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“By teaching jiu-jitsu, I aim to improve people’s quality of life. That is my mission. I believe spreading jiu-jitsu is a very meaningful endeavor.” - Yuki Nakai

The fifteenth edition of the Asian Championships is set to take place July 8th -12th in Chiba, Japan. The event features international stars, rising prospects, and a collection of the top Asian competitors in the world. With the return of the Asian Championships in 2026, the jiu-jitsu community’s attention is focused on the rising jiu-jitsu scene across Asia. The IBJJF has continuously affirmed its intention of strengthening the jiu-jitsu infrastructure throughout the region, most notably through the Japan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (JBJJF). The timing of the upcoming championship event in Japan, warrants a deeper look into the history of jiu-jitsu throughout Asia and the individuals who have supported its growth. 

Early Integration

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is profoundly rooted in the rich traditions of East Asia, dating back to its foundation in the 1920s. Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda, while journeying across the globe to test and propagate his traditional jiu-jitsu, arrived in Brazil and began imparting his techniques to Carlos Gracie. The Gracie family advanced the martial art, concentrating on leverage and efficiency to adapt the philosophy to their physical attributes. Beyond the technical principles that culminated in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, traditional East Asian values were initially instilled with the ethical and moral tenets of the martial art. Maeda’s pioneering spirit endures today, while contemporary leaders of the sport promote expansion and exposure for successive generations.

Yuki Nakai

A highly influential Japanese figure, Yuki Nakai, has significantly propelled the evolution of jiu-jitsu across Asia. As martial arts transitioned into a globally competitive sport, Yuki represented his style and nation in elite contests, such as the famous 1995 Vale Tudo Japan event. His compelling performance garnered immense support for both his remarkably potent ground techniques and his celebrated vigor. Yuki accumulated enormous respect from Brazilian jiu-jitsu enthusiasts, which culminated in his invitation to the second IBJJF World Championship event in 1997. Prior to the tournament, he was notably welcomed into every premier academy in Rio de Janeiro, during a period when fierce feuds typically prohibited cross-training for nearly all athletes. His exceptional performance at the World Championship, coupled with his deep respect for the martial art, initiated a dramatic surge of jiu-jitsu participation throughout Asia. Beyond his competitive career, Yuki has maintained a devoted endeavor to foster the growth of jiu-jitsu globally. As the inaugural President of JBJJF (Japanese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation), his ongoing initiatives continue to establish a structure for jiu-jitsu’s development within Asian countries. In many respects, his personal trials and triumphs preserved the essence of the martial art in Japan and beyond.

Early Pioneers 

Trailblazers have undertaken profound personal, professional, and even cultural endeavors to help cultivate a thriving jiu-jitsu landscape in their respective territories. Professor Deddy Wigraha represents an innovative figure who broadened the martial art's reach by extending its instruction into Indonesia. A long-time disciple of Rickson and Charles Gracie, Deddy was introduced to Romero ‘Jacare’ Cavalcante, the founder of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu. After achieving his black belt, Deddy leveraged his esteemed credentials to lead Alliance Indonesia and the Indonesia National Jiu-Jitsu Team. In 1994, Andi Pi remained a student at the esteemed Gracie Academy in Torrance California. Under the tutelage of Royce Gracie, Andy pursued his dedication to jiu-jitsu before transporting it to Beijing, China to open the country’s first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in 1998. 

Standout Athletes

Rikako Yuasa remains one of the greatest Japanese jiu-jitsu athletes of all-time. Rikako captured four black belt World titles between 2015 and 2018, signifying a dominant run at the highest level. Koji Shibamoto became one of the preeminent Japanese jiu-jitsu competitors with eight Asian Championship titles, two European Championship titles, ten major medals, and a brown belt World Championship. Tomoyuki Hashimoto, a third standout athlete from Japan, achieved Pan and European titles, along with a World Championship bronze medal. Emma Xiong became the first internationally recognized female black belt from China and achieved one of the fastest promotions to black belt for a female athlete. Emma, a dedicated Fortitude BJJ student under Professor Vinc Tan, was promoted to black belt by Letícia Ribeiro in 2017 after securing her second color belt World Championship title, a feat accomplished in just over three years from the start of her jiu-jitsu journey. A number of world-class athletes derive from Asian nations and remain at the very top of the game including Andy Murasaki, Igor Tanabe, and Shoya Ishiguro. These standout competitors, as well as so many others, helped pave the way for the next generation of Asian champions.

2026 Asian Championships

Over 2,500 athletes are set to compete in Chiba, Japan this week. The event has witnessed a collection of the sport’s biggest stars compete for Asian Championship titles over the past several years. This year’s edition welcomes back Jackson Nagai, who recently completed a phenomenal 2026 Gi season. Ashlee Funegra of AOJ, an undefeated black belt Gi and No-Gi World Champion who projects to put on a show. Mateo Cardona, Uanderson Ferreira, Mikael Rhaillander, and other elite international athletes join the esteemed competition. Meanwhile, a fascinating collection of Asian athletes are set to prove the rising level of their respective nations. Jun Yong Cho, Minho Yoon, Hiryu Niwa, Tanaka Taisei and fellow elite athletes continue to represent their continent at the 15th edition of the Asian Championships.

Continued Opportunity

In celebrating the jiu-jitsu awakening across Asia, the IBJJF has expanded their competition circuit to meet the increased desires of jiu-jitsu athletes. Key events throughout Asia include the East Japan International Open, Asian Championships, and Masters International - Asia. These events offer juveniles and adults the opportunity to test their hard-earned skills in a live contest with the support of their friends, families, and teammates alongside them. These tournaments underscore a continued effort from IBJJF to provide opportunity to individuals hailing from locations where jiu-jitsu is still establishing strong foundational elements. This drive has been represented through numerous events over recent years such as the Seoul Open, Manila Open, Tokyo Open, Kuala Lumpur Open, Nagoya Open, among others. The assertion of IBJJF is to provide jiu-jitsu enthusiasts with a chance to compete in a similar professional and competitive environment as their idols and legends of the sport. As the growth of jiu-jitsu across Asia surges, the IBJJF circuit intends to expand the recognition and availability of competition to athletes aiming to test themselves on the yellow and blue mats.