Feb 17, 2026
2 min read
HJJA Shines at the Essex Jiu Jitsu Open 🥋🔥
David Tobin
Instructor
What a day. What a team. What a performance.
The Essex Jiu Jitsu Open once again delivered a tough, high-level field—and Havering Jiu Jitsu Academy rose to the occasion in style. From our youngest competitors to our seasoned adults, HJJA athletes showed exactly what we stand for: technical excellence, composure under pressure, and relentless heart.
Built, Not Bought
Every match reflected the work done on the mats week in, week out. Clean guard work. Smart passing. Calm finishes. No shortcuts—just solid jiu jitsu executed the right way. Wins came through discipline and decision-making, not chaos, and even in the toughest matches our athletes represented the academy with class.
Standout Performances Across the Board
Kids & Juniors showed incredible bravery and maturity beyond their years—listening, adjusting, and competing with confidence.
Adults stepped up against strong opposition, putting on performances that demonstrated depth, conditioning, and tactical awareness.
Team spirit was everywhere—coaching, cornering, celebrating wins, and backing each other through losses.
Medals were earned, podiums were climbed, and more importantly, experience was gained. These are the moments that build better competitors—and better people.
More Than Medals
While podium finishes are always a bonus, what stood out most was the culture. Respect on and off the mat. Support between teammates. Parents, coaches, and students all pulling in the same direction. That’s HJJA.
Onwards and Upwards
The momentum is real, and this is just the beginning. Performances like these set the standard—and now the work continues as we prepare for what’s next.
Proud of every single competitor who stepped on those mats.
HJJA turning up, standing tall, and doing it properly. 💪🥋
#HJJA #EnglishJiuJitsuOpen #BuiltNotBought #TeamHJJA #CompetitionJiuJitsu #BJJUK
The Essex Jiu Jitsu Open once again delivered a tough, high-level field—and Havering Jiu Jitsu Academy rose to the occasion in style. From our youngest competitors to our seasoned adults, HJJA athletes showed exactly what we stand for: technical excellence, composure under pressure, and relentless heart.
Built, Not Bought
Every match reflected the work done on the mats week in, week out. Clean guard work. Smart passing. Calm finishes. No shortcuts—just solid jiu jitsu executed the right way. Wins came through discipline and decision-making, not chaos, and even in the toughest matches our athletes represented the academy with class.
Standout Performances Across the Board
Kids & Juniors showed incredible bravery and maturity beyond their years—listening, adjusting, and competing with confidence.
Adults stepped up against strong opposition, putting on performances that demonstrated depth, conditioning, and tactical awareness.
Team spirit was everywhere—coaching, cornering, celebrating wins, and backing each other through losses.
Medals were earned, podiums were climbed, and more importantly, experience was gained. These are the moments that build better competitors—and better people.
More Than Medals
While podium finishes are always a bonus, what stood out most was the culture. Respect on and off the mat. Support between teammates. Parents, coaches, and students all pulling in the same direction. That’s HJJA.
Onwards and Upwards
The momentum is real, and this is just the beginning. Performances like these set the standard—and now the work continues as we prepare for what’s next.
Proud of every single competitor who stepped on those mats.
HJJA turning up, standing tall, and doing it properly. 💪🥋
#HJJA #EnglishJiuJitsuOpen #BuiltNotBought #TeamHJJA #CompetitionJiuJitsu #BJJUK
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Join Havering Jiu Jitsu Academy today and start your journey with a free trial class.