Our team here at Progress Jiu Jitsu could not be more excited to announce that we are working alongside ZR Team in 2022! Progress Jiu Jitsu will be providing the official team kimonos, No Gi kit and apparel For ZR Team academies in the UK. 

We are also really happy to be sponsoring some of ZR Team’s top competitors, starting with Janis Riekstins and Lois Marsh. Janis is one of the most active competitors in the UK scene, he was promoted to Blackbelt after a very successful run through the coloured belts with standout performances being Silver at the No Gi Worlds, multiple IBJJF Golds as well as being a UAE Grand Slam London Champion. Since being promoted to the black belt two years ago he has established himself as one of the black belts to watch around Europe. We're looking forward to seeing his performances at next year's IBJJF Europeans and Pan Ams!

Lois is a standout youth competitor, recently promoted to Blue Belt. A well deserved promotion after medalling twice at the Kid's Pan Ams and cleaning up the National circuit in the UK. She's a multiple time British Champion with much potential to achieve great things in the next few years! Watch out for her in the juvenile divisions in next year's IBJJF circuit - starting with the IBJJF Europeans.

Janis in action at the team camp held in Belfast this past November.

Lois sinking in a nice choke on PJJ’s Mark Lindars

ZR team takes its name from its legendary founder Jose “Ze Radiola” Olimpío, a pioneer of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu who came up through the belts under the tutelage of Carlson Gracie Junior. A former professional surfer, Ze Radiola is perhaps best known for his role in developing many of the sport's best competitors including world champions Braulio Estima and Otavio Sousa. The team was founded in 2016, and already has achieved podium placements at some of the world's largest and most prestigious gi and no gi Jiu Jitsu tournaments. 

 A major part of the success and expansion of the team has come in the UK, from the guidance of Alain Pozo. Alain started his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in 1996 with Ze Radiola in Recife, Brazil. 

Alain coaching at ZR Team camp in Belfast

After coming to London in 1999, Alain helped form some of the early powerhouse Jiu Jitsu teams in Europe. Alain is an accomplished competitor who started his coaching career in 2009. Helping many athletes achieve great success in gi jiu jitsu, no gi jiu jitsu, mma and reach their goals off the mat as well. Alain is leading the team's effort in the UK as the headcoach.

Post training photo after the last session in Belfast

Looking forward to some really exciting upcoming projects with ZR Team!

-Team Progress Jiu Jitsu