FULL STORY

How was CUJA founded?

CUJA was born from a clear need: a national platform that gives university Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu clubs a united voice. Across Canada, student-run BJJ clubs were operating in isolation, without a common network to share knowledge, advocate for recognition, and elevate their athletes. CUJA fills that gap, providing a collaborative, student-led federation that showcases the dedication, discipline, and leadership behind every university club.

Founded by Shervin Akhlaghi, a Civil Engineering student at Toronto Metropolitan University and a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, CUJA began as a vision to connect the student-athlete experience with the broader growth of the sport in Canadian society. Shervin’s leadership in student organizations and his drive to build something meaningful laid the foundation for CUJA’s rapid growth.

The first five founding clubs were from universities, TMU, Queen’s University, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and Wilfrid Laurier University, came together to establish the federation’s core. McMaster University's BJJ Club soon joined, and since then, CUJA has continued to grow, with new schools reaching out every month to join this historic movement.

CUJA stands for more than competition. It stands for community, a national initiative where students, athletes, and leaders come together to grow the sport, uplift each other, and build a brighter future for the Canadian BJJ scene.

OJA's Support and Backing

The Canadian Universities Jiu-Jitsu Association (CUJA) is officially sanctioned and supported by the Ontario Jiu-Jitsu Association (OJA), the provincial governing body for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Ontario.

As part of its commitment to growing the sport across the province, the OJA proudly endorses CUJA’s mission to foster university-level BJJ, develop young talent, and create safe, inclusive competitive opportunities for students. By supporting this pioneering initiative, the OJA is investing in the next generation of athletes and leaders in the sport.

Our Vision & Goals

CUJA isn’t just a federation, it’s a movement toward something much bigger.

Our vision is to shape the future of university-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Canada by creating sustainable pathways for student-athletes, promoting collaboration across campuses, and growing the sport with integrity, inclusion, and ambition.

Our long-term goals include:

Establishing a national inter-university league with regular competitions and championships, fully sanctioned, professionally run, and open to students coast-to-coast.

Expanding CUJA from Ontario to every province and territory, building a truly nationwide community where student BJJ clubs can connect, support one another, and compete on equal footing.

Providing resources and mentorship to help new university clubs form and thrive, whether it’s access to referees, discounted gear, competition logistics, or administrative support.

Supporting student-athletes in their journey on and off the mats, by recognizing their work, providing platforms to showcase their talent, and giving them a voice at the national level.

Promoting gender equity and diversity in university BJJ by normalizing co-ed formats, highlighting female leadership, and ensuring inclusive access to every aspect of the sport.

Strengthening ties between BJJ and Canadian society by showcasing the discipline, mental focus, and values that Jiu-Jitsu builds, and amplifying those through Canadian institutions, events, and partnerships.

Want to get involved?

Get in touch so we can start working together.