Launched in the UAE, Ujitsu has emerged as the world’s first sport-first digital ecosystem built exclusively for the global Jiu-Jitsu community. Designed to support how the sport is learned, practised, and lived, the platform provides a unified digital foundation that connects athletes, coaches, academies, and event organisers through a single, purpose-built app.
Addressing a Global Gap in Jiu-Jitsu Infrastructure
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has evolved far beyond competition into a global lifestyle embraced by an estimated 20 million practitioners worldwide, spanning professionals, hobbyists, and children training in academies across more than 100 countries. Despite this rapid growth, the sport has lacked a centralised digital infrastructure. Ujitsu directly addresses this challenge by offering a shared platform that brings together the fragmented elements of the Jiu-Jitsu ecosystem.
The UAE’s Role as a Global Jiu-Jitsu Hub
With more than 125,000 practitioners, the UAE stands out as a global centre for Jiu-Jitsu, supported by government initiatives, elite academies, and internationally recognised tournaments such as the Abu Dhabi World Pro and Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. Drawing on these deep roots, Ujitsu reflects the UAE’s leadership in shaping the sport’s future while extending its reach worldwide.
Built Around the Way Jiu-Jitsu Is Practised
Ujitsu is designed around real training experiences. Through the app, users can discover academies worldwide, connect with coaches and training partners, manage personal profiles, and stay informed about competitions and events. The platform supports beginners searching for their first academy, competitors travelling internationally, and coaches managing daily operations, all within one intuitive environment.
Living Profiles That Track the Athlete Journey
At the core of Ujitsu are dynamic athlete profiles that evolve over time. Practitioners can log training activity, monitor progress, set personal goals, and record milestones such as belt promotions and competition results. These living profiles reflect the long-term nature of Jiu-Jitsu, where growth is measured through consistency and discipline rather than shortcuts.
Smart Tools Designed for Real Training
Ujitsu integrates practical, thoughtfully designed features that encourage real-world engagement. Tools such as Find and Invite Sparring Partners help users locate nearby training partners or connect while travelling. AI-powered features including Coach AI, Nutrition AI, and Body AI provide personalised insights into technique development, recovery, nutrition planning, and physical conditioning, supporting sustainable and balanced training routines.
A Community-Driven Ecosystem for the Sport
Created by practitioners for practitioners, Ujitsu is expanding beyond individuals to include academies, coaches, and sports brands. Through the platform, brands can identify trusted ambassadors and explore sponsorships and collaborations that support athletes and contribute to the sport’s global growth.
Ambassadors Representing Excellence Across Generations
Ujitsu is supported by ambassadors whose careers reflect the values of discipline and respect central to Jiu-Jitsu. Among them is João Miyao, a multiple-time IBJJF World Champion in both gi and no-gi divisions, known for his technical innovation and competitive success in major UAE tournaments.
He is joined by Daniel “220v”, one of the sport’s most promising young athletes, a four-time Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion and multiple-time IBJJF titleholder, representing the next generation of Jiu-Jitsu.
Voices from the Community
Sharing his experience with the platform, Ujitsu Ambassador Daniel “220v” said:
“Jiu-jitsu is about long-term growth, discipline, and learning every day. Ujitsu supports that journey by helping athletes stay connected, focused, and organised.”
Built as Long-Term Infrastructure, Not a Short-Term App
Ujitsu is positioned as long-term digital infrastructure for the global Jiu-Jitsu community. Through verified profiles, trusted connections, and community-led growth, the platform aims to strengthen the ecosystem that supports the sport worldwide. As Ujitsu expands across Europe and the United States, its focus remains on trust, transparency, and sustainable development.
Founded by a Practitioner Who Lived the Problem
Ujitsu was founded in the UAE by technology entrepreneur and Jiu-Jitsu practitioner Merdan Gurbanov, who combined over 15 years of experience in building and scaling technology companies with his personal journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After starting BJJ later in life, he experienced firsthand the challenges of tracking progress, finding academies, and staying connected globally, which inspired the creation of Ujitsu in 2023.
A Vision Rooted in Community and Growth
Reflecting on the journey, Gurbanov said:
“Finding academies, tracking progress, and connecting with the community often felt scattered. Ujitsu began as a way to simplify those challenges and has grown into practical infrastructure that lets practitioners focus on their art and the people who share it.”
Shaping the Future of Global Jiu-Jitsu
Guided by ongoing dialogue with practitioners, coaches, and academies, Ujitsu continues to evolve alongside the sport itself. Rooted in the UAE and built around community values, the platform is laying the groundwork for a more connected, transparent, and sustainable future for Jiu-Jitsu worldwide.
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