09/04/2026
NZBJJF Official Statement – Kids Jiu-Jitsu League Auckland II Edition
Sunday, 15 March 2026
Dear parents, coaches, and members of our BJJ community,
Following the Kids Jiu-Jitsu League event held this past Sunday, I would like to briefly address a situation that occurred during one of the matches. The purpose of this message is simply to provide clarity and allow us all to move forward in a respectful and constructive way.
First, I would like to acknowledge that emotions can run high when our children compete. As parents, we naturally care deeply about our children’s experiences, their safety, and the fairness of competition. This is completely understandable.
However, it is important to remember that youth competitions are designed primarily as learning experiences for the athletes. The goal is not only competition, but also the development of character, resilience, discipline, and sportsmanship.
For this reason, the NZBJJF places athlete safety as the highest priority in all of our events.
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions, the referee is the highest authority on the mat. The referee is responsible for awarding points, issuing penalties, and stopping the match whenever necessary, particularly when a submission may place an athlete at risk of injury.
In children’s divisions especially, referees are instructed to act quickly if they believe a submission is fully applied and there is a risk of harm. In those moments, the referee must make an immediate decision based on what they see in real time in order to protect the athletes involved.
While video recordings or different viewing angles may sometimes lead to different interpretations after the match, the referee’s decision on the mat remains the final call during the competition.
I would also like to remind everyone that referees and officials dedicate their time and energy to support the development of the sport and the safety of our athletes. Like in any sport, officiating decisions are made in real time and occasionally may be questioned, but respect for officials is an important part of maintaining a healthy sporting environment.
Another matter that has been brought to my attention is that there were verbal exchanges between children and adults during the situation. This is concerning and does not reflect the values we aim to promote through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Our children observe how we behave as adults. In moments of disagreement or stress, they learn from our reactions. For this reason, it is important that we demonstrate calm, respect, and maturity at all times.
The NZBJJF was created with the goal of developing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in New Zealand and building a strong, positive, and respectful community around the sport. Situations like this should not overshadow the many positive experiences that these events provide for our young athletes.
We kindly ask all members of the community to refrain from continuing public discussions or online comments about this matter. Our focus should remain on supporting the athletes and maintaining a respectful environment for everyone involved.
We appreciate the passion that families bring to our events, and we thank everyone for their continued support of the sport and of the NZBJJF.
Let us move forward together with respect, sportsmanship, and the shared goal of helping our children grow through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Respectfully,
Sergio Garcia
President
New Zealand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (NZBJJF)
