Next Generation — The Jiu-Jitsu Tribe Athlete Program
Applications open now – close August 31, 2026
Next Generation — the Jiu-Jitsu Tribe athlete program — was created to help young athletes discover how far they can go through Jiu-Jitsu.
What is this program?
Jiu-Jitsu Tribe was founded to support social projects that provide free Jiu-Jitsu opportunities in underserved communities.
Many young athletes have the talent, discipline, and desire to succeed. However, not every athlete has access to the same experiences, resources, and support along the way.
Next Generation was created to help young athletes continue their development both on and off the mats.
The goal is not simply to help athletes compete. The goal is to help young people build confidence, discipline, character, leadership, and life skills through Jiu-Jitsu.
Who is this program for?
For the inaugural selection cycle, the athlete must:
- Be born between 2012 and 2016
- Hold a Gray, Yellow, or Orange/Green Belt at the time of application
- Live in Brazil
- Be actively training and competing in Jiu-Jitsu
- Participate in a social project that provides free Jiu-Jitsu classes
- Have parent or guardian approval
Birth years are used instead of age because Jiu-Jitsu competition divisions are determined by year of birth. Athletes born before 2012 or after 2016 are not eligible for this selection cycle.
The purpose of this program is to support young athletes connected to social projects serving underserved communities.
What support is provided?
The program begins by helping each of the three selected athletes with the equivalent of one tournament registration per month.
As the program grows and additional funding becomes available, new experiences and forms of support may be added. These may include:
- Competition support
- Training experiences
- Mentorship
- Educational opportunities
- Travel experiences
This is intended to be the beginning of a relationship, not a one-time sponsorship.
What do we look for?
Athletes are not selected solely based on tournament results. We look for:
More important than medals and titles is understanding who the athlete is becoming along the journey.
2026 selection timeline
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Now open — Applications open
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August 31 — Applications close
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September 1 – 3 — Initial review period
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September 4 – 6 — Top 10 finalists notified
Finalists will be invited to submit a two-minute video introduction, one competition match video, and a video from their coach.
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September 7 – 10 — Final Selection Committee review
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September 11 — Athletes selected and notified
The three selected athletes become the inaugural Jiu-Jitsu Tribe Gray, Yellow, and Orange/Green Belt Representatives.
How does the selection process work?
- The athlete completes the application.
- The parent or guardian completes their section.
- Applications are reviewed.
- Ten finalists are selected.
- Finalists submit a short video introduction, one competition match video, and coach input.
- The Selection Committee reviews all finalist materials.
- The three athletes are selected.
- The three athletes are announced.
Help raise the next generation — on and off the mats.
Next Generation sponsors three young athletes — a Gray, a Yellow, and an Orange/Green Belt Representative — each supported with the equivalent of one tournament registration every month, and reviewed every six months against the things that actually matter: school, character, commitment, and growth.
As funding grows, so does the support: training experiences, mentorship, educational opportunities, and travel.
Your gift funds more than entry fees. It funds who these kids are becoming — the next generation, on and off the mats.
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Every athlete’s journey is different. Every dream starts somewhere.