bjj tour weight classes

Weight Divisions

All weigh-ins for the BJJ TOUR will take place right before each competitor’s first match. Competitors weigh-in WITH THE GI ON. Please have a photo ID ready to present to the weigh-in staff in order to check your proper age and identity. IMPORTANT! Each competitor only gets ONE CHANCE to make weight for their division. Please double check your registration before you hit the submit button to be sure you signed up for the correct division.

If you don’t make weight, YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED! NO EXCEPTIONS!

This is a sport with rules, and making weight for your division is part of the rules. In order to maintain the integrity of our tournament and the sport we STRICTLY enforce this policy. Please be responsible and show up to the tournament at the correct weight for your division!

Kids: Birth Year and Maximum Weights (lbs)

Divisions and maximum weights (lbs):, * will give up to a 0.9 lb. over weight tolerance for all divisions. white belt juvenile, adult and master will have a consolation match in case you do not make your weight., age divisions, open division.

NO OPEN DIVISION FOR WHITE BELTS AND KIDS!!!

Blue & Purple Belts – you may compete ONLY if you qualified in the 1 st , 2 nd , or 3 rd place of your weight division.

All Brown & Black Belts sign-up after your division is complete.

Only Juvenile Middle Weights and heavier who place 1 st , 2 nd or 3 rd in their division may compete in the Juvenile Open Division.

KIDS DIVISION

Kids born from 2017 to 2009 will compete male and female together, if necessary.

Kids born from 2008 to 2006 will compete separate male and female.

All Kid’s divisions with a bracket of three of more kids, where for any reason that bracket ends up with only two kids, the two kids will be fighting each other for the best of three matches.

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Jiu jitsu competition weight classes (ibjjf, adcc & more).

When it comes to Jiu Jitsu competitions, you're generally going to be competing against athletes that are a similar weight. The only exception is the "absolute" or "open" division that pits athletes of any weight against each other.

IBJJF, NAGA, ADCC, and other tournament organizations all have their own unique weight classes (they couldn't just use the same ones, that would be way too easy for everyone 🤣) and rules.

For example in an IBJJF tournament you'll need to weigh in with your gear just before your match. But for a NAGA event, you can wear in the day before in your underwear. This makes a huge difference!

IBJJF Weight Classes

The IBJJF has different weight classes for Gi and No-Gi competition. You MUST weigh in with your gi on as you enter the bullpen (approximately 30 minutes before your match).

Here are the IBJJF Gi weight classes:

and here are the IBJJF No-Gi weight classes:

We made a whole video about what to expect at an IBJJF tournament, if you're competing at one you'll definitely want to check this out:

ADCC Weight Classes

ADCC, commonly referred to as "the Olympics of grappling" (at least before the launch of the Craig Jones Invitational), uses the following weight classes with all belt ranks combined:

Prior to 2024, ADCC competitors had to weigh in the day of their matches (including weighing in on day 2, if they made it to the semifinals).

ADCC recently changed their rules so now athletes only need to weigh in a single time, the day before competition starts. This will allow athletes to compete at significantly lower weight classes, since they'll have more time to rehydrate after cutting weight.

IBJJF and ADCC are not the only games in town! Here are the weight classes for a few other tournament organizations we like:

NAGA Weight Classes

Male Adult, Master, Director, Executive Weight Classes

• Flyweight – 129.9 lbs. & under
• Bantamweight – 130-139.9 lbs.
• Featherweight – 140-149.9 lbs.
• Lightweight – 150-159.9 lbs.
• Welterweight – 160-169.9 lbs.
• Middleweight – 170-179.9 lbs.
• Light-Heavyweight – 180-189.9 lbs.
• Cruiserweight – 190-199.9 lbs.
• Heavyweight – 200-224.9 lbs.
• Super-Heavyweight – 225-149.9 lbs.
• Ultra-Heavyweight – 250 lbs. & over

Female Adult, Master, Director, Executive Weight Classes

• Sub-atomic Weight – 99.9 lbs. & under
• Atomweight – 100-109.9 lbs.
• Strawweight – 110-119.9 lbs.
• Flyweight – 120-129.9 lbs.
• Heavyweight – 200 lbs. & over

Teen (14 - 17 years old) Weight Classes

• 99.9 lbs. & under
• 100-114.9 lbs.
• 115-129.9 lbs.
• 130-144.9 lbs.
• 145-159.9 lbs.
• 160-179.9 lbs.
• 180-199.9 lbs.
• 200 lbs. & over

Children (13 & under) Weight Classes

• 39.9 lbs. & under
• 40-49.9 lbs.
• 50-59.9 lbs.
• 60-69.9 lbs.
• 70-79.9 lbs.
• 80-89.9 lbs.
• 90-99.9 lbs.
• 100-109.9 lbs.
• 110-124.9 lbs.
• 125-139.9 lbs.
• 140-154.9 lbs.
• 155-169.9 lbs.
• 170 lbs. & over (may need to compete with teens)

Grappling X Weight Classes

Pre K (3-4 Years Old)

• 35 Lbs & Under
• 35.1- 40 Lbs
• 40.1-45 Lbs
• 45.1-50 Lbs
• 50.1 & Above

Kinder (5-6 Years Old)

• 40 Lbs & Under
• 40.1-50 Lbs
• 50.1-60 Lbs
• 60.1-70 Lbs
• 70.1-80 Lbs
• 80.1 Lbs & Above

Youth 1 (7-8 Years Old)

• 50 Lbs & Under
• 80.1-90 Lbs
• 90.1-100 Lbs
• 110.1-120 Lbs
• 120.1 Lbs & Above

Youth 2 (9-10 Years Old)

• 60 Lbs & Under
• 100.1-110 Lbs

Pre-Teen (11-12 Years Old)

• 70 Lbs & Under
• 120.1-130 Lbs
• 130.1-145 Lbs
• 145.1 Lbs & Above

Teen (13-14 Years Old)

• 90 Lbs & Under
• 100.1-115 Lbs
• 115.1-130 Lbs
• 145.1-160 Lbs
• 160.1 Lbs & Above

Juvenile (15-17 Years Old)

• 100 Lbs & Under
• 160.1-175 Lbs
• 175.1-190 Lbs
• 190.1 Lbs & Above

Adult Male Weight Classes (18+ Years old)

• Featherweight: 135 Lbs & Under
• Flyweight: 135.1-145 Lbs
• Lightweight: 145.1-155 Lbs
• Junior Welterweight: 155.1-165 Lbs
• Welterweight: 165.1-175 Lbs
• Middleweight: 175.1-185 Lbs
• Light Heavyweight: 185.1-200 Lbs
• Heavyweight: 200.1-220 Lbs
• Super Heavyweight: 220.1Lbs & Above

Masters Male Weight Classes (30+ Years old)

• Lightweight: 160 Lbs & Under
• Middleweight: 160.1-180 Lbs
• Light Heavyweight: 180.1-200 Lbs
• Heavyweight: 200.1+ Lbs & Above

Women's Weight Classes (18+ Years old)

• Featherweight: 115 Lbs & Under
• Lightweight: 115.1-130 Lbs
• Welterweight: 130.1-145 Lbs
• Middleweight: 145.1-160 Lbs
• Heavyweight: 160.1 Lbs & Above

Grappling Industries Weight Classes

• -135 lbs (-61 kg)
• -145 lbs (-66 kg)
• -155 lbs (-70 kg)
• -170 lbs (-77 kg)
• -185 lbs (-84 kg)
• -200 lbs (-91 kg)
• -215 lbs (-97.5 kg)
• -230 lbs (-104 kg)
• Over 230 lbs (over 104 kg)
• -105 lbs (-48 kg)
• -115 lbs (-52kg)
• -125 lbs (-57 kg
• Over 200 lbs (over 91 kg)

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BJJ Weight Classes: The Ultimate Guide

The ultimate guide to the bjj weight classes used in ibjjf, adcc, grappling industries, uaejjf, ssjif, jiu-jitsu world league, and naga tournaments.

BJJ tournaments can often use different weight classes, whether that’s under IBJJF , ADCC , or any other rules. This is a complete guide to the divisions used in these tournaments for adult, master, and juvenile competitors. It can be difficult to keep track of at times, because each BJJ tournament organizer offers different weight classes for athletes to enter. While they are usually around the same weight, there are often small differences in the amount that can lead to competitors being disqualified if they are not paid attention to.

For more of our BJJ guides that explain the different aspects of the sport, click here.

There is something for everyone when it comes to the weight classes available in BJJ competition, as every tournament organizer offers several different divisions for athletes to compete in. While some promotions have been criticised in the past for not offering enough divisions for athletes or for having big gaps between different divisions, generally competitors are happy with what is available. Alongside the actual weight classes, most tournaments will also have an absolute or openweight division available where anyone can compete one another without any weight limit. Take a look below to find out the weight classes available for the BJJ tournament you’re competing in, and make sure you don’t get disqualified for missing weight.

Table of Contents

IBJJF Weight Classes

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, or IBJJF, is the biggest tournament organizer on the planet, with open tournaments taking place all across the globe on almost every single weekend. They arrange both gi and no gi BJJ tournaments with several different weight classes available. Some of these tournaments are among the most prestigious events of each calendar year, and attract some of the best grapplers on the planet. The IBJJF World Championship is undoubtedly the biggest gi tournament of the year and although the IBJJF no gi World Championship is not quite as popular, it’s still a huge event.

Male Adult and Master Divisions

Female adult and master divisions, male juvenile divisions, female juvenile divisions, adcc world championship and trials weight classes.

Abu Dhabi Combat Club, or ADCC, organizes a world championship that is undoubtedly the most prestigious no gi BJJ tournament, with a smaller number of weight classes available. There are only a handful of ways to earn an invite to ADCC and the world championship only takes place once every 2 years, soonly the best competitors on the planet are ever able to compete at it. Grapplers can either be invited by winning a previous edition or putting in some fantastic performances leading up to the event, or by winning one of the notoriously difficult ADCC trials .

Male Divisions

Female divisions, adcc open weight classes.

Although the ADCC world championship and ADCC trials only have a small number of weight classes available, an ADCC Open is far more common and offers many more divisions for BJJ competitors. These events are available for anyone to enter and offer grapplers an opportunity to gain experience under the ADCC ruleset before attempting to win one of the ADCC trials and earn their place at the world championship. ADCC Opens also offer divisions for juvenile competitors as well, allowing the next generation of talent to develop before entering the highest level of competition.

Grappling Industries Weight Classes

Grappling Industries is one of the most popular BJJ tournament organizers owing to their unique format, and the weight classes they offer differ slightly to the bigger organizations. They offer round-robin tournaments instead of the traditional single-elimination brackets, allowing competitors to get more experience at each event and accounting for an element of luck in the results. A grapplers who loses their first match by a narrow margin can still come back and win the tournament if they perform well in the rest of their matches, thanks to this format.

Male and Female Juvenile Divisions

Uaejjf weight classes.

The United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation, or UAEJJF , is a major tournament organizer that stages several big tournaments in different locations across the year, commonly referred to as the AJP Tour circuit. The biggest competitions organized by the UAEJJF form part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam , along with the Abu Dhabi World Pro at the end of their season. One unique aspect of the weight classes at these BJJ tournaments is the fact that there is no unlimited division and even the heaviest one available has a weight limit in place.

SJJIF Weight Classes

The Sport Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, or SJJIF , is another major promotion that arranges tournaments in Brazil, USA, and Asia on a regular basis. Although it is one of the newer organizers compared to others, it still manages to stage a huge number of events each year. As with most BJJ tournaments, SJJIF events include different weight classes for adult male, female, and juvenile competitors both in the gi and in no gi.

Male Adult, Master, and Juvenile Divisions

Female adult, master and juvenile divisions, jiu-jitsu world league weight classes.

The Jiu-Jitsu World League was first created by BJJ legend Rigan Machado and their tournaments are one of the few that offer double-elimination rules in each of their weight classes. Similarly to Grappling Industries, this allows competitors to gain more match-experience at each tournament and is one of the reasons why they remain so popular.

Male and Female Adult and Master Gi Divisions

Male and female adult and master no gi divisions, naga weight classes.

The North American Grappling Association, or NAGA , is one of the oldest tournament organizers in the grappling world. They run regular gi and no gi BJJ tournaments all across the USA and Europe, offering several different weight classes for men, women, and teenage competitors. Over the years, NAGA has attracted many of the best grapplers on the planet and several UFC legends to compete on their mats .

Male and Female Adult, Master, and Teen Divisions

Orlando sanchez cause of death confirmed, gerald meerschaert steps in to compete at fury pro grappling 7, todd blackett.

Todd regularly moves for work and has trained at dozens of different gyms all around the world over the course of the last nine years. This has allowed him to experience a variety of different styles, along with the opportunity to train alongside some of the sport's biggest names.

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BJJ weight classes: IBJJF, ADCC and beyond

Your guide to weight classes in different BJJ competitions around the world.

Weight classes are used in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions to make matches fairer and more exciting. There are many different organisations running BJJ and grappling tournaments including the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) and Grappling Industries to name a few. Each organisation can have slightly different rules and weight divisions, so you should read up to see where you will compete in a given competition.

Use the information below as a guide only. Always double check weight divisions with the organisation directly before signing up for a competition.

Here are the different weight divisions for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments in each ruleset:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IBJJF weight classes

• ADCC weight classes

Grappling Industries weight classes

• UAEJJF weight classes
• SJJIF weight classes
• JJWL weight classes
• NAGA weight classes
• Five Grappling weight classes
• How do BJJ weigh-ins work?
• What if I don’t make weight?

How much does a gi weigh?

• Cutting weight for BJJ

The IBJJF has one of the largest tournament calendars with numerous events each year . Below are the regular weight brackets for adults and juveniles in both gi and no-gi. Scroll down below to find out how you can see the specific weight classes for your competition.

Male adult IBJJF weight classes

Male juvenile ibjjf weight classes, female adult ibjjf weight classes, female juvenile ibjjf weight classes, are ibjjf weight classes the same for all the different ibjjf tournaments.

Yes, IBJJF weight classes are generally the same regardless of location or competition. 

How can I see the weight classes for my specific competition?

You can see the weight class sheet for your IBJJF event by clicking on the event on the IBJJF website and then clicking the yellow “weight chart” button on the right. You find all current and planned IBJJF events on their events page .

Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) weight classes

ADCC is a series of annual no gi submission grappling tournaments which was started by Sheik Tahnoon in 1998. Each year ADCC has qualifiers and open tournaments in many countries around the world, culminating in a prestigious world championship event.

ADCC World Championships and qualifiers weight classes

Adcc teams weight classes, adcc weight classes for all other tournaments.

Note: There are additional weight classes for ages under 15. Check the ADCC website for full details.

Grappling Industries is an international gi and no gi BJJ competition with events around the world. It’s differs from IBJJF and other single or double elimination tournament-style competitions because it uses a round robin system where all competitors in a division compete against each other. This means competitors get more matches even if they lose.

The United Arab Emirates Jiu Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) weight classes

The UAEJJF is the official jiu jitsu authority for the United Arab Emirates. It also runs a calendar of competitions each year, and is partnered with the Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro (AJP) organisation which runs the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and World Pro events.

Note: UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation also has weight classes for kids age brackets.

Sport Jiu Jitsu International Federation (SJJIF) weight classes

The SJJIF was started in 2012 with the goal of getting jiu jitsu into the Olympics. The SJJIF has events around the world , particularly in the USA, Asia and Brazil, and a prestigious annual world championship event too.

Jiu Jitsu World League (JJWL) weight classes

JJWL was co-founded by Rigan Machado to be a professional BJJ tournament with cash prizes for some black belt open winners. There are also other differences including no advantages and ‘double eliminations’, where competitors in brackets of 4 or more have an extra match to compete for third place if they lose their first match.

JJWL Adult Gi Weight Classes

Jjwl adult no gi weight classes, north american grappling association (naga) weight classes.

NAGA started in 1995 and runs regular gi and no gi competitions in the USA and Europe. 

Five grappling weight classes

Five Grappling is a Northern American competition with some key rules differences including no advantages and 6 minute matches for adults.

How do jiu jitsu weigh ins work and when do they happen?

In most tournaments you’ll select your weight class when you sign up for an event and pay your entry fee. 

You’ll generally weigh in on the day of the competition shortly before your event. Your age, weight and belt category will be called up to the marshalling area. You’ll then be weighed on the official scales in front of an official. Some competitions require you to wear your gi while weighing in and others do not. Your uniform will also be checked around this time to make sure it satisfies length and hygiene rules.

Exactly how long before your event you’ll weigh in will depend on the organisation of the competition and other factors such as how many competitors are in your bracket. In the few competitions I’ve participated in, the wait was between 15 – 30 minutes from weigh in to my first match.

Even if you’re the only person in your weight class and will win by default you might still need to weigh in. In IBJJF rules for example you’ll not only need to weigh in but also pass the normal uniform test to be eligible for your medal.

What if I don’t make my weight?

In IBJJF rules you’ll be disqualified immediately if you don’t make weight , but each organisation has its own rules. Most competitions also don’t allow you to move weight classes on the day if you don’t make your target weight.

Some competition rules are more lenient than others. Grappling Industries will give you a 1 pound (0.45kg) allowance, and will also give you a certain amount of extra time to successfully make weight after failing the first test. 

NAGA competitions are even more lenient. NAGA competitors receive a 1 pound (0.45kg) allowance, and are also able to weigh in multiple times before “accepting” their final weight. Even if you miss your target weight, you can still compete at the weight class you end up falling into.

Be sure to check the rulebook of the organisation overseeing the competition to see what the policies around weigh-ins are. You can see the links to these at the bottom of this page .

Will I get a refund if I don’t make weight?

Most competitions including IBJJF and Grappling Industries don’t offer refunds if you miss your weight. As mentioned above though, some competitions like NAGA will just move you to the correct weight class rather than disqualifying you. 

Our basic estimations show that an average BJJ gi weighs approximately 4lbs 11oz (2.1kg) and a competition gi weighs approximately 3lbs 3.5oz (1.46kg).

This is based on rough calculations of the gis below in A2/A2L sizes. As shown below, the weight of a gi also depends on the size, with larger sizes being heavier because there’s more fabric.

Below are the weights for some popular regular and light/competition gis:

Regular vs competition gis

As mentioned above, there are generally two types of BJJ gis you can buy: regular and competition. 

Regular BJJ gis are made with an overall balance of weight and toughness in mind. They’re comfortable but will last throughout long term regular training. 

Competition gis are lighter, and this generally means they’re thinner and won’t last as long in regular training compared to a regular heavier gi.

The weight of a gi also depends on the size you buy. For example, the Hayabusa Goorudo 3 gi ranges from 3.9lbs (1.77kg) in an A0 size to 5.8lbs (2.63kg) in an A5 size. See the full range of sizes and weights below:

Source: Hayabusa

Cutting weight for BJJ competitions

“Weight cutting” is intentional weight loss with the goal of competing at a specific lower weight class. While it’s more prevalent in boxing and MMA, some BJJ competitors also cut weight. 

In boxing and MMA, short term weight cutting is used by athletes to enter in a lower weight class than their normal weight, giving them a size advantage. After successfully weighing in at the lower weight they then rehydrate and go back up to their regular weight before the fight.

Weight cutting can involve short or longer term strategies, some of which can be unhealthy, unsafe and damage performance. Black belt and sports dietician Reid Reale does a great job of explaining the difference between the two strategies and how to use safer long term weight cutting strategies in his article on Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood.

BJJ competition rulesets

• Grappling Industries
• Five Grappling

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10 BJJ Weight Classes: Your Guide To IBJJF

Everyone knows that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the best combat sports to help a smaller person to overpower a stronger, bigger opponent. But in competition, BJJ weight classes are usually followed for a fair match-up.

This article looks at the different BJJ weight categories recognized by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) . We will also look at some of the other categories that are used to match opponents. 

So slap on a Gi (or your no-Gi uniform), and let’s grapple with this important topic. 

Open Class / Absolute Division (Peso Absoluto)

Ibjjf weight classes for gi and non-gi tournaments.

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBBJF) has ten weight divisions. This ranges from rooster weight class all the way to open weight class. These weight classes apply to both Gi competitions and non-Gi competitions.

Gi competition means opponents wear the Gi.

Non-Gi competition doesn’t allow the Gi. 

In Gi tournaments, athletes wear the Gi in competition, and the weight of the Gi is factored in when calculating the weight of the fighter.

In no-Gi competitions, athletes will weigh in wearing the no-Gi uniform, which consists of shorts and a rash guard. The no Gi weight classes share the same name as the Gi weight classes but are slightly lighter.

In both Gi and no Gi tournaments, competitors have a single opportunity to make weight. Failure to make weight on the first attempt results in automatic disqualification. There are no second chances.

IBJJF Age and Skill Divisions

Before diving into the different weight classes, it’s important to remember that each is divided between adult male, adult female, juvenile male, and juvenile female categories.

Within the adult and juvenile categories for male and female competition, there are sub-divisions for different age groups and skill and belt level.

Juveniles do not compete against adults, and males do not compete against females. Fourteen-year-olds don’t compete against five-year-olds. They compete in different age categories. 

Juvenile age sub-divisions span from age 4 to 17. In the Adult divisions, the age divisions range from age 18 to 61 and up.

Similarly, black belts don’t compete against white belts, and amateurs don’t compete in the masters division. Apart from the Open Division, competition occurs between the same belt categories and belt rank.

In other words, the bjj belt system is important. And a white belt, blue belt, purple belt, brown belt, and black belt will compete in separate divisions. 

So again, don’t worry. If you sign up, you won’t be matched with a black belt.

The IBJJF regulates fights to be divided by weight and gender, age, and skill level.  

Rooster Class (aka Peso Galo)

The Rooster class, or Peso Galo in Portuguese, is the lowest weight class in competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. 

These fighters are lean, mean weight cutting machines.

And while you may think this is one of those weight classes for kids categories, there are some very impressive adult grapplers.

They tend to have a smaller natural weight but also lose as much water weight as possible before a competition.

One of the most prolific fighters in this division is IBJJF Hall of Famer Bruno Da Silva Malfacine. Malfacine won gold in ten IBJJF World Championships between 2007 and 2018.

Watch a clip of Rooster Class legend Bruno Da Silva Melfacine in action below.

Light Feather Class (aka Peso Pluma)

Progressing through the weight divisions, we have the light feather weight class, referred to as Peso Pluma in Portuguese. 

Guilherme Mendes is widely hailed as one of the dominant legends of this weight class with four world championships under his name. 

Check out some highlights from Guilherme Mendes in the video below.

Feather Class (aka Peso Pena)

The next weight division in BJJ is Featherweight class or Peso Pena in Portuguese.

 Mackenzie Dern is widely hailed as one of the dominant female competitors of the female featherweight class. She now fights in the UFC in the Strawweight division. 

Check out some of Mackenzie Dern’s BJJ highlights below.

Lightweight Division (aka Peso Leve)

Lightweight is the next division for competition under the IBJJF’s rules. 

Luanna Alzuguir Marton Moraes is an example of an outstanding female fighter in the lightweight division, with four first-place championships between 2009 and 2013.

Check out her 2010 victory in the IBJJF World championship below:

Middleweight Division (aka Peso Médio)

The next weight division in BJJ is the middleweight class, or Peso Médio in Portuguese.

This is the most potent division in the sport, with no shortage of talented competitors who stand out for their power and speed. Watch two top-notch fighters compete in the middleweight division below. Check out the 2021 middleweight bout between Tainan Dalpra v Renato Canuto below:

Medium Heavy (aka Peso Meio-Pesado)

The Medium Heavy weight class, known as Peso Meio-Pesado in Portuguese is near the top weight class of the divisions. 

One of the most accomplished competitors in the medium heavyweight division was Leandro Lo, who was tragically killed in 2022.

But during his life, he inspired many with this versatility, competing and winning in multiple weight classes thanks to the combination of his power, strategy, and technical finesse. Take a look at a clip of him in action below, competing in the World Championship.

Heavy (Peso Pesado)

The next weight division in BJJ is the heavyweight class, or Peso Pesado in Portuguese.

Check out highlights from the 2019 Heavyweight IBJJF Grand Prix below

Super Heavy (Peso Super Pesado)

Near the top of the weight divisions in competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the Super Heavyweight class, or Peso Super Pesado in Portuguese.

Alexandre Dantas is a legend in this weight class with three world championships. Check out one of his performances below.

Ultra Heavy (Peso Pesadissimo)

The final defined weight division in BJJ is the ultra heavyweight class or Peso Pesadissimo in Portuguese. This is the weight class for the big boys. There is no maximum weight limit in this category. The division only exists for adult and male juvenile competitors and is not currently a weight class for females.

Watch the video below to see ultra-heavyweight competitors in action:

Finally, we have the Open Class division, or Absolute division – or Peso Absoluto in Portuguese. This division is open to all adult weight classes.

As you can imagine, BJJ’s emphasis on body weight technique makes this a martial art where open-weight competition is possible. Open-weight boxing, on the other hand, is not advisable.

Open weight classes for adult competitors allow opponents of any weight difference to compete.

However, there are conditions for open weight competition at juvenile levels. Juvenile open competitions are subject to specific criteria, depending on the tournament. 

Check out this incredible video of what Open weight competition looks like below.

The Bottom Line on BJJ Weight Classes

So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. In this article, we’ve looked at the different Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu weight classes as defined by the prestigious International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

In this article, we have also looked at examples of competition in the different weight classes. 

So now that we’ve given you an overview, go make your target weight and get into the action! 

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IBJJF Weight Classes – The Ultimate Guide!

Richard Presley

July 31, 2023

Table of Contents

A lot of people get confused when it comes to IBJJF weight classes, especially since there are a few things you need to remember when weighing in. But have no fear, we’re here to help get that figured out for you!

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation have decided upon a number of weight classes, which varies from Adults, Masters and Juveniles, they also differ between male and females for the Adults, Masters and Juveniles.

IBJJF Weight Classes

Adult and masters ibjjf male gi weight class.

Below are the official IBJJF weight classes for Male competitors in the Gi

• Rooster – 57.5 kg (126.5 lbs)
• Light Feather – 64 kg (141 lbs)
• Feather – 70 kg (154 lbs)
• Light – 76 kg (167.5 lbs)
• Middle – 82.3 kg (181 lbs)
• Medium Heavy – 88.3 kg (194.5 lbs)
• Heavy – 94.3 kg (207.5 lbs)
• Super-Heavy – 100.5 kg (221.0 lbs)
• Ultra Heavy – No Maximum Weight

Adults and Masters IBJJF Male NoGi Weight Classes

Below are the official IBJJF weight classes for Male NoGi competitors

• Rooster – 55.5kg (122.5 lbs)
• Light Feather – 61.5 kg (136 lbs)
• Feather – 67.5 kg (149 lbs)
• Light – 73.5 kg (162.5 lbs)
• Middle – 79.5 kg (175.5 lbs)
• Medium Heavy – 85.5 kg (188.5 lbs)
• Heavy – 91.5 kg (202 lbs)
• Super-Heavy – 97.5 kg (215 lbs)

Adult and Masters IBJJF Female Gi Weight Class

Below are the official IBJJF weight classes for Female competitors in the Gi

• Rooster – 48.5kg (107 lbs)
• Light Feather – 53.5 kg (118 lbs)
• Feather – 58.5 kg (129 lbs)
• Light – 64 kg (141 lbs)
• Middle – 69 kg (152 lbs)
• Medium Heavy – 74 kg (163 lbs)
• Heavy – No Maximum Weight

Adults and Masters IBJJF Female NoGi Weight Classes

Below are the official IBJJF weight classes for Female NoGi competitors

• Rooster – 48.5 kg (107 lbs)
• Light Feather – 5 3.5 kg (118 lbs)
• Light – 64 kg (141.5 lbs)
• Middle – 69 kg (152.5 lbs)
• Medium Heavy – 74 kg (163.5 lbs)

Juvenile IBJJF Weight Class

In the IBJJF, the weight class for male and female competitors are fairly similar

Juvenile IBJJF Male Gi Weight Classes

Below are the official IBJJF weight classes for Juvenile Male competitors in the Gi

• Rooster – 53.5 kg (118 lbs)
• Light Feather – 58.5 kg (129 lbs)
• Feather – 64 kg (141 lbs)
• Light – 69 kg (152 lbs)
• Middle – 74 kg (163 lbs)
• Medium Heavy – 79.3 kg (174.5 lbs)
• Heavy – 84.3 kg (185.5 lbs)
• Super Heavy – 89.3 kg (196.5 lbs)

Juvenile IBJJF Male NoGi Weight Class

Below are the official IBJJF weight classes for Juvenile Male NoGi competitors in Brazilian jiu-Jitsu

• Rooster – 51.5 kg (114 lbs)
• Light Feather – 56.5 kg (125 lbs)
• Feather – 61.5 kg (136 lbs)
• Light – 66.5 kg (147 lbs)
• Middle – 71.5 kg (158 lbs)
• Medium Heavy – 76.5 kg (169 lbs)
• Heavy – 81.5 kg (180 lbs)
• Super-Heavy – 86.5 kg (191 lbs)
• Ultra Heavy –  No Maximum Weight

Juvenile IBJJF Female Gi Weight Classes

Below are the official IBJJF weight classes for Juvenile Female competitors in the Gi

• Rooster – 44.3kg (98lbs)
• Light Feather – 48.3 kg (106.5 lbs)
• Feather – 52.5 kg (116 lbs)
• Light – 56.5 kg (125 lbs)
• Middle – 60.5 kg (133.5 lbs)
• Medium Heavy – 65 kg (144 lbs)

Juvenile IBJJF Female NoGi Weight Class

Below are the official IBJJF weight classes for Juvenile Female NoGi competitors

• Rooster – 42.5 kg (94 lbs)
• Light Feather – 46.5 kg (103 lbs)
• Feather – 5 0.5 kg(111.5 lbs)
• Light – 54.5 kg (120.5 lbs)
• Middle – 58.5 kg (129 lbs)
• Medium Heavy – 62.5 kg (138 lbs)
• Heavy – 66.5 kg (147 lbs)
• Super Heavy – No Maximum Weight

IBJJF Weight Classes: A Comprehensive Guide for Competitors

The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) is one of the most prestigious organizations in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It hosts a variety of tournaments throughout the year, including both Gi and No-Gi competitions. One of the most important aspects of these tournaments is the weight classes.

The IBJJF weight classes are divided into several categories, with each category having its own set of weight limits. The weight classes are designed to ensure fair competition, as athletes are matched against opponents of similar size and weight. The weight classes for male competitors in the Gi are Rooster, Light Feather, Feather, Light, Middle, Medium Heavy, Heavy, Super-Heavy, and Ultra Heavy. In No-Gi competitions, there are fewer weight classes, with only six categories: Rooster, Light Feather, Feather, Light, Middle, and Heavy.

Understanding IBJJF Weight Classes

IBJJF weight classes are used to ensure that competitors are matched up based on their weight, skill level, and age. This allows for a more fair and competitive environment for all participants. The IBJJF offers weight classes for both gi and no-gi competitions, and the weight classes are divided by gender, age, and skill level.

In order to compete in an IBJJF competition, competitors must first check their weight and be assigned to a weight class. For gi competitions, athletes must weigh in with their gi on, while for no-gi competitions, athletes weigh in without a gi. Competitors are only given one opportunity to weigh in, and if they do not make weight, they will be disqualified.

The IBJJF offers a wide range of weight classes for both gi and no-gi competitions, allowing competitors to compete against others who are similar in size and skill level. The weight classes range from Rooster, which is the lightest weight class, to Ultra Heavy, which has no maximum weight limit.

It’s important to note that the weight classes for no-gi competitions are slightly different from those for gi competitions, with the no-gi ultra heavy division starting 2.7 kg (6 lbs) lighter than the gi ultra heavy division.

In summary, understanding IBJJF weight classes is crucial for anyone looking to compete in IBJJF competitions. Competitors must weigh in with their gi on for gi competitions and without a gi for no-gi competitions, and they are only given one opportunity to weigh in. The IBJJF offers a wide range of weight classes for both gi and no-gi competitions, allowing competitors to compete against others who are similar in size and skill level.

Male Weight Classes

The IBJJF has established nine weight classes for male adults and masters for both Gi and No-Gi competitions. These weight classes are determined by the athlete’s weight in kilograms. Below are the weight classes for male competitors in the Gi, from the lightest to the heaviest:

The Rooster weight class is for athletes who weigh under 57.5 kg (under 127 lbs). This weight class is the lightest in the IBJJF and is suitable for smaller athletes who have trouble competing against larger opponents.

Light Feather

The Light Feather weight class is for athletes who weigh above 57.5 kg and under 64 kg (127 – 141.6 lbs). This weight class is also suitable for smaller athletes who are slightly heavier than the Rooster weight class.

The Feather weight class is for athletes who weigh above 64 kg and under 70 kg (141.6 – 154.6 lbs). This weight class is suitable for athletes who are small to medium-sized.

The Light weight class is for athletes who weigh above 70 kg and under 76 kg (154.6 – 167.5 lbs). This weight class is suitable for athletes who are medium-sized.

The Middle weight class is for athletes who weigh above 76 kg and under 82.3 kg (167.5 – 181 lbs). This weight class is suitable for athletes who are medium to large-sized.

Medium Heavy

The Medium Heavy weight class is for athletes who weigh above 82.3 kg and under 88.3 kg (181 – 194.5 lbs). This weight class is suitable for athletes who are large-sized.

The Heavy weight class is for athletes who weigh above 88.3 kg and under 94.3 kg (194.5 – 207.5 lbs). This weight class is suitable for athletes who are large to extra-large sized.

Super Heavy

The Super Heavy weight class is for athletes who weigh above 94.3 kg and under 100.5 kg (207.5 – 221.0 lbs). This weight class is suitable for athletes who are extra-large sized.

Ultra Heavy

The Ultra Heavy weight class is for athletes who weigh over 100.5 kg (over 221.0 lbs). This weight class is suitable for the heaviest athletes.

It is important to note that athletes must weigh in before their first fight, and there is only one opportunity to check their weight. If an athlete does not make their weight, they will be immediately disqualified.

In conclusion, the IBJJF weight classes for male competitors in the Gi range from the Rooster weight class for the lightest athletes to the Ultra Heavy weight class for the heaviest athletes. Athletes should carefully consider which weight class they fall under to ensure fair competition.

Female Weight Classes

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) has specific weight classes for female competitors in both Gi and No-Gi divisions. These weight classes ensure that competitors are matched up with opponents of similar size and weight, which promotes fairness and safety during competitions.

The female weight classes for IBJJF competitions are as follows:

The Rooster weight class has a maximum weight of 48.5 kg (107 lbs). This weight class is the lightest of all the female weight classes and is suitable for smaller competitors.

The Light Feather weight class has a maximum weight of 53.5 kg (118 lbs). This weight class is slightly heavier than the Rooster weight class and is suitable for competitors who are slightly larger.

The Feather weight class has a maximum weight of 58.5 kg (129 lbs). This weight class is suitable for competitors who are slightly larger than the Light Feather weight class.

The Light weight class has a maximum weight of 64 kg (141 lbs). This weight class is suitable for competitors who are slightly larger than the Feather weight class.

The Middle weight class has a maximum weight of 69 kg (152 lbs). This weight class is suitable for competitors who are slightly larger than the Light weight class.

The Medium Heavy weight class has a maximum weight of 74 kg (163 lbs). This weight class is suitable for competitors who are slightly larger than the Middle weight class.

The Heavy weight class has no maximum weight limit. Competitors in this weight class must weigh more than 74 kg (163 lbs). This weight class is suitable for larger competitors who weigh more than the maximum weight limit of the Medium Heavy weight class.

The Super Heavy weight class has no maximum weight limit. Competitors in this weight class must weigh more than 84 kg (185 lbs). This weight class is suitable for larger competitors who weigh more than the maximum weight limit of the Heavy weight class.

The Ultra Heavy weight class has no maximum weight limit. Competitors in this weight class must weigh more than 120 kg (264.5 lbs). This weight class is suitable for the largest competitors who weigh more than the maximum weight limit of the Super Heavy weight class.

Female competitors can choose to compete in any of these weight classes, depending on their weight and size. It is important to note that competitors must weigh in before their first fight, and if they do not make weight, they will be disqualified.

Age Divisions

The IBJJF has different age divisions for its competitions. These are Juvenile, Adult, and Masters. Each division has different age ranges and weight classes.

The Juvenile division is for athletes who are 16 to 17 years old. There is also a Juvenile II division for athletes who are 17 to 18 years old. Juvenile athletes compete in the same weight classes as adults, but with different weight limits [1] .

The Adult division is for athletes who are 18 years old and above. There is no maximum age limit for this division. Adult athletes compete in the same weight classes as Juvenile athletes, but with different weight limits [2] .

The Adult division has both Gi and No-Gi competitions. Athletes must weigh in before their first fight. There is only one opportunity to check the weight. If the competitor does not make their weight, they will be immediately disqualified [3] .

The Masters division is for athletes who are 30 years old and above. There are six age ranges for the Masters division: 30-35, 36-40, 41-45, 46-50, 51-55, and 56 and above [1] . Masters athletes compete in the same weight classes as adults, but with different weight limits.

Like the Adult division, the Masters division has both Gi and No-Gi competitions. Athletes must weigh in before their first fight and there is only one opportunity to check the weight [3] .

Overall, the IBJJF has different age divisions to ensure fair competition among athletes of similar age and skill level. Athletes must carefully review the weight classes and age divisions to ensure they are competing in the correct division.

Understanding Gi and No-Gi Tournaments

Gi tournament.

In a Gi tournament, competitors wear a traditional uniform called a Gi. The Gi is made up of a jacket, pants, and a belt that denotes the rank of the competitor. The IBJJF Gi weight classes are lighter than the no-gi classes by 1.9 to 3 kg. The weight classes range from Rooster (under 55.6 kg) to Ultra Heavy (over 97.5 kg). Competitors are matched up against others in their weight class and skill level.

During weigh-ins, competitors must wear their Gi and any additional clothing they plan to wear during the competition. Competitors are allowed to wear a rash guard or t-shirt under their Gi jacket. The weight of the uniform is included in the competitor’s weight. If a competitor fails to make weight, they are disqualified from the competition.

No-Gi Tournament

In a No-Gi tournament, competitors do not wear a traditional uniform. Instead, they wear shorts and a rash guard or t-shirt. The IBJJF No-Gi weight classes are about 1.8 kg (4 lbs) lighter than their Gi equivalent. The weight classes range from Rooster (under 55.6 kg) to Ultra Heavy (over 97.5 kg). Competitors are matched up against others in their weight class and skill level.

During weigh-ins, competitors must wear shorts and a rash guard or t-shirt. The weight of the uniform is not included in the competitor’s weight. Competitors are allowed to wear knee pads, elbow pads, and a mouthguard during the competition.

Understanding the differences between Gi and No-Gi tournaments is important for competitors to determine which type of competition they want to participate in. The rules and regulations for each type of tournament are different, and competitors must prepare accordingly.

Open Class Competitions

In IBJJF tournaments, Open Class competitions are held separately from the weight divisions. The Open Class is a separate division where athletes of all weight classes can compete against each other. This division is also referred to as the Absolute Division.

The Open Class is a prestigious division, and winning it is considered a significant achievement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The winner of the Open Class is often considered the best overall athlete in the tournament.

To compete in the Open Class, athletes must have placed in their weight division. The number of athletes who qualify for the Open Class depends on the size of the tournament. In smaller tournaments, only the first-place winner of each weight division may qualify. In larger tournaments, the top three or four athletes in each weight division can qualify.

The Open Class competition is single-elimination, meaning that athletes are eliminated after one loss. The winner of the Open Class is determined through a bracket system, where athletes are matched up against each other until there is only one athlete left.

The Open Class is often considered the most challenging division in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Athletes who compete in the Open Class must be physically and mentally prepared to face opponents of all sizes and weight classes.

In summary, the Open Class division is a separate division in IBJJF tournaments where athletes of all weight classes can compete against each other. The winner of the Open Class is often considered the best overall athlete in the tournament. To compete in the Open Class, athletes must have placed in their weight division, and the number of athletes who qualify depends on the size of the tournament. The Open Class is a single-elimination competition and is considered the most challenging division in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Rules and Regulations

The IBJJF has a set of rules and regulations that competitors must follow during tournaments. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in disqualification from the competition.

Before a competitor’s first fight, they must check their weight with the gi. There is only one opportunity to check the weight. If the athlete does not make their weight, they will be immediately disqualified. Competitors must make sure that they are in the correct weight division.

The match time varies depending on the competitor’s belt level and age. For example, adult black belts have a maximum match time of 10 minutes, while juvenile white belts have a maximum match time of 4 minutes. If the match ends in a tie, the referee will decide the winner based on the number of advantages, points, and penalties accumulated during the match.

Disqualified

Competitors can be disqualified for various reasons, such as using illegal techniques, failing to make weight, or behaving inappropriately during the competition. If a competitor is disqualified, they will not receive a refund of their registration fee.

If a competitor withdraws from the competition before the registration deadline, they may be eligible for a refund of their registration fee. However, if a competitor withdraws after the registration deadline, they will not receive a refund.

Overall, it is important for competitors to understand the rules and regulations set forth by the IBJJF to ensure a fair and safe competition for all participants.

Preparation and Training

Preparation and training are crucial for success in IBJJF competitions. Competitors must be aware of the weight classes and divisions and prepare accordingly. This includes training and nutrition plans that help them achieve their desired weight class.

Training for IBJJF competitions involves a combination of strength and conditioning, technique drills, and sparring. Competitors should focus on developing their technique and endurance, as well as building strength and power. They should also incorporate drills that simulate competition scenarios to prepare for the intensity and pressure of competition.

To compete in a specific weight class, competitors may need to cut weight. However, it is important to do so safely and gradually to avoid dehydration and other health risks. Competitors should work with a nutritionist or coach to develop a weight-cutting plan that is safe and effective.

In addition to physical preparation, mental preparation is also important. Competitors should develop a positive mindset and visualize themselves succeeding in competition. They should also study their opponents and develop a game plan that takes into account their strengths and weaknesses.

Overall, preparation and training are key to success in IBJJF competitions. Competitors should focus on developing their technique, strength, and endurance, as well as safely cutting weight if necessary. They should also prepare mentally and develop a game plan that takes into account their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.

Major Tournaments and Championships

The IBJJF weight classes are used in some of the most prestigious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions in the world. Here are some of the major tournaments and championships that use these weight classes:

World Championship

The IBJJF World Championship, also known as the Jiu-Jitsu Worlds or Mundials, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu event held annually by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. It is one of the most prestigious BJJ tournaments with enormous importance and respect within the community. The tournament features competitors from all over the world and is widely considered to be the most important event in the sport.

The World Championship uses the IBJJF weight classes for both gi and no-gi competitions. Competitors are separated into categories based on their weight, and the champions are determined through a single-elimination bracket format.

The Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) is a submission wrestling tournament held biennially. It is one of the most prestigious grappling competitions in the world and is known for attracting some of the best BJJ and submission wrestling competitors from around the globe.

The ADCC features both weight classes and absolute divisions, and competitors are separated into categories based on their weight. The tournament is known for its unique ruleset, which places an emphasis on submission grappling and discourages stalling.

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) is a non-profit organization that promotes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other grappling sports in the United Arab Emirates. The federation hosts a number of high-level competitions throughout the year, including the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

The UAEJJF weight classes are similar to the IBJJF weight classes, but with a few minor differences. The federation also uses a belt ranking system that is slightly different from the IBJJF’s.

Overall, these tournaments and championships offer some of the most competitive and exciting BJJ matches in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a fan of the sport, these events are not to be missed.

Other Important Information

While the IBJJF weight classes are an essential aspect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions, there are other important details that competitors should be aware of before participating in a match.

Weigh-in Procedures

The weigh-in process is crucial for athletes competing in IBJJF tournaments. Competitors must weigh-in wearing a gi, and the weight of the uniform cannot exceed 1.5 kg. If a competitor fails to make weight, they will be disqualified from the competition.

Belt Requirements

Competitors must wear a belt that matches their rank. The IBJJF has specific requirements for the length and color of belts. For example, a white belt must be at least 4 cm wide and have a white or black tip. Competitors who do not meet these requirements will not be allowed to compete.

Grappling Industries

Grappling Industries is a popular BJJ competition that has its own set of weight classes. These classes differ slightly from the IBJJF weight classes, so competitors should check the weight classes for each competition they plan to participate in to ensure they are in the correct division.

Master Weight Classes

Master divisions are available for competitors who are over the age of 30. These divisions have their own set of weight classes, which are slightly different from those for adult competitors. Competitors should check the IBJJF website for the most up-to-date information on master weight classes.

Submission Grappling

Submission grappling is a popular form of BJJ that focuses on ground fighting and submissions. While the IBJJF does not have specific weight classes for submission grappling, many other organizations do. Competitors should check the weight classes for each competition they plan to participate in to ensure they are in the correct division.

National and International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation

The IBJJF is the largest and most well-known Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization in the world. However, there are many other national and international organizations that hold BJJ competitions. Competitors should check the rules and regulations for each organization to ensure they are following the correct guidelines.

Qualifiers and Professional Matches

In addition to regular BJJ competitions, there are also qualifiers and professional matches. Qualifiers are tournaments that allow competitors to earn a spot in a larger competition. Professional matches are typically invitation-only events that feature the best BJJ athletes in the world. Competitors should check the rules and regulations for each event to ensure they are following the correct guidelines.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Competition Checklist

You may not need all of the items on the list for your bjj competitions. Keep in mind that many tournaments last all day and you may have little to no notice before your bracket is called. 

Food and Drink

It’s important for your body to be ready for the day ahead. Stick to clean food during bjj competitions and pig out once you’re done. You’ve earned it.

Water and sports drinks are obvious but essential; you need to be hydrated throughout the day. You should sip your water throughout the day and sports drinks can also help with energy levels. Stay away from anything too sugary and overly caffeinated, like Redbull, I have had a bad experience with almost vomiting in a match because I downed one minutes before a match.

Complex Carbohydrates digest slower and give you a great source of long-lasting energy. Nibbling on these throughout the day is a good idea, but don’t overindulge. Bananas, nuts, oats, and wholegrain cereals are great to eat and easy to pack in your kit bag.

Simple Carbohydrates break down quickly and can give you a temporary boost in energy. I think it was Ryan Hall who used to eat skittles before competing as the sugar gave him a quick energy boost and the sweet flavours also helped with the cottonmouth you get when you get an adrenaline dump.

Protein and fats are an important source of long-lasting energy, especially if you’re at the competition all day. Some great examples of protein for a tournament are Nuts and seeds, peanut butter, small amounts of lean meat.

If you want to take supplements, stick with what your body likes. This is not a good day to experiment with pre-workouts. You will not have the kind of benefit knowing exactly when you will be on the mat. If you take a supplement and plan to be on the mat in 20 min you will likely be waiting an hour or more, and your energy will be used up by a supplement that will make you more fidgety and agitated than you would be on competition day.

Plan on being at the tournament all day, you won’t get too stressed out. If you bring any guests to the tournament you should do what you can to make them comfortable.

Pillow – It may sound odd but a pillow has a place at IBJJF tournaments. Many competitors do not sleep well the night before the tournament. They then get to the tournament first thing in the morning, to find out their bracket will not hit the mats until later in the evening. Taking a little nap is a great way to pass the time and calm down. You may also get tired of sitting on hard bleachers all day and a pillow will offer you a little extra padding.

Blanket – If you are planning to take a nap bring a small blanket. This can also be used to make the bleachers more comfortable.

Hoodie – Especially for nogi, throw on a hoodie on after warming up to keep you from cooling down. If the building is cold, you would be glad you brought your hoodie.

Book – If you’re one of those people who doesn’t like to watch others compete because it makes them nervous? A good book is a great way to take your mind off the action.

Flip Flips – Flip flops or any quick shoe will help you get on and off the mat without slowing you down. This is especially important if you need the toilet between matches.

Music – Need some hype music to get your amped up or some chill music to keep your energy levels low? There’s a reason why they say “Music Soothes the Savage Beast”

Towel – It’s nice to be able to take a shower after you are done. Don’t forget to bring a towel. A towel can also be used as a blanket or add padding to uncomfortable seats. – Our recommended travel towels

Underwear – Once your day is done, there’s nothing worse than travelling home wearing sweaty, moist underwear. Bring a spare pair and get comfortable.

Hopefully, you won’t need these items, but if do you’ll be glad you have them. Be ready to share your medical supplies with any teammates or competitors who might get hurt.

Athletic Tape – I always have tape in my gym bag. It’s a quick fix for a busted finger or toe, and it can be used to make a larger bandage. Our Recommended Athletic Tape

Pain Killers – If you need something to take off the edge, bring along your preferred painkillers

Bandaids – Keep your open injuries clean and help prevent getting blood on people. It is also a good idea to bring some 4×4 gauze pads too.

Glasses / Contact Lenses – If you wear contact lenses be ready for any troubles they may give you.

Antiseptic Gel – Put a little Neosporin on any cuts or abrasions before you bandage them up.

Hand Sanitiser – Washing your hands if better but not always practical.

Prescription Medication – You know what you need, just don’t leave it at home.

Icepack – Keep a couple of icepacks handy, in case you or your teammates need to ice any sprains or pains.

Here are some extra items we think would be useful for you.

Camera – Win or lose it is a good idea to have someone record your matches. Don’t forget to get a team picture before people start leaving.

Tripod – It’s hard to hold a video camera and cheer someone on at the same time. Usually, the video suffers, more than the cheering. If you happen to be at the tournament by yourself set up your camera and hit record just before the match starts.

Phone – Make sure you have all your teammates numbers in your phone and keep it on you until you are getting ready to hit the mat. You don’t want to miss your buddies’ match because you went to the restroom. Set up a group message on whatsapp and keep each other informed. Your friends and family that are not at the tournament will also be trying to get in contact with you to see how you did.

Your phone can also double up as a camera to record yours or your friends’ matches.

Charging Brick & Cable – If you’re on your phone all day, recording matches, listening to music, talking to teammates, it may be a good idea to bring along a portable charging brick and your charging cable.

Cash & Credit Card – You may want to get some gear, clothing, or food. There may be some great deals at some of the vendors.

BJJ Competition Tips

Rule Book – You should know the rules, but you might need to look up what is legal for a teammate of a different skill level.

How important is confidence to your success in BJJ? Well, that depends on your definition of success. So, the first question to ask yourself is, “are you a competitor or a recreational athlete?”

Here’s the definition I use: a competitor is anyone who reaches for the pinnacles of the sport: an IBJJF World Championship, an Abu Dhabi title, etc. It doesn’t matter if you actually attain it, but it’s what you are striving for. If this isn’t your goal, let’s define your practice in BJJ as recreational. You might compete to test your skills, but your focus is training for fun, self-improvement and the love of the sport.

Confidence for the competitor is vital. Confidence for the recreational athlete is helpful and it will grow as your skills improve, but there’s not as pressing of a need to cultivate confidence.

No ego. Embroider it on a gi, because these two words might as well be the motto of all BJJ.

Competition Confidence For BJJ

It’s the idea that there’s always more to learn, always someone better than you and ego is a barrier to faster improvement. No ego as a theme in BJJ is so readily apparent because BJJ, more so than other sports, enables the smaller, slower, less physical fighter to dominate the larger, stronger, less technical opponent. Having to repeatedly say “uncle” to someone you perceive as your physical inferior is a make or break situation for anybody’s ego.

You cannot get better at BJJ unless you are first willing to be terrible at it. To be successful in competition you have to impose your game plan. No ego is the name of the game in training, but, I can say from personal experience, that leaving your ego at the door during competition can lead to disastrous results. Don’t take my word for it though … here’s what some of the top BJJ fighters in the game have to say about confidence and game plans:

“We’re not in the business of martial arts, we’re in the business of building confidence” – Renzo Gracie

“I think that I always manage to impose my game, and my goal is a great fight,” – Jacare

“I have complete confidence in my sweeps”– Buchecha

It’s with this in mind, that I not only campaign for the importance of confidence in BJJ, but want to help you build your confidence. As with every article I’ve written, my goal’s been to help you understand the process. It’s once you understand the process, that you’ll see for yourself the path to success. So, let’s talk about the process behind effective confidence in BJJ. Let me tell you about the Self-Efficacy Theory.

Self-Efficacy

Self-efficacy is the strength of your belief in your own abilities to reach goals. If you truly believe that you can influence, for the better, the outcome of your next fight, you’ll eagerly enter the competition. So, an efficacious you is a motivated you.

How to develop Self-Efficacy?

There are 4 fundamentals for developing self-efficacy:

Experience success yourself

Easier said than done, right? With a difficult task, it’s unrealistic expectation right off the bat. So, your coach (or you, yourself) has to enable success by reducing the difficulty. A simple example: a beginner might not be able to successfully serve a volleyball all the way across the net, but what happens once the coach tells her to take a few steps forward?

The vicarious experience of success

To learn and improve, you need a template or model. This can be your coach, a skilled teammate or youtube video techniques. Next:

Observe and Receive assistance in a successful execution

This vicarious experience of success will provide a good foundation for the experience of success in live rolling or a match.

Verbal persuasion

Positive verbal persuasion should come as encouragement from your coach, parents, or teammates. If you’re not getting that, reevaluate your training situation. Keeping negativism out of your training is the hallmark of a champion and a championship team.

Verbal persuasion can also be individual, a.k.a. self-talk.

Types of Self-Talk – Self-talk can be in the form of words actually spoken, or in the form of thoughts. It’s all about positivity when it comes to improving self-confidence; self-talk that’s positive in nature and leads to positive feelings about your ability.

Emotional arousal

This is actually the weakest source of self-efficacy, but in my opinion, the most important one to understand. Basically, people often rely on their current emotional state when judging their capabilities. If they are happy and positive, their confidence is sky high. If they are despondent and anxious, their self-efficacy is diminished.

Your goal should be to move past this type of response. Don’t let your current mood dictate your long term confidence. George St. Pierre is a great example of how a champion accepts performance anxiety and still illustrates incredibly high self-efficacy.

So, to sum up – to develop confidence:

• Train with success in mind
• Watch and learn from the success of your coaches, teammates and BJJ all-stars
• Use positive self-talk
• Be sure to get your mind right before training (so you can learn effectively).

The effectiveness of the self-efficacy model in sport is really well documented. Perceived self-efficacy is a strong and consistent predictor of success in BJJ. So get your game on, get confident and tell us what works for you in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the weight classes for ibjjf tournaments.

IBJJF tournaments have weight classes for both men and women. The weight classes for male adults and masters are Rooster (under 57.5 kg), Light feather (above 57.5 kg and under 64 kg), Feather (above 64 kg and under 70 kg), Light (above 70 kg and under 76 kg), Middle (above 76 kg and under 82.3 kg), Medium Heavy (above 82.3 kg and under 88.3 kg), Heavy (above 88.3 kg and under 94.3 kg), Super Heavy (above 94.3 kg and under 100.5 kg), and Ultra Heavy (above 100.5 kg). The weight classes for female adults and masters are Rooster (under 48 kg), Light feather (above 48 kg and under 53.5 kg), Feather (above 53.5 kg and under 58.5 kg), Light (above 58.5 kg and under 64 kg), Middle (above 64 kg and under 69 kg), Medium Heavy (above 69 kg and under 74 kg), Heavy (above 74 kg and under 79 kg), and Super Heavy (above 79 kg).

What is the weight allowance for IBJJF tournaments?

The weight allowance for IBJJF tournaments is 0.9 kg (2 lbs) for all weight classes except for Rooster and Super Heavyweight, which have a 0.45 kg (1 lb) allowance. This means that competitors can weigh in up to 0.9 kg (2 lbs) over the weight limit for their division without being disqualified.

What are the age divisions for IBJJF Masters?

The age divisions for IBJJF Masters are as follows: Master 1 (30-35 years old), Master 2 (36-40 years old), Master 3 (41-45 years old), Master 4 (46-50 years old), Master 5 (51-55 years old), Master 6 (56-60 years old), Master 7 (61-65 years old), Master 8 (66-70 years old), Master 9 (71 years old and above).

What are the weight classes for FUJI BJJ tournaments?

FUJI BJJ tournaments have weight classes for both men and women. The weight classes for male adults and masters are Rooster (under 57 kg), Light feather (above 57 kg and under 64 kg), Feather (above 64 kg and under 70 kg), Light (above 70 kg and under 76 kg), Middle (above 76 kg and under 82.3 kg), Medium Heavy (above 82.3 kg and under 88.3 kg), Heavy (above 88.3 kg and under 94.3 kg), and Super Heavy (above 94.3 kg). The weight classes for female adults and masters are Rooster (under 48 kg), Light feather (above 48 kg and under 53.5 kg), Feather (above 53.5 kg and under 58.5 kg), Light (above 58.5 kg and under 64 kg), Middle (above 64 kg and under 69 kg), Medium Heavy (above 69 kg and under 74 kg), Heavy (above 74 kg and under 79 kg), and Super Heavy (above 79 kg).

What are the weight classes for NAGA tournaments?

NAGA tournaments have weight classes for both men and women. The weight classes for male adults and masters are Flyweight (under 125 lbs), Bantamweight (above 125 lbs and under 140 lbs), Featherweight (above 140 lbs and under 155 lbs), Lightweight (above 155 lbs and under 170 lbs), Welterweight (above 170 lbs and under 185 lbs), Middleweight (above 185 lbs and under 200 lbs), Light Heavyweight (above 200 lbs and under 220 lbs), Cruiserweight (above 220 lbs and under 250 lbs), and Super Heavyweight (above 250 lbs). The weight classes for female adults and masters are Flyweight (under 110 lbs), Bantamweight (above 110 lbs and under 130 lbs), Featherweight (above 130 lbs and under 150 lbs), Lightweight (above 150 lbs and under 170 lbs), Middleweight (above 170 lbs and under 190 lbs), Heavyweight (above 190 lbs).

What are the weight classes for ADCC tournaments?

ADCC tournaments have weight classes for both men and women. The weight classes for male adults are Under 66 kg, Under 77 kg, Under 88 kg, Under 99 kg, and Over 99 kg. The weight

• IBJJF Weight Classes Complete Guide for 2023 (Gi and No-Gi). Retrieved from https://jiujitsulegacy.com/bjj-lifestyle/competition-tips/ibjjf-weight-classes/
• A Detailed Look at the IBJJF Weight Classes (Gi and No-Gi). Retrieved from https://jiujitsu-news.com/ibjjf-weight-classes/
• Weigh Ins | IBJJF. Retrieved from https://ibjjf.com/weigh-ins

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A Detailed Breakdown of the IBJJF Weight Classes!

Excelling in jiu-jitsu competitions becomes significantly more manageable when you grasp the intricacies of the IBJJF weight classes.

Understanding these specific weight categories will set you up for success in the top Gi or No-Gi IBJJF tournaments.

Read on for a detailed guide to the weight divisions for adult men, women, and youth categories. You will gain essential insights to step onto the tournament mat with confidence and strategic advantage.

Male Adults/Masters Gi

Female adults/masters gi, male juvenile gi, female juvenile gi, male adults/masters no-gi, female adults/masters no-gi, male juvenile no-gi, female juvenile no-gi, key differences: gi weight classes vs. no-gi, the different ibjjf weight classes.

IBJJF competitions are inclusive, accommodating athletes of all ages and skill levels through its comprehensive range of weight and age categories.

Whether you are a young enthusiast or a seasoned adult, there is a division that matches your capability. The main weight divisions in IBJJF competitions are:

• Male Adults/Masters No Gi
• Female Adults/Masters No Gi
• Male Juvenile No Gi
• Female Juvenile No Gi

The categories are carefully separated to ensure fair and competitive matchups.

Newcomers often find the variety of options overwhelming, especially since Gi and No-Gi tournaments have slightly different weight allowances. Let’s explore these categories in more detail.

The weight classes for the IBJJF Gi competitions for male adults and masters are meticulously defined, with each category accommodating a specific weight range.

The Gi weight classes are slightly lighter compared to the No-Gi divisions, reflecting the additional weight of the Gi outfit. Here are the detailed weight classes for Male Adults/Masters in GI competitions:

Female competitors in GI competitions also have specific weight divisions designed to ensure that athletes compete against others of similar body weight. Just like the male divisions, these classes account for the weight of the Gi.

Here’s a breakdown of the weight limits for Female Adults/Masters Gi divisions:

In Gi competitions, young male athletes have tailored weight classes. These classes foster competitive fairness among younger participants, who are still growing and developing physically.

Here are the weight classes for Male Juvenile Gi competitors:

Like the male juvenile classes, young female competitors have specific weight brackets in Gi competitions.

These divisions ensure that competitions are fair and balanced for all participants, providing a supportive environment for young athletes to develop their skills.

Here are the weight classes for Female Juvenile Gi participants:

The No Gi competitions remove the weight of the Gi, leading to slightly different weight classes.

Here are the specific weight limits for Male Adults/Masters competing in No Gi events:

There are no Gi competitions for female adults, and masters also feature adjusted weight classes to account for the Gi’s absence.

These are the specific weight limits for each class:

Young male athletes competing without the Gi are categorized in the following weight classes, ensuring that they face competitors of a similar size and weight:

The weight classes for young female athletes in No Gi competitions are designed to maintain competitive balance and fairness, providing a platform for skill development in a supportive environment:

In IBJJF Gi competitions, the weight classes account for the added weight of the Gi, which typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms (approximately 3.3 to 5.5 pounds).

This additional weight affects the categorization, making Gi weight classes slightly heavier compared to No-Gi divisions.

When preparing for a Gi competition, consider the weight of the Gi when choosing a weight class to avoid being disqualified or at a disadvantage against heavier opponents.

Before entering a competition, it’s essential to consider the weight of your Gi when determining your weight class to avoid misclassification.

This is crucial for choosing the suitable weight class and adjusting your strategy, which will help you compete more effectively.

Curious about IBJJF age divisions? Explore our detailed guide and deepen your understanding of the age-based categories in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions. Whether you’re preparing to compete or love to learn, this article has everything you need. Check it out now!

In the dynamic and disciplined world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu , understanding the IBJJF weight classes is more than just a necessity—it’s a strategic advantage.

Whether you’re a novice eager to make your mark or a seasoned practitioner aiming for the top, the detailed breakdown of weight divisions in both Gi and No-Gi categories equips you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of competition.

As you step onto the mat, remember that each division is designed to ensure fairness and competitive integrity, allowing you to focus purely on showcasing your skills and tactics.

Ready to test your IBJJF knowledge? Dive into our interactive IBJJF Divisions Quiz and challenge yourself on everything from age and weight classes to rank divisions. Start Quiz Now!

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Pan Kids Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship

Fight to win 257, adcc balneario open, fight to win 258, bjj stars 13, $1k 125 & 185 championship, fight to win 259, adcc las vegas open, adcc kids championship, adcc worlds bracket reveal/hof show, adcc world championships, ibjjf jiu-jitsu con international, world master ibjjf jiu-jitsu championsh, adcc sao paolo open, ibjjf weight classes guide, the international brazilian jiu-jitsu federation uses a series of weight classes for its gi and no-gi competitions. here's a breakdown..

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, or IBJJF, organizes some of the biggest BJJ events in the world, including the Pans Championships, the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship and more. 

And to help those tournaments be organized, structured and fair, the IBJJF, like other combat sports, has designed a weight class system. 

Here's what you need to know about the IBJJF weight classes. 

IBJJF Weight Classes

The IBJJF uses the following weight classes for gi competitions:

• Rooster (57.5kg/126.5lbs)
• Light Feather (64kg/141lbs)
• Feather (70kg/154lbs)
• Light (76kg/167lbs)
• Middle (82.3kg/181lbs)
• Medium Heavy (88.3kg/195lbs)
• Heavy (94.3kg/208lbs)
• Super Heavy (97.5kg/215lbs)
• Ultra Heavy (No maximum)
• Rooster: 107 lbs (47.5 kg)
• Light Feather: 115 lbs (52.2 kg)
• Feather: 125.5 lbs (57 kg)
• Light: 138.5 lbs (62.8 kg)
• Middle: 152.0 lbs (69.1 kg)
• Medium Heavy: 167.5 lbs (76.1 kg)
• Heavy: 181.5 lbs (82.3 kg)
• Super Heavy: (No maximum)

Here are the IBJJF no-gi weight categories:

• Rooster  ( 55.5 kg/122.5 lbs)
• Light-Feather  ( 61.5 kg/136 lbs)
• Feather:  ( 67.5 kg/149 lbs)
• Light:  ( 73.5 kg/162.5 lbs)
• Middle: (79.5 kg/175.5 lbs)
• Middle Heavy:  ( 85.5 kg/188.5 lbs)
• Heavy:  ( 91.5 kg /202 lbs)
• Super Heavy:  ( 97.5 kg /215 lbs)
• Ultra-Heavy:  ( No maximum)
• Rooster: 46.5 kg (103 lbs)
• Light-Feather: 51.5 kg (114 lbs)
• Feather: 56.5 kg (125 lbs)
• Light: 61.5 kg (136 lbs)
• Middle: 66.5 kg (147 lbs)
• Middle Heavy: 71.5 kg (158 lbs)
• Heavy: 76.5 kg (169 lbs)
• Super Heavy: No maximum

The weight classes are designed to be fair for athletes of all sizes and to ensure that there is a competitive pool of athletes in each division. Athletes are required to weigh in their gis, which generally weigh between 2 lbs and 4 lbs.

The IBJJF weight classes are generally considered to be the standard for jiu-jitsu competitions, especially in gi competition.

The Open Weight Categories

IBJJF competitions feature open classes, sometimes called absolute divisions. These divisions, open to competitors in the blue, purple, brown and black belt ranks, allow athletes from different weight categories to compete together. The winner of this division is called the absolute champion.

Here are some of the benefits of using weight classes in jiu-jitsu:

• Weight classes help to ensure that there is a competitive pool of athletes in each division.
• Weight classes help to ensure that the competition is fair for athletes of all sizes.

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Jul 26, 2024

IBJJF Weight Classes – A Rookie’s Guide

Confused on just which weight class you are supposed to be in? Yeah trust me so is everybody else. Ibjjf weight classes can be confusing and overwhelming.

When I first got into BJJ I was totally confused to.

Ever since I first saw the Gracies take down opponents twice their size to the mat in the early 90s, I was hooked to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. 

It became our preferred martial art, (even more than Taekwondo or Karate) as I spent the next six years honing those chokes and pins. The thing with BJJ is that it has lots of applicable uses in today’s world where as the other martial arts just really do not.

As I have figured over the number of years of competing in all different weight classes and age divisions of BJJ, is that this martial arts takes true dedication and discipline to become a master of the art and come out on top. Jiu Jitsu is one mean sport that teaches you how to not only really defend yourself but also how to take down your opponent and play offense. 

But when I first set out to compete in the IBJJF competitions, I discovered that there were a whole bunch of weight classes, which were very different from other sports.

For starters, there was GI vs. No GI. Then there were adult and master weight classes for men. 

There were separate weight classes for females. Oh wait, there is also a different one altogether for juveniles. 

I was so confused on not only what weight division would be best to compete in but which was I was even allowed to compete in!

It’s no wonder then that most first timers to IBJJF competitions find themselves at their wits end trying to figure out which weight class they would be eligible to compete in.

If you have found yourself trying to figure out the IBJJF weight class puzzle, then here’s a brief primer that will help you understand the different weight classes once and for all. 

Before Weighing In

Before I get to the weight classes, there are two types of competitions that you can participate in. 

Wearing a GI

There’s GI, where you will be fighting with the BJJ GI (uniform).

In this category, you should be wearing the GI for the weigh in. Just like all competitive BJJ bouts, you only get one shot at the weigh in. 

If you don’t make your weight class, you get disqualified. No refunds. No second chances. 

You cannot change divisions either. 

Not Wearing a GI

Then there’s ‘No GI’ in which you fight without a GI. In this category, you do not wear the GI for the weigh in. The same rules as mentioned above apply for this one as well.

Adults and Masters IBJJF Weight Classes

Below you will find the weight class for the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. These classes are accurate for the year 2019-2021. Find Male, female, and juvenile weight divisions below.

Adult and Masters IBJJF Male Weight Classes

There are 9 weight classes for males looking to participate in the adult and master divisions. 

• Rooster weight class is under 57.5 kg or 126.5 lbs
• Light feather weight class is above 57.5 kg and under 64 kg or 141 lbs
• Feather weight is above 64kg and under 70 kg or 154 lbs
• Middle weight is above 70kg and under 82.3 kg or 181 lbs
• Medium Heavy weight is above 82.3 kg and under 88.3 kg or 194.5 lbs
• Heavy weight is above 88.3 kg and under 94.3 kg or 207.5 lbs
• Super Heavy is under 100.5 kg or 221 lbs
• Ultra Heavy is anything above 100.5 kg with no upper limit
• Open class in which you can compete against any fighter who is middle weight and up

Adult and Masters IBJJF Female Weight Classes

In comparison to the male weight classes, there are just 6 weight classes for females in IBJJF tournaments. 

• Light Feather class is the lightest female weight division and it is weighed in at under 53.5 kg or 118 lbs . 
• Followed by the Feather weight class, above 53.5 and under 58.5 kg
• Light weight Class has a max of 64 kg or 141 lbs
• Middle weight has a max of 69 kg or 152 lbs
• Medium Heavy has a max of 74 kg or 163 lbs
• Whereas there’s no upper limit in the heavy weight class which is anything above 74 kg

Juvenile IBJJF Weight Classes

Below are the weight classes for the Juvenile age divisions. These are set by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation for 2019-2021. These are subject to change after 2021.

Juvenile IBJJF Boys Weight Classes

In the Juvenile division for men, there are the same 9 weight classes as in adults and masters . But with reduced weight limits. 

• The Rooster weight class is under 53.5 kg or 118 lbs .
• The light feather weight class is above 53.5 and under 58 kg or 129 lbs .
• Feather weight is above 58kg and under 64 kg or 141 lbs .
• Middle weight is above 64kg and under 69 kg or 152 lbs .
• Medium Heavy weight is above 69 kg and under 79.3 kg or 174.5 lbs.
• Heavy weight is above 79.3 kg and under 84.3 kg or 185.5 lbs.
• Super Heavy is above 84.3 kg under 89.5 kg or 196 lbs.

Athletes who are middle weight and above, can also choose to compete in the open division. 

Juvenile IBJJF Girls Weight Classes

The Juvenile division for females has the same six weight categories as for adults and masters, but with reduced weight limits. 

• Light Feather class is the lightest and it is weighed in at under 48.3 kg or 106.5 lbs.
• Feather weight class which maxes out at 52.5 kg or 116 lbs.
• Light weight has a max of 56.5 kg or 125 lbs.
• Middle weight has a max of 60.5 kg or 133.5 lbs.
• Medium Heavy has a max of 65 kg or 144 lbs.
• Whereas there’s no upper limit in the heavy weight class which is anything above 65 kg.

IBJJF Age Divisions

While there is no maximum age limit for participating in the adult and Masters division, which has started to open up a whole raging debate on messaging boards these days, there is definitely a minimum age limit. 

• Juvenile I, the minimum age limit is 16 while the max is 17.
• Juvenile II, it is 17 with 18 being the maximum age after which you can only participate in the adult division.
• Adults, the minimum age is 18 and there is no maximum age.

Masters Age Division Sub Categories

In the Masters age division, there are different sub age categories:

• Master 1 – which is from 30-35 years.
• Master 2 – which is from 36 to 40.
• Master 3 – which is 41 to 45.
• Master 4 – which is 46 to 50.
• Master 5 – which is 51 to 55.
• Master 6 – which is 56 to 60. 

Technically, even if you are 45, you can still choose to participate in the Adults weight class rather than fighting someone in the Masters division, which has its own share of pros and cons. 

You can for example, compete against much younger, agile fighters which can be physically intimidating to some. But the caveat is that if you fight in the Masters, you might end up fighting someone with years of competitive experience.

Adrenaline and Testosterone vs. Real life, on-the-mat experience! 

Which one do you select? That’s the beauty of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  

It’s hardcore self-defense.

Selecting The Best IBJJF Weight Class - FAQ's

How much does a bjj gi weigh.

IF weight classes are separated by GI and no Gi then one thing that you might be wondering is just how much your BJJ Gi weighs.. Well this is a good question and this is something that you really should know if you do compete.

Most BJJ Gi’s weigh in at around 4-5 pounds. The best BJJ GI’s will typically be in the 4 pound range as they are built for both practice and competition.

Should I Compete in GI or no GI Class?

Now here’s the thing, if you are a beginner you should be training with both a GI and with no GI. Do not limit yourself to one or the other. You want to get as much experience as you possibly can while wearing one and not wearing one.

But if your goal is to compete and make it to the top levels then my suggestion is to most definitely train more often wearing your GI.

The reason being is that the top level guys and masters classes often only compete wearing a GI.

Should I Cut Weight To Get In a Lower Weight Class?

Many first timers and even top professionals come across this thought often in their BJJ careers. Will cutting weight to make a lower weight class help you prevail and beat your opponents in competitions?

Yes, it will. Lighter weight classes are indeed going to be less challenging than heavier weight classes and this is just fact. But here’s what you need to think about first.. IF you cut the weight will you be able to do it while still maintaining your strength and stamina or will cutting weight cause you to weaken up and not be able to compete?

Lots of fighters try and cut too much weight so that they can dominate the lower weight classes.. And honestly, this is smart. I’ve done it many times and I recommend you do the same thing.

Just be careful to not cut too much weight and end up causing yourself to be less competent than you were at a heavier weight class

Related Reading:

• Jiu Jitsu Vs Judo
• Judo for Self Defense
• Fighting with Braces
• Aikido Vs Judo
• https://bjj.com.ua/ibjjf-weight-classes/
• https://www.grapplearts.com/17-ibjjf-bjj-competition-rules-remember/

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BJJ Weight Classes (IBJJF, ADCC, Youth & Adults!)

Even relatively experienced BJJ competitors can get lost in the sea of weight classes under various organizations and rule sets. The IBJJF especially has different weight divisions based on gender, age, belt rank, and then even more for gi and no-go competition.

So if you plan on competing, you can quickly get confused about what weight class you should register and prepare for. This comprehensive guide to BJJ weight classes should clear up any confusion. 

IBJJF Weight Classes For Gi & No-Gi Competitions

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation is the largest BJJ organization, and most BJJ competitors will compete on its mats at some point in their careers. The IBJJF also has the most divisions based on several factors.

Adults (over 18 years of age) and masters have the same weight divisions, while kids under 18 fall into many different categories. Here are all the weight classes, each with its upper weight limit.

Adults and Masters Age Divisions

• Rooster – 126.5 lbs (57.5 kg)
• Light Feather – 141 lbs (64 kg)
• Feather –  154 lbs (70 kg)
• Light –  167.5 lbs (76 kg)
• Middle – 181 lbs (82.3 kg)
• Medium Heavy – 194.5 lbs (88.3 kg )
• Heavy – 207.5 lbs (94.3 kg )
• Super-Heavy – 221.0 lbs (100.5 kg)
• Ultra Heavy – No Maximum Weight

No-gi divisions bear the same names as the gi divisions but are around 4 lbs. lighter than the gi equivalents to amount to the weight of the uniform. Going up the weight classes, the difference reaches 6 lbs.

• Rooster – 122.4 lbs (55.5 kg)
• Light Feather – 135.6 lbs (61.5 kg)
• Feather –  148.8 lbs (67.5 kg)
• Light –  162 lbs (73.5 kg)
• Middle – 175.3 lbs (79.5 kg)
• Medium Heavy – 188.5 lbs (85.5 kg )
• Heavy – 201.7 lbs (91.5 kg )
• Super-Heavy – 215.0 lbs (97.5 kg)

Female Gi Weight Classes

• Rooster –107 lbs (48.5 kg)
• Light feather –118 lbs (53.5 kg)
• Feather –129 lbs (58.5 kg)
• Light –141.6 lbs (64 kg.)
• Middle –152.6 lbs g (69 kg)
• Medium-heavy –163.6 lbs (74 kg)
• Heavy – above 175 lbs (79.3 kg)
• Super Heavy –above 175 lbs
• Open class – open to all weight classes

Female No-Gi Weight Classes

• Rooster –103 lbs (46.7 kg)
• Light feather –114 lbs (51.7 kg)
• Feather –125 lbs (56.7 kg)
• Light –136 lbs (61.6 kg.)
• Middle –152.6 lbs g (66.7 kg)
• Medium-heavy –158 lbs (71.6 kg)
• Heavy – above 169 lbs (76.6 kg)
• Super Heavy –above 175 lbs.

While the weight limits and division names are the same for adults and masters, they compete in different divisions based on age. Adults are older than 18 and younger than 30 when the Master’s divisions begin.

The rules for adults and masters are generally the same. The only difference is that match times for adults range from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the competitors’ rank.

There is a formula that shows if you are eligible to compete in a certain age group. This is not determined by age but rather by subtracting your birth year from the current year.

This means a 29-year-old may compete in Masters 1 if the result of the subtraction is 30 (for example, if you were born on October 17, 1993, you can still compete in Masters 1 in February of 2023 because 2023-1993 = 30, even though you are still 29 at the time.)

It’s worth noting that the adult division is the most prestigious and competitive, with the longest matches above purple belt , so you can fight in adults even if you’re old enough to fight in the masters. 

Here is a full breakdown of the age groups:

• Adults – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 18
• Masters 1 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 30
• Masters 2 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 36
• Masters 3 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 41
• Masters 4 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 46
• Masters 5 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 51
• Masters 6 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 56
• Masters 7 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 61

Youth Age Divisions

The 14 youth age divisions work with the same subtraction formula as the adult divisions. These are in place to ensure children face only their peers because 2 years age difference can be enormous in development at this age.

• Might Mite I – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 4
• Mighty Mite II – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 5
• Mighty Mite III – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 6
• Pee Wee I – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 7
• Pee Wee II – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 8
• Pee Wee III – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 9
• Junior I – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 10
• Junior II – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 11
• Junior III – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 12
• Teen I – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 13
• Teen II – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 14
• Teen III – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 15
• Juvenile I – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 16
• Juvenile II – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 17

Kids up to the Juvenile divisions are separated just by age. But once you reach the final two youth divisions, weight classes are also implemented.

Aside from weight and age, all competitors are divided based on their belt color. Weight classes are generally implemented across combat sports to guarantee a fair fight for all competitors, and division by colored belts in BJJ competitions serves the same purposes.

After all, white or blue belts won’t ever have the chance to win a medal if they roll against brown and black belts. So, each division is separated not only by weight and age but also by belt rank.

Here are a few examples of divisions contested in IBJJF tournaments to better illustrate all of the information.

• Adult/Male/Black belt/Middleweight
• Adult/Female/Purple belt/Open Class
• Juvenile 2/Male/Blue belt/Rooster weight
• Master 3/Male/Brown belt/Lightweight

ADCC Weight Classes

The ADCC is a prestigious grappling tournament series not strictly reserved for BJJ but for grapplers from different backgrounds and offers solid purses to the participants. The more straightforward rules compared to the IBJJF also feature much fewer weight classes for the ADCC World Championship and its qualifiers.

ADCC Male Division Weight Classes

• under 145.2 lbs (-65.9 kg)
• under 169.5 lbs (-76.9 kg)
• under 193.7 lbs (-87.9 lbs)
• under 218 lbs (-98.9 kg.)
• over 220.5 lbs (+ 99 kg.)
• Absolute (No weight limits)

ADCC Female Division Weight Classes

• under 132.2 lbs (- 60 kg)
• over 132 lbs (+ 60 kg.)

Weighing In For BJJ Tournaments

Weigh-ins in BJJ are almost always done the same day as the competition, which makes weight-cutting by dehydration useless because even if you manage to go to the lower division, you will be drained and not in a condition to grapple.

Some organizations give more time between weigh-ins and the match, with even a full day difference, but this is usually reserved only for professional events and shows.

The IBJJF has the weigh-in shortly before the first match, leaving no time for water-based weight cuts to recover. Missing weight on the scale means you are immediately disqualified. There is just one chance to make weight.

In gi competition, you are required to weigh in with the gi and belt, hence the difference in weight classes for gi and no gi. Basically, you must step on the scale with everything you will wear during the matches.

A standard GI is around 4.2 lbs. However, this can vary depending on brand and model. Some lightweight models may help those too close to the weight limit, and there are heavier gis that are usually not the best choice for competition.

Weigh-ins in no-gi competitions also require you to wear your full uniform, but this time only a BJJ rash guard and shorts , which weigh much less than a gi. 

BJJ weight classes divide competitors based on several factors to ensure fair and competitive fights. The IBJJF has the most weight classes, dividing competitors by weight, age, and belt rank. If you plan on competing, you should always do good research and be sure of which division you fall into.

Before his/her first fight, the athlete will check his/her weight with the Gi. There is only one opportunity to check the weight. If the competitor does not make his/her weight, they will be immediately disqualified . Please make sure that you are in the correct weight division. You can not change divisions, if you do not make your designated division. No changes will be accepted in the tournament day, no refund .

Check on Tournament Important Info the official weight measurement used in the Tournament.

Click here for more info about the uniform

Before his/her first fight, the athlete will check his/her weight with the No Gi uniform. There is only one opportunity to check the weight. If the competitor does not make his/her weight, they will be immediately disqualified . Please make sure that you are in the correct weight division. You can not change divisions, if you do not make your designated division. No changes will be accepted in the tournament day, no refund .

All athletes should fight and weigh-in with the No Gi uniform.

Beginner’s Guide: IBJJF Weight Classes

Weight classes are designed to keep BJJ competitions fair. Under the IBJJF rule set, the weight classes vary by age, sex and competition type (gi vs no-gi).

Understanding the basics of weight classes is essential for your training and ultimate success when competing. 

IBJJF Juvenile Male Gi Weight Class

Ibjjf adult male gi division weight class, ibjjf female juvenile gi weight classes, ibjjf adult female gi master weight classes, ibjjf juvenile male no-gi weight class, ibjjf adult male no-gi weight class, ibjjf adult female no-gi weight class, ibjjf juvenile female no-gi weight class, the age divisions of the ibjjf, the ibjjf weigh in process.

In addition to weight classes, the IBJFF has a few age divisions. The IBJJF breaks these down into the Juvenile, Adult, and Masters divisions. 

• Juvenile I – This for 16 to 17 year old
• Juvenile II – For 17 and 18 year olds
• Adults –  18 is the minimum age, with no max age limit
• Masters – 30+ (6 age ranges)

The Masters division is divided into several categories. It’s important to remember that anyone in the Masters category is not excluded from competing in the Adult division.

• Master 1 – 30-35 years.
• Master 2 – 36 to 40 years
• Master 3 – 41 to 45 years
• Master 4 – 46 to 50 years
• Master 5 – 51 to 55 years
• Master 6 – 56 to 60 years

IBJJF weight classes include the gi. This means that when you go to weigh in at the tournament, they will require you to be wearing the gi. Thus, you need to know in advance how much your gi weighs so you can factor this in when you decide which weight class to compete in.

In case you were wondering, a gi typically weighs 4.2 lbs (or 1.6kg). Similarly, for no-gi, you are required to wear your gi when you weigh in.

Weigh-ins for the IBJJF tournaments occur on the same day of the competition. Typically, these weigh-ins occur 20-30 minutes before the match time. You are only given one time to weigh in and you wont be given another chance to make weight should you fail. 

This is in contrast with other combat sports, like boxing or wrestling. Thus, there is less time to add weight back. This should factor into how you cut weight in BJJ , which should typically only be done by high level competitors anyway. 

1 thought on “Beginner’s Guide: IBJJF Weight Classes”

Hello, IBJJF!

It’s been ages since I competed in any IBJJF Competition…2014…and since I am a female, Black Belt, 144, age 51…07/22/71…what would be my master division? Is it 5?? Thank you for your time. I can’t wait to compete again!

Sincerely, Angela Sauermann (650) 766-7294 Text/Call/Email ♥️

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A complete guide to bjj weight classes (kids, men, and women).

Table of Contents

Yes, just like other combat sports ( MMA , Boxing, Muay Thai) Brazilian jiu-jitsu has weight classes. In this article, we will take a deeper look at the BJJ weight classes for men, women, and children that compete in the sport.

BJJ Weight Class General Information

Weight classes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu are necessary for a number of reasons. Just like in all combat sports, weight classes are necessary to keep the competition fair ad even to the best degree possible. A trained individual that outweighs another trained individual has a significant advantage over the undersized opponent.

Understanding this simple concept, competition organizers like the ADCC, JJWL, AZBJJL, Grappling Industries, and IBJJF (International Brazilian jiu-jitsu federation) came up with a systemized way for people to compete with those in a similar weight bracket.

This article will be updated frequently to provide you with the most up-to-date information. Most of the time the weight classes will not change much.

Men’s Divisions

Men gi (adults & masters division).

Out of all the IBJJF weight classes for adult males, the lightest weight class is the Rooster which has a limit of 57.5 kilograms or 126.5 pounds.  The weight divisions are the following: 

Rooster – (anyone under 57.5 kg or 127 lbs)

Light Feather – (between 127.5lbs and 64 kg or 141.6 lbs)

Feather – (between 142lbs and 70 kg or 154 lbs)

Light – (between 155 lbs and 76 kg or 167 lbs)

Middle – (between 168.1 lbs and 82.3 kg or 181 lbs)

Medium Heavy – (between 181.7 lbs and 88.3 kg or 195 lbs)

Heavy – (between 195.1 lbs and 94.3 kg or 208 lbs)

Super Heavy – (between 208.1 lbs and 97.5 kg or 222 lbs)

Ultra Heavy – (anything over 222 lbs)

There’s also the Open Class in which competitors of all weights can compete against one another without any weight restrictions.  

Men NoGi (Adults & Masters Division)

We start the No Gi weight classes with the adult males and masters categories. The lightest of the weight divisions allows athletes to weigh up to 51.5 kilograms or 114 lbs. The classes are the following:

Rooster – (anything below the weight of 122.6 lbs)

Light Feather – (between 122.7 lbs and 136 lbs)

Feather – (between 136.1 lbs and 149 lbs)

Light – (between 149.1 lbs and 162.6 lbs)

Middle – (between 162.7 lbs and 175.6 lbs)

Medium Heavy – (between 175.7 lbs and 188.6 lbs)

Heavy – (between 188.7lbs and 202 lbs)

Super-Heavy – (between 202.1 lbs and 215 lbs)

Ultra Heavy – (anyone over 215.1 lbs with no maximum limit)

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Women’s Divisions

Women gi ( adults & masters division).

The lightest weight division for female Gi competitors is the Rooster with an upwards weight limit of 47.5 kilograms or 107 pounds. You also have an open weight class where anything goes. 

Rooster – (anything up to 107 lbs or 47.5  kg)

Light Feather – (between 107.1 lbs and 118 lbs or 53.5 kg)

Feather – (between 118.1 lbs and 129.0 lbs or 58.5 kg)

Light – (between 129.1 and 141.6 lbs or 64.2 kg)

Middle – (between 141.7 lbs  and 152.6 lbs or 69.2 kg)

Medium Heavy – (between 152.7 lbs and 163.6 lbs or 74.2 kg)

Heavy – (between 163.7 lbs and 175 lbs or 79.3)

Super Heavy – (anything over 175 lbs with no maximum limit)

Women No Gi ( Adults & Masters Division)

The adult female No Gi weight classes are as shown below. The lightest weight division allows up to 42.5 kilograms or 94 pounds. 

Rooster – (anything below the weight of 103 lbs)

Light Feather – (between 103.1 lbs and 114 lbs)

Feather – (between 114.1 lbs and 125 lbs)

Light – (between 125.1 lbs and 136 lbs)

Middle – (between 136.1 lbs and 147 lbs)

Medium Heavy – (between 147.1 lbs and 158 lbs)

Heavy – (between 158.1 lbs and 169 lbs)

Super-Heavy – (anyone over 169.1 lbs with no maximum limit)

Kids Divisions

Juvenile ibjjf female gi weight classes.

The juvenile females’ Gi weight classes are shown below: 

Rooster – (anyone below 98 lbs)

Light Feather – (between 98.1 lbs and 106.6 lbs)

Feather – (between 106.7 and 116 lbs)

Light – (between 116.1lbs and 125 lbs)

Middle – (between 125.1 lbs and 133.6 lbs)

Medium Heavy – (between 133.7 lbs and 143.6 lbs)

Heavy – (between 143.7 lbs and 152 lbs)

Super Heavy – (anyone above 152.1 lbs with no maximum limit)

Juvenile IBJJF Female No Gi Weight Classes

Someone who competes in the juvenile weight classes is considered to be under the age of 16 and has a belt going with the kid’s system in place. Just like the juvenile boys division, the juvenile female’s division is broken down in two categories most likely in relation to age but the weight classes stay the same. The juvenile females’ Gi weight classes are shown below; there’s an open weight class as well: 

Rooster – (anyone below 94 lbs)

Light Feather – (between 94.1 lbs and 103 lbs)

Feather – (between 103.1 and 111.6 lbs)

Light – (between 111.7 lbs and 120.6 lbs)

Middle – (between 120.7 lbs and 129 lbs)

Medium Heavy – (between 129.1 lbs and 138 lbs)

Heavy – (between 138.1 lbs and 147 lbs)

Super Heavy – (anyone above 147.1 lbs with no maximum limit)

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Juvenile IBJJF Male Gi Weight Classes

Someone who competes in the juvenile weight classes is considered to be under the age of 16 and has a belt going with the kid’s system in place. The Juvenile Gi weight classes for boys are the following:

Rooster – (anything below the weight of 118 lbs or 53.5 kg)

Light Feather – (between 118.1 lbs and 129 lbs or 58.5 kg)

Feather – (between 129.1 lbs and 141.6 lbs or 64 kg)

Light – (between 141.7 lbs and 152.6 lbs or 69.2 kg)

Middle – (between 152.7 lbs and 163.6 lbs or 74 kg)

Medium Heavy – (between 163.7 lbs and 175 lbs or 79.3 kg)

Heavy – (between 175.1 lbs and 186 lbs or 84.3 kg)

Super Heavy – (between 186.1 lbs and 197 lbs or 89.3 kg)

Ultra Heavy – ( anything above 197lbs with no maximum limit)

Juvenile IBJJF Male No Gi Weight Classes

Someone who competes in the juvenile weight classes is considered to be under the age of 16 and has a belt going with the kid’s system in place. The juvenile male division has two separate categories probably based on age so please refer to the table below for an accurate representation of where you will be placed in this upcoming tournament! The Juvenile Gi weight classes for boys are the following (see the most left column):

IBJJF Age Divisions

In addition to weight classes, IBJJF has a few age divisions that separate competitors. The age divisions are separated into three categories juvenile, Adult, and Masters division.

Juvenile I – This for 16 to 17 year old or younger

Juvenile II – For 17 and 18-year-olds

Adults –  18 is the minimum age, with no max age limit

Masters – 30+ (6 age ranges)

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Masters Division Breakdown

Master 1 – 30-35 years.

Master 2 – 36 to 40 years

Master 3 – 41 to 45 years

Master 4 – 46 to 50 years

Master 5 – 51 to 55 years

Master 6 – 56 to 60 years+

Adults and Masters Age Divisions and Match Length (IBJJF)

Matches are typically 5 minutes long depending on the tournament and the stakes that are at hand. Matches will go into overtime if needed for a large-scale tournament but in regional or local tournaments they may decide the winner based on advantage points.

Weighing in at IBJJF Competitions

Weigh-ins for IBJJF tournaments (similar to ADCC and most other tournament formats) will happen right before your match. Typically when your match is two fights away you will be called in for official weigh-ins and you must make weight in order to compete.

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Weighing in for Gi Tournaments

A couple of IBJJF rules must be followed during a weigh-in. Whether it is a No Gi or Gi competition, the athlete must be in proper uniform while on the scale. If they fail to make the required weight, they’ll be disqualified.

There are no second chances offered and the competitor won’t be able to switch weight classes . They won’t be given a refund either.

How Much Does a Gi Weigh?

A Gi can weigh as much as 0.9 kg (~2 lbs) or as high as 2.26 kg (~5 lbs). This is why Gi competitions have slightly higher weight limits as compared to No Gi contests – to compensate for the added weight.  

IBJJF Uniform Rules

What is ibjjf-certified gi.

An IBJJF Certified Gi is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uniform that meets the standards and requirements set by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) for use in competition. As we have covered before, the IBJJF is the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community’s largest and most prestigious governing body. Their job is to keep BJJ regulated and set standards for competition Gi’s, promotions, and even substance abuse policies (source).

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi that is certified as a competition gi is made with the correct materials and is constructed properly. The measurements of how the Gi fits on the athlete are proper for fair play.

An IBJJF-certified Gi must meet these criteria:

Fabric Weight: The gi must weight no more than 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) for adults and 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) for kids.

Weave: Juvenile, adult, and master division competitions require a gi with a pearl weave

Design: The color of the gi must be completely white, black, or royal blue. Any other colors are not allowed. In IBJJF tournaments competitors are not allowed to wear undershirts under their Gi, except for women. Females can wear any color undershirt.

Fit: The gi top can extend to the thigh of the competitor and the sleeves are allowed to be at max, 5 cm from the competitor’s wrist when the arm is parallel to the ground and extended straight out. Gi pants are allowed to be at max 5 cm above the ankle bone. Spats are not allowed under gi pants for male competitors.

Material: Gi’s must be tailored using cotton or a similar fabric. The fabric cannot be too thick or too hard that it prevents an opponent from gripping it.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Competition Checklist

Make sure to have your Gi and an extra one just in case

Water or a drink

Wear Slides or sandals

Reliable jiu-jitsu bag

Headphones (if you want to drown out the notice before your match)

How can I see the weight classes for my specific competition?

Almost every time you go out and compete you will be able to access the exact weight class that you will be fighting in from the competition organizer’s website. We have reliable information here on our blog but we may not be able to catch all minor changes that may occur along the way.

We do our best to keep things fresh and up-to-date here so you can rely on us for future questions but there is a slight chance we may gloss over it. Most of the time tournament rules do not really change and the difference in weight classes is nothing but a couple of pounds or less.

Food and Drink before your Match

When you are competing you may have an anxious feeling before stepping onto the mats. This is normal, it is your body’s reaction to preparation for a fight. Eating something that is light and nutritious while you wait is advised. Have a protein bar or maybe an apple with some kind of drink that will provide you with electrolytes.

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Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) weight classes

Abu Dhabi Combat Club ( ADCC ) is the world’s largest no-gi grappling tournament and haswith been one of the mian reasons why no-gi grappling has been put on the map. Everyone wants a shot at competing in this tournament and to do so you have to prove that you can hang with the best in the world.

Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) hosts the world’s best fighters in a single-elimination tournament every two years with the last tournament being in 2022. Both men and women in their respective weight classes will battle it out to determine who is at the top and have bragging rights as to who is the best competitor in the world.

The ADCC World Submission Fighting Championships were the idea and creation of UAW national Sheik Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the son of the UAE leader Sheik Zayed. Sheik Tahnoon grew a passion for MMA in 1993 and shortly after started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu . Sheik Tanoon set out to create and build his vision of implementing martial arts in the UAE and creating a standard around the world for which grappling is measured!

Due to the popularity of the Super Bowl for Jiu-Jitsu (ADCC) the organization has made more widely available sub-tournaments across the United States. All these tournaments fill the gap to the main event that will happen again in 2024 (around September).

Here are the weight classes for ADCC:

Worlds Weight Classes Male and Female

Female Weight Classes – Regional Tournaments

source: ADCC

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Male Weight Classes – Regional Tournaments

Weighing in at ADCC Competitions

For ADCC there is one weight-in-place and a scale. A fighter must check their weights before the tournament starts. Fighters must have the following when arriving for their weight in:

ID (passport, driver’s license etc.)

Receipt of payment for the tournament

Equipment must be clean and in good shape

Short nails

Fights will be called in two fights in advance for their weigh-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are adults and masters ibjjf divisions the same.

No they are two separate divisions. Adults division is cut off at the age of 29.

When competing in BJJ past the age of 30, you have the option to enter some tournaments in the master divisions. For IBJJF tournaments, they have set up age divisions for the 30+ and over. Master 1 is for athletes aged 30 (or turning 30 in the same year as the competition) to 35, Master 2 is for athletes aged 36 (including) to 40, Master 3 is from 41 to 44, and so on every 5 years.

BJJ Competition Tips

Train and feel prepared

Eat a light snack that can fuel you

Do your best to not have an adrenaline dump (be prepared to have one if not)

Will I get a refund if I don’t make weight?

The norm is that you won’t get a refund if you miss weight. Likely, they won’t allow you to compete at a higher-weight class either. But then again, checking your competition’s rulebook should give you the exact answer. 

What age is Master 1 in BJJ?

Master 1 in BJJ is at 30+ years of age.

How much does a gi weigh?

A Gi can weigh as much as 0.9 kg or 5 lbs and as low as 2.26 kg or 2 lbs. This is why Gi competitions have slightly higher weight limits as compared to No Gi contests – to compensate for the added weight.  

Is there weight divisions in BJJ?

yes, just like in MMA or other fighting-based martial arts , Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions have weight divisions.

How do I choose my weight class in BJJ?

Choosing a weight class is easy. Just weigh yourself and see if you are comfortable competing at that weight. If you are not, maybe you can cut a little bit of weight to make it in the weight class below.

Are IBJJF weight classes the same for all the different IBJJF tournaments?

Yes, all IBJJF weight classes are going to be the same. As long as the competition organizer is running on the IBJJF rule set, you will be okay.

BJJ Weight Classes – All You Need to Know

As with most combat sports, BJJ competitors are separated by weight classes. Meaning, most of the time, you can expect to compete against people of a similar size to yourself.

People often say that every 20 lbs between you and your competitor is equal to one belt level. So while a purple belt and a blue belt may be at different levels in skill, if the blue belt has a 20lbs weight advantage, they are theoretically equal.

It’s not always true. Many competitors have fought at a high level and had success against fighters bigger than themselves. Indeed, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was built to give smaller fighters the skill to take on much bigger opponents.

However, the lower you are in belt rank, the more likely weight will come into play for you (and your opponent).

This post will break down the different weight classes in competitive BJJ, and help you choose the right weight class for you to compete at. Keep in mind, different competitions may use different levels for their weight classes. But to make things simple, we’ll use official IBJJF standards.

BJJ Gi Weight Classes

IBJJF Gi weight classes are as follows. Measurements are INCLUDING fighting uniform, unless otherwise stated in your competition’s rules. Also, the weights referenced are maximum weight allowed.

Male Adult & Master

• Rooster: 57.5 kg / 126.5 lbs
• Light Feather: 64 kg / 141 lbs
• Feather: 70 kg / 154 lbs
• Light: 76 kg / 167.5 lbs
• Middle: 82.3 kg / 181 lbs
• Medium Heavy: 88.3 kg / 194.5 lbs
• Heavy: 94.3 kg / 207.5 lbs
• Super-Heavy: 100.5 kg / 221.0 lbs
• Ultra Heavy: No limit

Male Juvenile

• Rooster: 53.5 kg / 118 lbs
• Light Feather: 58.5 kg / 129 lbs
• Feather: 64 kg / 141 lbs
• Light: 69 kg / 152 lbs
• Middle: 74 kg / 163 lbs
• Medium Heavy: 79.3 kg / 174.5 lbs
• Heavy: 84.3 kg / 185.5 lbs
• Super-Heavy: 89.3 kg / 196.5 lbs

Female Adult & Master

• Rooster: 48.5 kg / 107 lbs
• Light Feather: 53.5 kg / 118 lbs
• Feather: 58.5 kg / 129 lbs
• Light: 64 kg / 141 lbs
• Middle: 69 kg / 152 lbs
• Medium Heavy: 74 kg / 163 lbs
• Heavy: No limit

Female Juvenile

• Rooster: 44.3 kg / 98 lbs
• Light Feather: 48.3 kg / 106.5 lbs
• Feather: 52.5 kg / 116 lbs
• Light: 56.5 kg / 125 lbs
• Middle: 60.5 kg / 133.5 lbs
• Medium Heavy: 65 kg / 144 lbs

BJJ No-Gi Weight Classes

Here are the weight divisions for No-Gi BJJ.

Keep in mind that No-Gi competitions are often more fluid in rulesets, so there is a higher than that the weight classes for a specific competition are different than what’s listed.

• Rooster: 55.5 kg / 122.5 lbs
• Light Feather: 61.5 kg / 136 lbs
• Feather: 67.5 kg / 149 lbs
• Light: 73.5 kg / 162.5 lbs
• Middle: 79.5 kg / 175.5 lbs
• Medium Heavy: 85.5 kg / 188.5 lbs
• Heavy: 91.5 kg / 202 lbs
• Super-Heavy: 97.5 kg / 215 lbs
• Rooster: 51.5 kg / 114 lbs
• Light Feather: 56.5 kg / 125 lbs
• Feather: 61.5 kg / 136 lbs
• Light: 66.5 kg / 147 lbs
• Middle: 71.5 kg / 158 lbs
• Medium Heavy: 76.5 kg / 169 lbs
• Heavy: 81.5 kg / 180 lbs
• Super-Heavy: 86.5 kg / 191 lbs
• Rooster: 46.5 kg / 103 lbs
• Light Feather: 51.5 kg / 114 lbs
• Feather: 56.5 kg / 125 lbs
• Light: 61.5 kg / 136 lbs
• Middle: 66.5 kg / 147 lbs
• Medium Heavy: 71.5 kg / 158 lbs
• Heavy: 76.5 / 169 lbs
• Super-Heavy: No limit
• Rooster: 42.5 kg / 94 lbs
• Light Feather: 46.5 kg / 103 lbs
• Feather: 51.5 kg / 111.5 lbs
• Light: 54.5 kg / 120.5 lbs
• Middle: 58.5 kg / 129 lbs
• Medium Heavy: 62.5 / 138 lbs
• Heavy: 66.5 / 147 lbs
• Super-Heavy: no limit

BJJ Weight Class FAQs

Make sure you know what goes on with weigh-ins and weight classes, to avoid missing out on the opportunity to compete. As always, double check with the individual rules of your tournament, as they may differ from the norm.

This will cover the most common practices around weight classes and weigh-ins.

When do you weigh in?

You weigh in before your first match – generally within 30 minutes.

How to weigh-ins work?

Your division (weight class and belt rank) will be called up to undergo weigh-in and uniform check.

Your uniform will need to pass IBJJF standards (or your competition’s rules), and you’ll need to be within the weight class you signed up for.

In most cases, following weigh-in you’ll head over to the fighter’s area, to wait for your first match.

What happens if you miss weight?

If you don’t meet the weight limit for your division, you won’t be able to compete in that bracket. The bracket will be adjusted, and generally a bye will be given to your first round opponent.

If you had already signed up to compete in the Absolute division, you will usually still be able to compete there.

Some competitions may allow you to fight at a higher weight class if you miss weight. Standard procedure is that you won’t be able to compete, though, so ensure you have checked and you are on weight well ahead of time.

What is the “Absolute” division?

Absolute is a separate bracket, in which fighters from all weight classes are invited to compete against others at the same belt rank.

Since there is no weight limit for Absolute, there is no need to weigh in. Often fighters will compete in their weight class and Absolute – others just their own weight class.

Choosing a Weight Class

When you first start competing, it can be tricky choosing the right weight class.

Almost always, you should choose a class close to your natural weight. Since BJJ does weigh-ins right before the fight, it’s not usually a good idea to cut a lot of weight, either by cutting water weight or starving yourself on the day.

You won’t have much of a chance to re-fuel after weighing in, so doing this will leave your performance below-par.

If you do decide to fight at a lower weight class than your natural weight, you should decide on this well in advance of your competition. This gives you the time to diet down and cut fat, instead of cutting water weight. It’s usually a good idea to be on weight the day before the competition, so you’re free to eat and drink a bit on the day.

The toughest decision can be for those stuck between two weight classes. For example, an adult male weighing 66 kg might be a little small for featherweight (70 kg), but will need to cut down to fight at light featherweight (64 kg).

If you’re in this situation, it comes down largely to preference. Most people will diet down in the leadup to the competition in order to meet the lower weight class. But if you’re not fazed about fighting slightly larger opponents, or your situation doesn’t allow you to prepare very much, you might just choose to stick to your natural weight.

There is no “wrong” answer to which weight class you decide to compete at. You just want to choose where you’re most comfortable. Your skill and effort is more likely to decide the fight than a few kilograms (or pounds).

About the Author: Andrew Buck

Andrew is the Founder and Editor of Find Your Gi. He is a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA fighter and brings 10 years of martial arts experience and 8+ years writing content about fitness and nutrition for blogs all over the web.

View all post by Andrew Buck

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The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

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Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

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