Become an SBG UK
Affiliate
Join a nationwide network of established martial arts academies united by progressive coaching, shared standards and a commitment to developing their students, coaches and communities.
Built to Support Your Academy
SBG UK affiliation provides more than the use of a name. Affiliates become part of an established coaching network with access to development opportunities, senior guidance, recognised pathways and a wider community of academy owners, coaches and practitioners.
Join the SBG UK Network
Become part of an established network of SBG academies and experienced coaches across the United Kingdom, with connections to the wider international SBG community.
Coaching and Academy Support
Access guidance from experienced SBG UK coaches and academy owners, with opportunities to share knowledge, discuss ideas and solve common coaching and operational challenges.
Workshops, Seminars and Camps
Participate in SBG UK training events, workshops and annual camps, with opportunities to learn from senior SBG coaches from the UK and overseas.
Coach and Student Development
Create clear development pathways for coaches and students through technical guidance, training opportunities and access to the wider SBG community.
Grading and Promotion Pathways
Access an established pathway for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grading and promotion, supported by recognised senior SBG UK coaches.
SBG UK Competition Team
Register and compete under the SBG UK banner, giving competitors access to a recognised team identity and a wider network of training partners.
Affiliate Community
Connect with other SBG UK academy owners and coaches for ongoing communication, collaboration, advice and event planning.
Brand Recognition
Become an officially recognised SBG UK affiliate while retaining your academy’s existing name, identity and connection to its local community.
Is SBG UK Affiliation Right for Your Academy?
SBG UK affiliation is designed for established martial arts academies that want to develop their coaching, strengthen their student pathways and contribute to a wider community. It is a working relationship built on shared standards—not simply permission to use the SBG name.
What We Look For
- An established academy with responsible and committed leadership.
- A commitment to safe, intelligent and progressive coaching.
- A positive, inclusive and professionally managed training environment.
- Coaches who value continued learning, collaboration and development.
- A willingness to participate in and contribute to the wider SBG UK network.
- High standards of conduct, safeguarding and professionalism.
What Affiliation Is Not
- A franchise that takes control of your academy or how you operate it.
- A requirement to abandon your existing academy name, identity or community.
- A shortcut to rank, recognition or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu promotion.
- Permission to use the SBG name without meaningful participation in the network.
- A purely commercial arrangement with no shared coaching relationship.
- A substitute for responsible leadership, strong coaching and professional standards.
How Affiliation Works
Affiliation begins with a conversation. The process allows us to understand your academy, answer your questions and make sure the relationship is right for both sides.
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Start a Conversation
Tell us about your academy, your coaching background and what you are looking for from an affiliation.
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Get to Know Each Other
We’ll arrange an informal conversation to discuss your academy, answer your questions and establish whether there is a good mutual fit.
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Agree the Pathway
If it feels right for both sides, we’ll explain the affiliation structure, shared expectations and practical next steps.
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Join the Network
Become a recognised SBG UK affiliate and begin developing relationships with the wider network of academy owners, coaches and practitioners.
An initial conversation is informal and does not commit either side to proceeding.
Your Questions Answered
Every academy is different. These answers cover some of the most common questions about becoming an SBG UK affiliate.
Can we retain our existing academy name?
Yes. Affiliation does not require you to abandon your academy’s established name, identity or connection with its local community. Your academy can be recognised as an official SBG UK affiliate while retaining its own brand.
Do we have to follow a fixed curriculum?
Affiliates are united by shared coaching principles and standards rather than a rigid, identical class structure. The aim is to support effective coaching while respecting the experience and identity of each academy.
Can our competitors represent SBG UK?
Recognised affiliates can access the SBG UK competition team structure, allowing eligible students to compete under the wider SBG UK banner.
How are gradings and promotions supported?
Affiliates have access to an established Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grading and promotion pathway supported by recognised senior SBG UK coaches. The appropriate structure will be discussed with each academy.
Can our coaches and students attend SBG events?
Affiliated academies can participate in relevant SBG UK camps, workshops, seminars and shared training opportunities.
Does submitting an enquiry guarantee affiliation?
No. The initial conversation allows both sides to determine whether the relationship is a good fit. Affiliation is based on shared values, coaching standards, academy leadership and a willingness to participate in the network.
Interested in Joining SBG UK?
Tell us about your academy, your coaching background and what you are looking for from affiliation.
We’ll arrange an initial conversation to learn more about your gym, answer your questions and establish whether SBG UK affiliation could be a good fit.
An initial conversation is informal and does not commit either side to proceeding.