Leaders, athletes, and officials of the International Ju-Jitsu Federation gathered in Bangkok this week, uniting in a show of solidarity ahead of the 2025 Ju-Jitsu World Championships. The event brought together everyone from young talents and seasoned veterans to referees, coaches, and federation leaders, highlighting the sport’s commitment to fair competition and international cooperation.

The Ju-Jitsu Congress, convened on November 4 ahead of the championships, assembled senior officials from around the world. Delegates unanimously approved the Executive Board’s proposals, paving the way for the next phase of reform and modernization under the leadership of Panagiotis Theodoropoulos.

Ju-Jitsu’s push toward the Olympic Movement is gaining momentum, reflecting the federation’s growing ambitions. The congress showcased not only a spirit of cooperation but also a shared determination to secure the sport’s place within the wider international sporting community, marking a pivotal moment in Ju-Jitsu’s continuing evolution.

The 2025 Ju-Jitsu World Championships

At the 2025 Congress, the Ju-Jitsu Athletes’ Commission elected six new members; Marianne Barenca, Gary Hensley, Anna Fuhrmann, Dmytro Pernykoza, Mehran Sattar, and Isra Wassem. Among them, Isra Wassem and Dmytro Pernykoza were granted voting rights within the Executive Board, strengthening athletes’ voices in the federation’s decision-making process.

On the sidelines, the International Ju-Jitsu Federation unveiled a new partnership with German technology company Website Excellence Builders to launch its first AI-powered chatbot. Leveraging artificial intelligence, the chatbot will make up-to-date training guidance and sport-specific knowledge widely accessible, supporting the continued development of the global Ju-Jitsu community.

In leadership news, Michael Korn, recently appointed President of Ju-Jitsu Europe, joined the IJJF Executive Board. During the event, Dario Quenza, President of the Ju-Jitsu Federation of Italy, was honored with an honorary membership on the Executive Board in recognition of his contributions to the sport.

The 2025 Ju-Jitsu World Championships are currently taking place from November 8 to 14 in Bangkok, Thailand, drawing athletes from around the world to compete at the highest level.