Welsh grappling sensation Ffion Davies has thrown her weight behind a growing movement demanding equality in ADCC qualification opportunities, adding her influential voice to a petition that has sparked intense debate within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.
In a passionate video statement, Davies emerged from what she called her “cave of drama freeness” to address critics of the initiative, delivering a clear message to skeptics:
“If you can’t see that doubling the numbers for the women’s divisions is beneficial for not just the women, but for everyone, I can’t help you. We can’t have a conversation. There’s no conversation to be had.”
The petition, which has garnered 657 signatures, challenges the current ADCC trials structure that offers male competitors two qualification opportunities across five weight classes per region while women receive only one chance across three divisions. This disparity has particularly affected European trials winner Injana Goodman, whose victory doesn’t count toward ADCC Worlds qualification because women’s first trials are treated merely as preparation events.
“If I were a man, I would be going to ADCC Worlds right now. I won the first European trials on the 6th of September—but because I am a woman, the first trials don’t count for me,”
the petition states, highlighting what organizers see as a fundamental inequality in the sport’s most prestigious championship.
Davies expressed frustration with the negative response the petition has received, particularly from within the women’s grappling community itself.
“I’m so confused. Who do you want to pick you? Who are we trying to get to pick you? Because I don’t understand,”
she said, questioning the logic of opposing efforts to expand opportunities.
The debate has divided female competitors, with ADCC veteran Jasmine Rocha raising concerns about the petition’s approach and timing. Rocha, who has competed in ADCC trials since age 15, argued that the sport has already made significant progress, noting the evolution from two barely-populated women’s divisions to three packed divisions with equal prize money.
“Here’s the reality: Inijana goodman asked me and a bunch of other top women to sign this petition to ‘support women’ but she herself doesn’t even follow me or any of these other athletes. That’s not real support. Don’t ask for support if you’re not willing to give it,”
Rocha stated, questioning the authenticity of support within the community.
Despite the internal disagreement, Davies remained focused on the broader implications for women’s grappling.
“Let’s support the girls in this sport, especially the fresh generation that’s coming through and not stomp down on their hopes and dreams like my hopes and dreams have been stomped down collectively by the internet,”
she emphasized.
The Welsh champion stressed that advocates aren’t seeking handouts but rather equal opportunities to compete.
“They’re just trying to increase the numbers and that’s only a good thing. Not asking for handouts and it’s quite sad to see the response to it, to be honest,”
Davies said.
Statistical data theoretically supports concerns about participation gaps, with recent North American trials showing women comprised only 17.6% of competitors while European trials featured just 14.5% female participation. However, supporters argue these numbers could improve significantly with equal qualification opportunities.
The petition has drawn comparisons to wrestling’s transformation following IOC mandates for equal weight classes, which helped make women’s wrestling the fastest-growing sport in America. This precedent suggests that providing equal platforms can dramatically accelerate participation and growth in women’s competition.
Critics worry that retroactively changing qualification rules could disadvantage elite athletes who strategically skipped first trials knowing they weren’t qualifying events. However, petition supporters argue that maintaining the status quo perpetuates systemic inequality that ultimately limits the sport’s growth potential.
Davies concluded with a call for unity among female grapplers:
“Let’s all try and stand together as women.”
Her endorsement adds significant credibility to the movement, given her status as one of the sport’s most accomplished competitors and her reputation for thoughtful advocacy.
