Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) groups across the province are in a difficult spot right now.
As of July 1st, amateur MMA and BJJ competitions are illegal in Ontario.
The new regulations came into effect by way of an Order in Council -- a legal order made by the Lieutenant Governor on the advice of the Cabinet of Ontario -- that was approved and ordered on May 31, 2017.
Eric Fryer owns and operates Chatham Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and says the ban is in place because the groups do not have a governing body that is approved by the Ontario Government.
He says the ban has nothing to do with safety.
"We can train it at any gym type of thing -- that's fine -- there's just no avenue to compete in Ontario at the moment," says Fryer. "I don't think it was communicated as well as it could have been... people that are active in the Jiu Jitsu community certainly understand what's going on, but it's still a very frustrating time."
Fryer says the Ontario Jiu Jitsu Association is applying for the proper status as a Provincial Sport Organization, but it's not clear how long that might take.
Because the competitions are banned in Ontario, Fryer says people are travelling out of province to places like Michigan to fight.
A release on the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport's website says "the changes will make it safer for athletes to compete in amateur combative sports in Ontario."
(Photo courtesy of Eric Fryer)
