The Ultimate Guide toBJJ Athlete Sponsorships
Your one-stop resource for understanding how to secure brand support, elevate your BJJ journey, and become a valuable ambassador for the brands you love.
The path to becoming a sponsored BJJ athlete is no longer reserved for world champions. With the explosive growth of the sport, brands are looking for dedicated practitioners at all levels. This page is designed to demystify the process of securing a BJJ sponsorship, providing you with the essential knowledge, tools, and a curated list of brands to kickstart your journey.
Beyond the Podium: The New Era of BJJ Sponsorships
The sponsorship landscape in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Gone are the days when only world champions could secure brand deals. Today, the sport's explosive growth has created opportunities for dedicated practitioners at every level.
The Social Media Revolution
Brands now understand that influence extends far beyond the competition mat. A strong social media presence can be just as valuable as tournament wins. Athletes who can authentically connect with audiences and build communities around their BJJ journey are highly sought after.
Content Creation Opportunities
Whether you're creating training videos, sharing competition stories, or documenting your journey, content creators are becoming brand ambassadors. The key is authenticity—fans can spot sponsored content from a mile away.
Types of Sponsorships Available
Free or heavily discounted gear, apparel, and equipment. This is the most common entry point for new athletes and makes up the majority of BJJ sponsorships.
Cash stipends, competition entry fees, travel expenses, and training costs. Typically reserved for established athletes with proven results.
A combination of gear and financial support, plus marketing opportunities. The sweet spot that many athletes aim for in their sponsorship journey.
The Athlete's Blueprint: What Brands Seek in a BJJ Ambassador
A Strong Personal Brand & Online Presence
Brands aren't just looking for athletes—they're looking for influencers. Your social media presence is your calling card. Professional profiles on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube showcase your dedication and reach.
- • High-quality content: training footage, competition highlights, technique breakdowns
- • Consistent posting schedule and authentic storytelling
- • Engagement with your audience and the broader BJJ community
Consistency & Dedication
Sponsorships are built on trust. Brands want athletes who show up day after day, both on and off the mats. Your work ethic, training consistency, and commitment to growth speak volumes.
- • Regular gym attendance and training intensity
- • Competition participation and performance improvement
- • Long-term commitment to the sport and continuous learning
Community Engagement
The best brand ambassadors are also community builders. Brands value athletes who are respected within their gym and the broader BJJ world. Your reputation as a positive force matters.
- • Active participation in gym events and community activities
- • Positive representation of BJJ values and sportsmanship
- • Willingness to mentor and help fellow practitioners
A Professional Approach
While passion is essential, professionalism separates the amateurs from the pros. Brands want partners they can rely on to represent them well in all situations.
- • Clear, well-structured sponsorship proposals
- • Professional communication and follow-up
- • Understanding of brand values and market positioning
Your 5-Step Action Plan to Get Sponsored in BJJ
Ready to turn your passion into partnership? Here's your roadmap to securing that first (or next) BJJ sponsorship.
Define Your Value Proposition
Before approaching any brand, know exactly what makes you unique. Are you a technical wizard with guard play innovations? A competitor with an inspiring underdog story? A content creator who makes complex techniques accessible?
"Brands don't sponsor athletes—they sponsor stories and potential. What makes your journey compelling?"
Research & Identify Potential Brands
Not every brand is right for every athlete. Look for companies whose values align with yours and who serve a similar market. Don't just target the biggest names—local businesses and emerging brands can be more accessible and more appreciative of new partnerships.
- • Study their products and target audience
- • Check their current sponsored athletes
- • Understand their brand voice and marketing style
Craft a Compelling Sponsorship Proposal
Your proposal is your first impression. Make it professional, concise, and focused on mutual benefit. Include your background, achievements, social media metrics, and most importantly—what you can offer the brand.
Essential Proposal Elements:
- • Professional introduction and your BJJ journey
- • Competition record and belt rank progression
- • Social media statistics (focus on engagement, not just followers)
- • Clear value proposition: "What's in it for them?"
- • Specific partnership ideas and collaboration opportunities
Make Contact & Follow Up
Use the contact information provided on brand websites. Email is usually best for sponsorship inquiries. Be professional, personal, and persistent—but not pushy. Most sponsorship decisions take time.
Pro tip: Reference specific products or initiatives from the brand in your outreach. It shows you've done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Be a Great Ambassador
Once you secure a sponsorship, the real work begins. Represent the brand authentically, fulfill your obligations, and maintain the relationship. One successful partnership can lead to many more.
- • Wear and use the products genuinely
- • Create content that showcases the brand naturally
- • Communicate regularly and provide feedback
- • Deliver on all agreed-upon partnership terms
BJJ Brand Sponsorship Directory
Ready to take the next step? Here are 20 established BJJ brands actively seeking athlete partnerships. Each link will take you directly to their sponsorship or contact page.
Click on any brand name to visit their website and explore partnership opportunities. Remember to prepare your sponsorship proposal before reaching out!
| Brand Name | Category | Domain | Application Type | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperfly | Apparel | hyperfly.com | form | |
| Hayabusa Fight | Apparel | hayabusafight.com | form | |
| Xmartial | Apparel | xmartial.com | form | |
| Fuji Sports | Apparel | fujisports.com | ||
| Century Martial Arts | Apparel | centurymartialarts.com | form | |
| Kombat USA | Apparel | kombatusa.com | email | |
| Gr1ps | Apparel | gr1ps.com | ||
| Roll Bliss | Apparel | rollbliss.com | form | |
| Gee BJJ | Apparel | geebjj.com | ||
| JNGL Athletico | Apparel | jnglathletico.com | form | |
| Habrok Sports | Apparel | habroksports.com | email | |
| Fumetsu | Apparel | fumetsu.com | email | |
| Moya Brand | Apparel | moyabrand.com | form | |
| The Jiu Jitsu Shop | Apparel | thejiujitsushop.com | email | |
| Hayabusa Fight Canada | Apparel | hayabusafight.ca | form | 🇨🇦 |
| Hayabusa Fight Europe | Apparel | hayabusafight.eu | form | 🇪🇺 |
| Combatives Gear | Apparel | combativesgear.com | email | |
| Grab & Pull | Apparel | grabandpull.com | email | |
| Fujimae | Apparel | fujimae.co.nz | email | 🇳🇿 |
Want to explore which brands offer affiliate marketing opportunities?
Many of these brands also offer affiliate programs where you can earn commissions by promoting their products. Learn more about turning your passion into income.
Frequently Asked Questions about BJJ Sponsorships
Common questions and expert answers to help you navigate the sponsorship process