competitions in May and are eager to welcome new faces throughout the year.