Fear of infection and travel bans. Panic buying and empty shelves in stores. Canceled tournaments and closed gyms. In a short time the COVID-19 epidemic has had a global impact that also directly affects the international jiu-jitsu community. 

Coronavirus is spreading and there have been significant responses in countries where even a few cases were reported.

According to the World Health Organization, there are over 93,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in over 75 countries. Just over 80,000 of those are in China. The fatality rate is twice that of the flu, and there have been over 3,000 reported deaths due to the virus. 

In many countries the risk of infection is low. If you are not in an area where the virus is spreading or have not been in contact with an infected patient, your risk of contracting the disease is minimal. 

From large scale shutdowns in countries such as Italy and South Korea to cancellations of events in Asia and the Middle East, scroll down for a summary of how the coronavirus has affected the international jiu-jitsu community. 

Italy 

Current number of cases: 2502* 

Italy is the European country most affected by the coronavirus. With thousands of reported cases, the Italian government has taken drastic steps to contain the spread of the virus. All Italian schools and universities will be shut until March 15, while professional football matches and other big sporting events have taken place in empty arenas without fans present. 

The region of Lombardy in the north of Italy was one of the most affected areas in the country. Jiu-jitsu gyms in the city of Milan have been closed since February. 

Photo from the Milanimal BJJ gym in Milan, Italy, prior to the temporary closure. Credit: facebook.com/milanimal 

Though other cities such as Rome have been less affected, the fear of infection has led to the cancellation of jiu-jitsu tournaments such as the Bologna Jiu-Jitsu Challenge which was scheduled for Feb 29, and the Venezia Challenge in Venice on March 15. 

Dario Bacci, the president of the UIJJ (Unione Italiana Jiu-Jitsu) said, “I live in Rome and honestly life here is not affected at all. The gym is full and nothing’s changed, at least so far.” 

Elsewhere in Europe, France has banned all indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people, and even canceled the annual Paris agricultural fair. 

South Korea 

Current number of cases: 5328*

The second-worst hit country outside of China, South Korea has placed entire cities on lockdown as they attempt to limit the spread of infection. Public gatherings have been prohibited, which extends to jiu-jitsu gyms. The level of caution is serious. 

The League Royale 13.2 jiu-jitsu competition, which was scheduled to be held in Busan on Saturday, March 14, was canceled. 

Taiwan 

Current number of cases: 2359*  

The Asian Sports Jiu-Jitsu Federation has announced the cancellation of the ASJJF Taiwan International Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which was scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2020.

A statement on their website reads: “After careful consideration and discussions with the local Taiwan partners and teams, in placing the highest safety of the athletes, children and the general public priority in mind, the tournament will be postponed due to the COVID-19 epidemic.” 

Japan 

Current number of cases: 284*

After China and South Korea, Japan has the highest number of coronavirus cases in Asia. Schools have been closed until early April to halt the spread of the virus. The WHO reports only 284 cases, but local media says there are over 900 confirmed cases. The Japanese government has also asked companies to allow employees to work flexible hours or work from home to reduce infection risks.

"Some gyms will close for two weeks," says Reda Mebtouche, a French brown belt who teaches at Carpe Diem in Tokyo. “Things are crazy here, they’re talking about canceling the Olympics– that’s the most messed up thing.” 

Reda Mebtouche 

Gracie Barra, Pato, Me We and Tri-Force Akasaka are some of the training centers we were able to confirm that had canceled classes as a result of coronavirus fears. 

The eighth Tokyo Open and the 14th All-Japan Master Championships– scheduled for February 28 and 29, respectively– were both canceled, as was the Copa Bull Terrier, to take place on March 7. 

Mebtouche says Carpe Diem, where he trains and teaches, will remain open but with a strict cleaning schedule. “For the moment we're putting all efforts to keep the dojo clean, we have teams in the morning, afternoon and evening cleaning everything.” 

“The mood in Asia is everybody is worrying about it, that's the main subject– maybe more than other countries or continents,” says Mebtouche. “Every kind of company is acting on that. It's a big deal.” 

United Arab Emirates  

Current number of cases: 27*

A number of countries in the Middle East have been affected by coronavirus, most notably Iran which has thousands of cases. But in comparison the United Arab Emirates has only a handful of cases and ranks fifth in the region for the number of infections. 

Government authorities in nearby Gulf Cooperation Council states have canceled a number of large scale events, such as including the Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship in Saudi Arabia and the opening round of MotoGP in Qatar.

The biggest impact on the jiu-jitsu world is the news that the 2020 Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship will be postponed. The event is scheduled to run from April 11-18, but is now suspected to take place later this year. Organizers released this statement: 

"UAEJJF Postpones All Sport Activities and Events

To support international efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, the UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) has decided to postpone all remaining sport events and activities until further notice to support effective preventative and precautionary efforts."

The event draws competitors from over 100 nations and includes competitions for Para Jiu-Jitsu, junior, masters and professional athletes. 

United States 

Current number of cases: 108*

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that they are closely monitoring what is a “rapidly evolving situation,” but is direct in stating the majority of Americans have no cause for concern. 

“For most of the American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low… At this time, however, most people in the United States will have little immediate risk of exposure to this virus. This virus is NOT currently spreading widely in the United States.” 

The 2020 IBJJF Pan Championships is scheduled to take place in Irvine, California, from March 18*-22. Travelers from countries around the world are expected to attend the event, but the IBJJF has no plans to postpone or cancel the event without direct government instruction. 

United Kingdom 

Current number of cases: 51*

The AJP Tour Abu Dhabi Grand Slam that is scheduled to take place in London on March 7-8 will do so behind closed doors. Spectators will not be allowed to attend the event, but competitors are able to each bring one supporter (coach or friend) with them. 

* Number of cases as reported by the WHO, Mar 4, 2020