The IBJJF regulatory GIS can only be white, blue or black. All other colors are prohibited. Team patches are allowed on GI jackets and pants, but must comply with IBJJF rules. *There are small weight differences between IBJJF weight classes (kg) and IBJJF imperial weight classes (lbs). While we haven`t heard of any issues arising from it, you should be wondering whether or not you weigh in kilograms or pounds. In addition to weight categories, there are several age groups in the IBJFF. The IBJJF divides them into Juvenile, Adult and Master departments. Most of the time, you need to know your weight category when you register for a competition. Your weight will usually be checked on the same day as the tournament, usually before the first fight. Generally, Gi championships will check your weight with the Gi. In No Gi tournaments, weighting is only done in clothing such as rashguards, leggings, etc.
Unfortunately, these general rules do not apply equally to all tournaments. This may vary slightly depending on the BJJ organization. Just like the Gi, there are nine No-Gi weight classes plus one open weight class. At the lighter end of the weight classes, the GI-free divisions are about 1.8 kg (4 lbs) lighter than their GI equivalent. This increases as weight classes increase, with the No-Gi Ultra Heavy division being 2.7 kg (6 lbs) lighter than the Gi Ultra Heavy division. Note: The IBJJF weight categories you see below are approved by the IBJJF Federation for 2022 and are subject to change for 2023. Weight categories for BJJ competitions may vary depending on the organization sponsoring the event. However, IBJJF weight classes are the most commonly used standard for BJJ competitions. The weight categories are listed below and are usually clearly indicated during the competition application process.
The weigh-in for IBJJF tournaments will take place on the same day of competition. As a rule, these weigh-ins take place 20 to 30 minutes before game time. You only have time to weigh yourself once, and you don`t have another chance to gain weight if you fail. Once the ring coordinator calls you (you should expect this depending on the current time and time IBJJF says your specific department starts), they will take you to the Gi-Checker and have you weighed in. If you are overweight, DQ immediate. No second chance once the ring coordinator has had you. Unless there is a discrepancy in the scale, you may be able to argue. Whenever I`ve competed, there are two ladders that ring coordinators use, so you could ask to use the other one if you`re a bit off the mark. As soon as it`s time for competition, you`ll be called by the appropriate weight category, and you`ll be weighed and your GI checked by someone from the IBJJF.
Now it`s time to wait and have fun with your competitors in your weight class in the bullpen! The United Arab Emirates Jiu Jitsu Federation is the main competitor of the IBJJF. It offers alternative sites at the highest level of grappling. The biggest event organized by them is the Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Cup. Below you can see exactly what their weight divisions look like. There will also be no time to rehydrate if you lose weight. So if you`re close to the weight limit without your Gi, this could be a problem. You should probably consider moving up in a weight class to avoid being disqualified. When preparing for a competition, one of the most common questions you will be asked is: what weight category are you competing in? BJJ weight categories are an often discussed topic that can cause a lot of stress to some people. If you`re planning to compete, it`s important that you know your target weight class! Before his first fight, the athlete checks his weight with the Gi. There is only one way to check weight. If the participant does not manage his weight, he will be disqualified immediately.
Please make sure you are in the correct weight category. You cannot switch departments if you do not perform the specified split. No changes will be accepted on the day of the tournament, no refund. IBJJF weigh-ins usually take place just before your first match. While some competitions give participants enough time before the weigh-in and competition to rehydrate, the IBJJF`s time limits mean you`re unlikely to recover from weight loss due to water weight.