Record-Breaking Turnout at the 2025 PSUK & TeamPolice BJJ Championships
On 3rd May 2025, the mats were rolled out at Kent Police HQ as officers from across the UK gathered for the fourth annual PSUK & TeamPolice BJJ Championships. The event saw the highest number of participants to date, with 359 athletes registered and 255 matches contested—making it the largest competition in the event’s history.
With competitors ranging from 18 to 64 years of age, the championships showcased both the inclusivity and growing popularity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu within the UK policing community. Officers competed across Gi and NoGi divisions, cheered on by teammates and watched by senior police leaders and representatives from the sport’s national governing body, UKBJJA.
The competition was officially opened by Kent ACC Nicola Faulconbridge and featured the first appearance of a serving Police Officer as Head Referee—Martin Smith of Police Scotland. The event continued its focus on safety and professionalism with paramedics on site and a robust team of qualified referees, many of whom were officers themselves.
Standout Performances
The championships were filled with remarkable performances across the board:
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Sara Outen of Northumbria Police, competing in her first PSUK BJJ event, took gold in all four of her white belt categories.
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Lauren Turrell from South Yorkshire impressed in both her division and the absolutes, despite training for less than a year.
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Jack Banks from Lancashire once again demonstrated his dominance in the male blue belt brackets.
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Owain Ap Gwyn of South Wales secured his fourth consecutive black belt title, winning both his Gi and NoGi weight and absolute categories—cementing his legacy in police BJJ.
Champions Crowned
In a tightly contested battle for the overall team trophy, the Metropolitan Police emerged victorious, claiming the PSUK & TeamPolice BJJ legacy shield and unseating previous champions Police Scotland.
Words from Leadership
James McIntyre, Director at UKBJJA, praised the championship’s continued growth:
“It was once again my pleasure to support PSUK BJJ in delivering their 4th national championship. The vision shown by the organising team – particularly Chairman Tom Wilson and Treasurer Adam Ross – has seen each edition grow and improve!”
Kent ACC Andrew Pritchard also highlighted the value of the sport:
“I was really impressed with the organisation and setup of such a large number of competitions running simultaneously. Having witnessed some of the huge growth of the Sport of BJJ in policing both nationally and locally in recent years, it is clear that it is delivering significant benefits: for our staff’s health and mental wellbeing, but also personal safety and the sense of both teamwork and belonging to the organisation.”
Looking Ahead
We’re already looking forward to welcoming teams and individuals to the 2026 PSUK & TeamPolice BJJ Championships. Our thanks go to everyone involved—especially our volunteers, referees, and the UKBJJA—for helping make the event a huge success.
For more information or to get involved in the sport, contact: teampolicebjj@gmail.com
Full report here!