At the dawn of the 2025–2026 season, CFJJB referee Wilfried Sam launches his podcast On the Road. For his first marathon episode lasting over two hours, he welcomes Kenji and Mathias Jardin for an unfiltered discussion: the French National Team selection, the development of BJJ in France, debates between associative vs. private models, and realistic projections for the future. A true behind-the-scenes dive, at a time when French BJJ is experiencing spectacular growth.
A New Perspective on French BJJ
Wilfried Sam is no stranger to the community. An experienced CFJJB referee, he launched On the Road as a space for dialogue and reflection. His motto: “a mindset, a philosophy” to support practitioners’ progress, blending technique, tactics, and real-world insights.
For the inaugural episode, he brings together two key guests. Kenji Sette, a former competitor and instructor at BLR, also known for refereeing IBJJF events at the highest level. Alongside him, Mathias Jardin: commentator, founder of BJJ Canapé, instructor at Infinity, and most importantly, CFJJB French National Team selector with Baptiste Landais. Two complementary perspectives that provide a clear-eyed analysis of French development.
The French Team Revealed: Youth, Performance and Budget Realism
The major highlight of this podcast is transparency about the French National Team selection criteria. Mathias lays out a clear line: “This is a long-term project that relies on youth.”
The Three Pillars of Selection
- Youth first: priority goes to practitioners trained from childhood. The goal: by the time they reach black belt, they will already have 4–5 years of national team experience.
- Performance potential: “If you don’t win at brown, you won’t win at black.” International results weigh more than isolated national titles.
- Professionalism: lateness, lack of seriousness, or inappropriate behavior can exclude candidates, no matter how talented.
Who Got Cut… and Why?
Behind the scenes, several promising athletes were not selected. The main reason: lack of IBJJF international results, despite impressive national titles. One example cited by Mathias: an adult competitor crowned in France but with no impact at the Europeans or Worlds. Another recurring issue: behavior. Two young athletes from the same club were eliminated after showing up 45 minutes late to selections.
A Limited but Structuring Budget
No government subsidies: the French Team is funded through the CFJJB and sponsor Kingz. Registration fees covered, gear provided, and sometimes even monthly sponsorship contracts: a real step toward professionalization. But with a restricted budget, choices are tough. “If we had €200,000 per year, we’d field 15 women and 15 men,” Mathias points out.
How Much Does a National Team Athlete Cost?
Mathias provides an estimate: €10,000 to €15,000 per athlete per year. This includes registrations, travel, lodging, and equipment. By comparison, a French judo team athlete costs €100,000 to €150,000, thanks to public subsidies. French BJJ runs without such aid, relying only on the federation and Kingz.
The 2025 Selection: Confirmations and Surprises
Women’s Division
- Noémie GLUCK and Chloé HEYRAUD (confirmed)
- Janel MARINE, 15 years old, a prodigy from Team CDK, capable of defeating decorated adults
Men’s Division
- Comebacks: Léon LARMAN (hip surgery), Freddy LELE TALLA (sponsorship resolved)
- Newcomers: Nicolas SCHWINNINGER (2024 world champion, integrated after progression), Henrique SOARES (impressive level, based in Portugal)
- Confirmed: Youness BENNOUALI, Ibrahim REGNIER and Mohamed REGNIER (Mohamed is a blue belt world silver medalist), Virgile GRANDJEAN, Lucas GAFFET (17 years old, 3rd at Europeans)
- Young talents: Noah PERNOT, Keylian PLANQUE, Tristan Bourly (15 years old)
Who Could Become World Champion in 5 Years?
Eyes are turning toward several names:
- Nicolas SCHWINNINGER: already a colored-belt world champion, representing steady progression.
- Tristan BOURLY: just 15, described as “stratospheric,” with potential to mark his generation.
- Mohamed REGNIER: blue belt world silver medalist, a strong contender if his growth continues.
No guarantees, but one certainty: the first French black belt world medal will come from this new wave.
Kids Outclassing Adults
A striking observation: some 14–15 year olds are already dominating French adult champions. The difference lies in accumulated experience: “An adult with 5 years of practice doesn’t speak the same language as a kid who’s been training for 11 years,” summarizes Mathias. The trend is clear: within ten years, elite level will be out of reach without an early start.
French BJJ Between Euphoria and Challenges
Explosive Growth
With 25–30% annual growth in licenses, BJJ is booming. MMA has served as a springboard, along with rising figures like Freddy, now a reference for youth via TikTok. BJJ attracts because it remains accessible at any age.
The Tensions of Popularity
Kenji is concerned, however, about a loss of martial values: “The hardest part is martial education.” Some students adopt more of a “customer” mindset than that of practitioners—a cultural shift instructors must manage.
Associative vs. Private: A Rising Debate
The podcast highlights a real divide. The associative model, reliant on city halls and limited training slots, shows its limits for high-level athletes. Conversely, private structures (Infinity, Gracie Barra…) provide flexibility, training volume, and professionalism.
Kenji is blunt: “High level cannot exist under associative constraints.”
France vs. USA / Brazil
USA: around fifteen world champions each year, strong private academies, and a sports-focused education system.
Brazil: still a powerhouse, with modern professional academies (Alliance, Atos, Gracie Barra).
France: rapid growth (+25% licensed practitioners/year), but still zero black belt world titles. The US is estimated to be 10–15 years ahead.
A Techno-Tactical Training Method
Mathias outlines the French Team’s method: no technical catalog, but a focus on concrete situations and rules. Mat exits, micro-scenarios, strategic management: everything is prepared to optimize competition. Infinity applies the same logic with its “structured drills,” where competitors work through targeted sequences.
How to Join the French BJJ Team?
- Start young: selected athletes often have 10 years of practice already as teenagers.
- Shine internationally: aim for podiums at IBJJF Europeans and Worlds.
- Discipline: punctuality, lifestyle, and professional attitude.
- Work on techno-tactics: know the IBJJF rulebook, rehearse specific scenarios.
In short: making the French BJJ team is not just about talent, but about seriousness and consistency.
World Champion Goal: Utopia or Reality?
The final question arises: “In 5 to 10 years, could France have ten world champions?” The answer is blunt: utopia. “Ten is impossible. Just getting the first one would already be huge,” says Mathias. Kenji agrees: “Not even sure we’ll have the first black belt champion in 5 to 10 years.”
Tribute to Oliver Geddes
The episode closes with a tribute to Oliver Geddes, a major figure of European BJJ, who recently passed away from cancer. We share our sadness, respect, and condolences. An international referee, decorated competitor, and pioneer in England, he left his mark on history and the memories of a whole generation. A reminder that beyond debates, BJJ remains first and foremost a human community.
Conclusion: As the 2025 season kicks off, French BJJ stands at a turning point. Explosive growth, structuring of the national team, tensions between associative and private models: Wilfried Sam’s On the Road podcast is set to become a new reference for following these developments. A must-listen to understand where French jiu-jitsu is headed—and Bjj-Rules will be there to cover it all!
The first episode is already available on all usual podcast platforms.