The 2025 Ju-Jitsu World Championships Masters in Bangkok, Thailand, gathered the world’s most experienced and accomplished ju-jitsu athletes. Hosted at the Indoor Stadium Huamark, this year’s Masters event took place at the start of the two-week World Championships (1–15 November 2025) organized by the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF). It was a celebration of technical mastery, lifelong dedication, and the enduring spirit of martial arts.
A Prestigious Global Stage
The Indoor Stadium Huamark—a historic venue on Ramkhamhaeng Road—transformed into a centre of martial arts excellence. Thousands of athletes from over 70 countries participated across the Fighting, Ne-waza, and Duo System disciplines. The Masters competition, traditionally reserved for veteran athletes, was given full prominence alongside the senior and para-divisions, confirming JJIF’s commitment to making ju-jitsu accessible at every stage of life.
The opening ceremony set the tone: a parade of nations, vibrant cultural performances, and the unifying motto “One World – One Ju-Jitsu Family.” The atmosphere was charged with respect and camaraderie—hallmarks of ju-jitsu’s global community.
Masters Competition: Tactics, Timing and Experience
The matches in the Masters divisions were marked by technical precision, strategic control, and mutual respect. Unlike younger categories dominated by explosive speed, the Masters athletes displayed patience and refined timing—choosing moments with surgical accuracy.
Key characteristics of this year’s event included:
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Measured pacing: Athletes relied on intelligent positioning and calculated transitions.
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Experience-driven tactics: Years of competition gave veterans an intuitive understanding of fight flow.
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Global parity: No single nation dominated the podium, demonstrating the sport’s expanding international balance.
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Spirit of respect: Each contest reflected the discipline’s deeper principles—mutual benefit, humility, and honour.
JJIF’s presentation of the Masters category alongside elite adult competition underscored one key message: “Mastery is not an age, but a mindset.”
Swedish Success at the Ju-Jitsu World Championships 2025 – Gold, Silver and a Shower of Medals in Bangkok
The 2025 Ju-Jitsu World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, became a milestone in Swedish martial-arts history. For Sweden, it was a campaign defined by determination, depth, and breakthrough success: one gold, one silver, and five bronze medals, plus several powerful performances that embodied the discipline’s true spirit.
The Swedish delegation, led by national coach Tobias Back, consisted of 18 athletes — 11 seniors and 7 juniors — and entered the championships with quiet confidence and sharp preparation.
“This is one of Sweden’s best world-championship campaigns,” said Tobias Back. “Our athletes fought with heart, unity, and technical excellence. Sweden truly belongs among the best in the world.”
Emma Lette – Gold after a Dramatic Final
The highlight of the championship came from Emma Lette, who captured gold in the +70 kg Fighting division. Her day culminated in a thrilling final, where she overcame an early deficit with a perfectly timed throw and follow-up control to seal the victory.
“The final was incredibly tough,” said Emma. “But I trusted my preparation and stayed calm. To finish the year as world champion feels amazing.”
Her performance was described by the Swedish Ju-Jitsu Federation as “a world-class finish” — the crowning moment of a historic campaign.
Coach Back added:
“Emma’s gold shows what Swedish fighting is built on — discipline, focus, and courage under pressure.”
Astrid Schölin – Silver in Ne-waza (–57 kg)
Astrid Schölin continued her extraordinary 2025 season with a silver medal in Ne-waza –57 kg. After earlier golds at the World Games and European Championships, she entered Bangkok as a favourite — and lived up to expectations, dominating her bracket with clean submissions and positional control.
In the final she faced the Philippines’ Annie Ramirez, losing narrowly on technical points after leading much of the bout.
“It’s hard to lose a match you’ve controlled,” Astrid said, “but she executed her game plan well. I gave everything I had.”
Her silver was Sweden’s first medal of the championship and set the tone for the rest of the team.
Oskar Jaskari – Bronze in Fighting (–62 kg)
Oskar Jaskari delivered one of the most inspiring stories of the tournament, claiming bronze in the –62 kg Fighting category. According to the federation’s “Medal Shower in Bangkok” report, Oskar fought his way through a tough bracket with tactical patience and trademark intensity.
He secured victory in his bronze-medal match through quick combinations and superior timing — a classic display of Swedish fighting technique.
“Oskar showed enormous composure,” said coach Back. “Every round he adapted, stayed disciplined, and fought smart. It’s a well-deserved medal for one of our most consistent athletes.”
His bronze completed Sweden’s Fighting-division sweep, alongside Emma Lette’s gold and Klara Mattsson’s bronze.
Klara Mattsson – Bronze in Fighting (–57 kg)
Klara Mattsson secured bronze in the –57 kg Fighting division after a focused and technically mature performance. Her bronze-medal match displayed calm control and precise counterattacks.
“I’m proud of this result,” Klara said. “After a tough season, to finish on the podium means a lot.”
Her medal reinforced Sweden’s rising power in the women’s Fighting divisions.
Alicia Johansson – Strength and Courage (–70 kg Fighting)
Alicia Johansson who started with fine technique and strong presence. In the first match, she was hit by a leg lock, which led to her opponent being warned and losing. The uncertainty surrounding Alicia’s knee persisted, but in the second match she showed that she was ready – with increased intensity and determination she made it to the final. Once in the final, she fell to Frenchwoman Chloe Lalande who, after an even match, managed to win by Ippon.
The federation described her campaign as showing “strength and courage”, fighting through adversity and demonstrating true competitive spirit.
“Alicia’s heart and toughness are an example for the whole team,” said Tobias Back. “She fought bravely in every match.”
Arash Hadiha – World-Class Comeback (–56 kg Fighting)
Returning from injury, Arash Hadiha produced what the federation called “a comeback in world-class form.” Competing in –56 kg Fighting, he impressed with explosive speed and clean tactical execution, narrowly missing the medals but proving his elite capabilities.
“Just being back at this level is a victory,” Arash said. “I fought freely and felt like myself again.”
Amanda Vikingsson, Chahrazed Olsson & Cristal Hernandez Gutierrez – Triple Bronze in Ne-waza
Sweden’s Ne-waza team contributed a “medal rain” of bronze medals and technical excellence:
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Amanda Vikingsson (+70 kg) – Controlled her bronze bout with top-pressure dominance and relentless transitions.
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Chahrazed Olsson (–70 kg) – Executed tactical sweeps and positional mastery for a well-earned medal.
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Cristal Hernandez Gutierrez (–63 kg) – Demonstrated fluid movement and composure, claiming the team’s third Ne-waza bronze.
“They represented Sweden’s evolution in ground fighting,” said Back. “Technically sharp, patient, and fearless.”
Medal Summary – Team Sweden (Bangkok 2025)
| Athlete | Category | Discipline | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emma Lette | +70 kg | Fighting | 🥇 Gold |
| Astrid Schölin | –57 kg | Ne-waza | 🥈 Silver |
| Alicia Johansson | –70 kg | Fighting | 🥈 Silver |
| Oskar Jaskari | –62 kg | Fighting | 🥉 Bronze |
| Klara Mattsson | –57 kg | Fighting | 🥉 Bronze |
| Amanda Vikingsson | +70 kg | Ne-waza | 🥉 Bronze |
| Chahrazed Olsson | –70 kg | Ne-waza | 🥉 Bronze |
The Swedish Ju-Jitsu Federation highlighted the entire delegation’s professionalism and solidarity. Each competitor, whether medallist or debutant, contributed to the collective energy that powered the team to its strongest showing in years.
“The atmosphere was electric,” said Back. “Every athlete fought for the flag — for each other — and that made all the difference.”
The federation described Bangkok 2025 as “a world-class finish” and promised continued investment in both Fighting and Ne-waza disciplines.
What It Means for Swedish Ju-Jitsu
Sweden’s performance in Bangkok confirmed its transformation into a global contender:
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Breadth of success – Medals across both Fighting and Ne-waza, multiple weight classes, men’s and women’s divisions.
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Depth of quality – Veterans like Schölin and newcomers like Hernandez delivering side by side.
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Resilience and unity – From Alicia Johansson’s grit to Arash Hadiha’s comeback, Sweden’s team spirit was palpable.
These results have established Sweden as one of Europe’s strongest ju-jitsu nations and a genuine force on the world stage.
Looking Ahead
The federation now turns its attention to the 2026 European Championships and the path toward the next World Games. With a gold from Emma Lette, a silver from Astrid Schölin, and five bronze medals — including Oskar Jaskari’s breakout podium — Sweden’s momentum is undeniable.
“We’ve built something sustainable,” said Tobias Back. “This team represents the best of Swedish ju-jitsu — technical, disciplined, and unbreakable.”
Final Reflection
The 2025 World Championships in Bangkok were not just a competition — they were a defining moment for Sweden. From Emma Lette’s dramatic gold to Astrid Schölin’s silver precision, from Oskar Jaskari’s tactical bronze to the Ne-waza trio’s technical brilliance, and from Alicia Johansson’s courage to Arash Hadiha’s comeback — the Swedish team embodied the essence of ju-jitsu: respect, perseverance, and mastery.
It truly was, as the federation described it, “a world-class finish.”
A Truly Global Championship
Beyond Sweden’s achievements, the Bangkok championships saw a broad spread of international success stories. Teams from the UAE, France, Germany, and Thailand themselves all made the podium, while delegations from Latin America and Eastern Europe recorded their best results in recent memory.
The JJIF highlighted the event’s success in fostering cultural exchange and unity. Posts from the official JJIF Facebook page showcased competitors from all backgrounds embracing the values of friendship and mutual respect.
“The World Championships Masters in Bangkok embodied the true meaning of our sport—discipline, respect, and unity,” the JJIF stated. “Our veterans showed that martial arts is not defined by age, but by spirit.”
Why Bangkok 2025 Matters
The 2025 World Championships mark a turning point for ju-jitsu globally:
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Recognition of Masters divisions: JJIF’s integration of Masters alongside seniors and para-athletes shows a full commitment to inclusivity.
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Growth of lifelong participation: The tournament proves that ju-jitsu remains a path of personal evolution, not limited by age or competition cycles.
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Cultural and continental expansion: Hosting the event in Thailand highlights Asia’s central role in the sport’s modern growth.
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Sweden’s rise: With a silver and multiple bronzes, the Swedish national team confirmed its strength in both tactical execution and mental resilience.
The Road Ahead
With Bangkok 2025 concluded, attention now turns to the JJIF World Championships Seniors later in November and the 2026 European circuit. For Sweden, the performances in Thailand form a powerful foundation for future success—driven by athletes like Astrid Schölin and the new generation stepping forward in both Ne-waza and Fighting.
The Masters in Bangkok proved one thing beyond doubt: ju-jitsu is a lifelong art. Whether young or veteran, every competitor embodies the same principles—dedication, humility, and mastery through perseverance.
From the first bow on the mat to the final handshake, the 2025 World Championships Masters reminded the world that the essence of ju-jitsu lies not just in victory, but in the continued pursuit of excellence.
Ju-Jitsu International Federation – YouTube
Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) Facebook
Svenska Jujutsufederationen Facebook
Medaljregn för Sverige i Bangkok – tre brons och starka insatser på VM | Svenska Jujutsufederationen
Silver till Astrid Schölin – Sverige inleder VM i jujutsu med medalj | Svenska Jujutsufederationen
SET Online Ju-Jitsu: 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – MASTERS
VM-silver till Astrid Schölin – Svenska Budo & Kampsportsförbundet
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Trippla svenska VM-brons i jujutsu – Svenska Budo & Kampsportsförbundet
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