King Charles

King Charles earns his first BJJ white belt during visit to REORG military charity

25th June 2026 at 9:48am

King Charles was presented with a white belt during his royal engagement (Picture: PA)

And awarded a black belt to a member of the REORG team during a grading ceremony (Picture: PA)

His Majesty also watched demonstrations taking place on the mat (Picture: PA)

And met with students of the Roger Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy (Picture: PA)

Meeting Roger Gracie himself - who holds world championship titles across multiple weight classes (Picture: PA)

And his father, Maurucio Gomes, who is recognised as the godfather of British Jiu-Jitsu (Picture: PA)

As well as British rapper and musician Tinie Tempah, who holds a purple belt (Picture: PA)

During his visit, he learnt how the discipline assists serving personnel, veterans and emergency workers dealing with various challenges (Picture: PA)

The REORG charity offers a safe environment to rebuild confidence, restore routine, and create a strong sense of community (Picture: PA)

Sweeps, submissions, takedowns and other technical displays were on show as the King visited the Roger Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Academy in Hammersmith, west London, for his latest engagement.

During his visit, King Charles discovered the work of the REORG, an Armed Forces charity that uses full-contact martial arts to support the physical and mental well-being of military personnel, veterans, and members of the emergency services.

The King witnessed demonstrations on the mat, met students from across the academy, and had the honour of awarding a black belt to a REORG trustee who has practised BJJ for more than a decade, with the sport playing a pivotal role in his recovery after his battle with cancer.

The King was also presented his own honorary white belt, which he looked overjoyed to receive.

Recovery through sport

Founded nine years ago by former Royal Marine and BJJ black belt Sam Sheriff, REORG provides a safe environment for those who have faced severe mental and physical challenges due to frontline duty.

Part of a nationwide network of more than 200 partner academies, the military charity provides access to BJJ training and a welcoming community where all participants – ranging from young adults to those over 50 – can rebuild confidence and improve their confidence.

It forms part of Mr Sheriff's belief that nobody should have to fight life's battles alone.

King Charles watches a demonstration with REORG founder Sam Sheriff (Picture: PA)

The Roger Gracie Academy itself was founded in 2004 by 10-time world champion Roger Gracie and his father, Master Mauricio Gomes.

Widely recognised as the 'Godfather of British Jiu Jitsu', Mr Gomes is an eight-degree black belt holder – the second-highest rank a practitioner can attain – having trained and taught the sport for more than 50 years and has been instrumental in spreading BJJ beyond Brazil.