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Rise Of BJJ

  • Writer: Louis louiseyes@akarusocial.co.uk
    Louis louiseyes@akarusocial.co.uk
  • Jun 26
  • 2 min read

🥋 The Rise of Influencer Marketing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) landscape is evolving—and influencer marketing is becoming one of its most powerful forces.


A New Era with UFC BJJ 1

With the debut of UFC BJJ 1, the UFC has officially embraced the grappling world as a standalone product. This move doesn’t just validate BJJ as a professional spectator sport; it signals a major opportunity for athletes and brands alike to engage with a rapidly growing, global audience.


A Growing Practitioner Base

From packed gyms in Los Angeles to surging interest in Asia and Europe, BJJ is seeing a sharp rise in participation. Factors like pandemic-era fitness shifts, mainstream media coverage, and celebrity interest (think Zuckerberg or Tom Hardy) have fueled this boom.

As more people train, more eyeballs are on gear, content, and instruction—and that’s where influencers step in.


The Influencer Surge

Enter creators like RomanJJ, Kyvanng, Craig Jones, and HPU—names that have become staples in the BJJ digital community. These influencers are not only shaping how the sport is practiced and taught online but also creating a bridge between brands and the modern martial artist.

Through social platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, they’re connecting with thousands—if not millions—of followers in a way traditional advertising never could.


Why It Works

BJJ is inherently personal and community-driven, making it ideal for influencer marketing:

  • Trust and credibility: Followers view influencers as training partners and coaches, not just content creators.

  • Authentic content: Most influencer-led content provides real value—techniques, gear reviews, or day-in-the-life insight.

  • Hyper-targeted niches: From Gi and No-Gi communities to women's BJJ and hobbyist markets, influencers know their audience deeply.


The Business Opportunity

As UFC BJJ builds infrastructure and global visibility, the commercial potential is massive. Brands are already leveraging influencer partnerships to promote:

  • Gi and No-Gi gear

  • Supplements and recovery tools

  • Online instructionals and training apps

  • Lifestyle apparel and gym chains

Expect to see more sponsored seminars, co-branded merchandise drops, and influencer-led events shaping the future of the sport.


Final Thoughts

The collision of increased visibility, a growing practitioner base, and creator-led communities is driving a golden age of influencer marketing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With names like RomanJJ, Kyvanng, Craig Jones, and HPU leading the charge, the mat is more than a training space—it’s a marketplace.



If you're a brand in the fitness or martial arts world, this is your moment to roll in.


 
 
 

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