WEIGHT & AGE DIVISIONS
Weight Divisions
The SJJIF utilizes weight divisions to help minimize injuries and remove weight advantages. Contrary to popular belief, size is as important to Jiu-Jitsu as it is to other competition sports. Although a highly skilled small person may defeat a larger less skilled opponent, the usual result historically has been of some physical injury or injuries to the smaller opponent.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a size factor sport. Weight divisions have been established to minimize becoming the prime determinant of the winner. We do, however, host open divisions at tournaments and participation in these divisions is optional for Juvenile, Adult, and Master participants.
Competitors will not be grouped in age divisions by their actual age, but by the year in which they were born. The SJJIF will not place kids, boys and girls, together after the age of 12.
Competitors, or parents of children competitors, are responsible for ensuring that the weight is met with GI and/or rash guard already on. Any athlete that is over their registered weight is subject to disqualification.
The SJJIF strongly discourages dehydration, caloric restriction, or the use of diuretics/laxatives/self-induced vomiting for weight reduction. Children should compete at their natural weight.
Weigh-In Guidelines
- All athletes must clear weight prior to their first match.
- Athletes must wear their full uniform (Gi or No-Gi) for weigh-in.
- Knee/elbow braces can be removed for weigh-in, but must be worn for competition.
- No shoes or extra items on the scale—only approved uniform/equipment.
- Each athlete may weigh in only once unless otherwise authorized.
Weight Divisions
- Kids: Separate divisions for GI and No-GI
- Juvenile, Adult, Master (Men/Women): Separate divisions for GI and No-GI
- Adapted Jiu-Jitsu & Special Events: Separate divisions for GI and No-GI
Age Divisions
Competitors will be grouped in age divisions based on the year of birth, not actual age. Children over the age of 12 will not be placed in the same division as children of the opposite sex.
The SJJIF recognizes male and female competitions. Matches between men and women are not permitted.
Recognized Age Divisions Include:
- Tiny Kids
- Kids
- Pre-Teen
- Teen
- Juvenile
- Adult
- Master 1–7 (as per SJJIF brackets)
