SUPPORTIN SPORT FUND
GRACIE BARRA CI
Gracie Barra CI were awarded £11,285 in 2024 to provide additional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu opportunities to islanders, specifically by expanding on-island competition provision and supporting their growing female programme. The initiatives are expected to directly benefit over 200 participants through the award received by the SUPPORTIN SPORT Fund.
Like many sports, the club have been constrained in expanding their offer due to a lack of available and appropriate facility space – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu requires pre-matted dojos, which are limited and in high demand. The purchase of new portable roll out mats acquired through this award funding will allow the club to take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu out into the community to reach more islanders by accessing new and more spaces. The new portable roll out mats will be used for coach exhibitions, on-island competitions and the expansion of existing community programmes.
The funding will also be used to purchase Gi’s that are specifically designed for females, improving the quality of equipment provided to beginners and ensuring that kit is appropriate and safe for new members. This will support Gracie Barra CI’s growing female programme and reduce financial barriers to accessing the sport as they will be able to offer loan equipment for new participants or those who cannot self-fund the full kit requirements.
LATEST NEWS…
The ladies fitting Gi’s have now arrived and are actively supporting female participants in their growing ladies sessions, with 7 new adults and 2 teenagers regularly attending these classes. The club hosts a diverse and inclusive offer proudly representing females from 8 different nationalities within these sessions.
As new confidence has grown throughout the programme, Gracie Barra have already started to see some of these participants transitioning into the club’s mainstream mixed classes offer, with 4 new members so far progressing on this pathway.
The club’s new portable roll out mats have also since been delivered with their first kids competition hosted on them in December, and winter seminar held in March. Events like these provide essential local competition pathway for junior participants, which has already improved as a result of the new equipment. Grace Barra CI are also engaging with other local karate clubs, such as Jersey Shotokan Karate, about a loan system for similar in-house and inter-club competitions throughout the year.
Find contact details and more information for Gracie Barra CI in our SPORTS DIRECTORY: