Jakub Zajkowski

Jakub Zajkowski is an elite Polish grappling competitor and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt representing the Gracie Barra affiliation. Regarded as one of the finest European gi players of his generation, Zajkowski has established a formidable reputation on the IBJJF international circuit for his high submission rate and highly technical open guard system.  

Early Life & Tactical Beginnings
Born on April 9, 1997, in Białystok, Poland, Zajkowski was guided toward combat sports by his father, a passionate fan of mixed martial arts who wanted to ensure his son maintained an active lifestyle. Given the choice between wrestling, judo, and jiu-jitsu, Zajkowski chose the latter, having already had an unfavorable experience with judo throws as a child.  

At the age of 12, he began his formal training at the Rosomak Jiu-Jitsu Academy (a prominent affiliate of Copacabana BJJ in Bialystok) under coach Marek Pietrzak. Pietrzak oversaw the young prodigy’s early development, molding him into a top-tier national prospect over the next eight years.  

The Move to England & Elite Mentorship
In 2015, during a seminar at the Copacabana headquarters, Zajkowski caught the attention of multi-time World and ADCC champion Braulio Estima. Impressed by the 18-year-old purple belt’s guard work, Estima invited him to train at his primary academy in Birmingham, England.  

After completing his studies in Poland, Zajkowski officially moved to the United Kingdom in August 2017 to train and coach full-time under Estima’s banner. His technical growth under the legendary world champion was immediate, culminating in a dominant run across the European brown belt circuit. On July 7, 2019, following two years of elite international training, Zajkowski was promoted to black belt by Braulio Estima.  

Competitive Style & Grappling Profile
Zajkowski is widely celebrated for his dangerous, dynamic Open Guard system and his aggressive pursuit of the finish. Reflecting his lethal guard mechanics, three-quarters of his professional black belt victories have come by way of submission, with a heavy emphasis on footlocks and lower-limb attacks.  

Weight Division: Meio Pesado (88.30 kg / 195.0 lbs)  

Favorite Position: Open Guard (exceptional Toe Holds and Terra Footlocks)  

Team Association: Gracie Barra  

Main Achievements
1st Place — IBJJF Paris Open (2019)  

1st Place — IBJJF Rome Open (2019)  

1st Place — IBJJF Dublin Open (2019)  

1st Place — IBJJF London Fall Open (2019)  

1st Place — IBJJF Amsterdam Open (2019)  

1st Place — London Warrior Cup (2019)  

3rd Place — IBJJF European Open (2020 / 2022)  

1st Place — UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro (2017 Purple Belt)  

1st Place — IBJJF European Open (2016 Purple Belt)  

1st Place — British Nationals (2019 Brown Belt)