Ultimate Guide to BJJ Weight Classes & IBJJF Divisions (Gi and No-Gi)

BJJ Weight Classes and IBJJF Divisions for Gi and No-Gi Competitions

For many, understanding the intricacies of BJJ weight classes within the IBJJF framework can be perplexing. These weight classifications vary between gi and no-gi competitions and span a diverse range of age divisions. To add further complexity, a total of 22 age categories exist. Fear not, as we’re here to demystify these weight classes and age divisions.

Please note that the IBJJF weight classes outlined below were approved for 2023 and could be subject to changes in 2024.

IBJJF Male Adults and Masters Weight Classes (Gi)

IBJJF distinguishes nine weight divisions along with an open weight class for male participants. These divisions are separate for gi and no-gi competitions due to IBJJF’s policy of weighing in while wearing the appropriate competition attire.

Gi Weight Classes for Male Adults and Masters:

1. Rooster – under 57.5 kg (under 127 lbs)
2. Light feather – above 57.5 kg and under 64 kg (127 – 141.6 lbs)
3. Feather – above 64 kg and under 70 kg (141.6 – 154.6 lbs)
4. Light – above 70 kg and under 76 kg (154.6 – 168 lbs)
5. Middle – above 76 kg and under 82.3 kg (168 – 181.6 lbs)
6. Medium heavy – above 82.3 kg and under 88.3 kg (181.6 – 195 lbs)
7. Heavy – above 88.3 kg and under 94.3 kg (195 – 208 lbs)
8. Super heavy – above 94.3 kg and under 100.5 kg (208 – 222 lbs)
9. Ultra heavy – above 100.5 kg, no upper limit (222 lbs and up)
10. Open class – open to all weight classes

IBJJF Male Adults and Masters No-gi Weight Classes

Similar to the gi divisions, nine no-gi weight classes exist, along with an open weight division. Notably, the no-gi divisions are about 1.8 kg (4 lbs) lighter than their gi counterparts. The discrepancy increases as weight classes rise, with the no-gi ultra-heavy division being 2.7 kg (6 lbs) lighter than the gi version.

No-Gi Weight Classes for Male Adults and Masters:

1. Rooster – under 55.6 kg (under 122.6 lbs)
2. Light feather – above 55.6 kg and under 61.7 kg (122.6 – 136 lbs)
3. Feather – above 61.7 kg and under 67.5 kg (136 – 149 lbs)
4. Light – above 67.5 kg and under 73.5 kg (149 – 162.6 lbs)
5. Middle – above 73.5 kg and under 79.6 kg (162.6 – 175.6 lbs)
6. Medium heavy – above 79.6 kg and under 85.5 kg (175.6 – 188.6 lbs)
7. Heavy – above 85.5 kg and under 91.6 kg (188.6 – 202 lbs)
8. Super heavy – above 91.6 kg and under 97.5 kg (202 – 215 lbs)
9. Ultra heavy – above 97.5 kg, no upper limit (215 lbs and up)
10. Open class – open to all weight classes

IBJJF Female Adults and Masters Weight Classes

The IBJJF has expanded its female divisions, providing eight weight classes and an open-weight category for women:

Gi Weight Classes for Female Adults and Masters:

1. Rooster – under 48.5 kg (under 107 lbs)
2. Light feather – above 48.5 kg and under 53.5 kg (107 – 118 lbs)
3. Feather – above 53.5 kg and under 58.5 kg (118 – 129 lbs)
4. Light – above 58.5 kg and under 64 kg (129 – 141.6 lbs)
5. Middle – above 64 kg and under 69 kg (141.6 – 152.6 lbs)
6. Medium heavy – above 69 kg and under 74 kg (152.6 – 163.6 lbs)
7. Heavy – above 74 kg and under 79.3 kg (163.6 – 175 lbs)
8. Super Heavy – above 79.3 kg
9. Open class – open to all weight classes

No-Gi Weight Classes for Female Adults and Masters:

1. Rooster – under 46.7 kg (under 103 lbs)
2. Light feather – above 46.7 kg and under 51.7 kg (103 – 114 lbs)
3. Feather – above 51.7 kg and under 56.7 kg (114 – 125 lbs)
4. Light – above 56.7 kg and under 61.6 kg (125 – 136 lbs)
5. Middle – above 61.6 kg and under 66.7 kg (136 – 147 lbs)
6. Medium heavy – above 66.7 kg and under 71.6 kg (147 – 158 lbs)
7. Heavy – above 71.6 kg and under 76.6 kg (158 – 169 lbs)
8. Super Heavy – above 76.6 kg
9. Open class – open to all weight classes

Understanding IBJJF Age Divisions

A diverse range of age divisions, from 4 years old to 61 years and older, ensures fair competition. For participants aged 18 and above, the primary differentiator between age groups is the competing peers. Rules generally remain consistent, except for match time limits, which are explained below. Younger children may encounter limitations on certain submissions, with greater flexibility as they mature.

The calculation of age divisions can be perplexing initially. Rather than relying solely on age, IBJJF calculates divisions by subtracting the birth year from the current year. For example, to compete in Masters I, the current year must be at least 30 years after the competitor’s birth year.

Let’s illustrate this with an example: If born on January 1st, 1992, and competing on July 1st, 2022, eligibility is as a Masters I competitor (2021-1991=30). Similarly, a teammate born on December 31st, 1992, could also compete in Masters I on July 1st, 2022 (2022-1992=30).

It’s noteworthy that a 29-year-old competitor may compete in the masters division if their 30th birthday falls within the same competition year. Choosing between masters and adults divisions is at the competitor’s discretion, with the adults division often considered more prestigious and offering longer match times for advanced belts.

Age Divisions and Match Lengths for Adults and Masters:

• Adults – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 18 (5 minutes – White, 6 minutes – Blue, 7 minutes Purple, 08 minutes Brown, 10 minutes Black)
• Masters 1 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 30 (5 minutes White / Blue, 06 minutes – Purple / Brown / Black)
• Masters 2 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 36 – 5 minutes
• Masters 3 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 41 – 5 minutes
• Masters 4 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 46 – 5 minutes
• Masters 5 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 51 – 5 minutes
• Masters 6 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 56 – 5 minutes
• Masters 7 – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) ≥ 61 – 5 minutes

Match lengths primarily span 5 minutes, with some exceptions for advanced belts and specific divisions.

Youth Age Divisions and Match Lengths:

There are 14 age divisions, accounting for the rapid physical development in children. The divisions and match lengths are as follows:

• Mighty Mite I – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 4 – 2 minutes
• Mighty Mite II – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 5 – 2 minutes
• Mighty Mite III – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 6 – 2 minutes
• Pee Wee I – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 7 – 3 minutes
• Pee Wee II – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 8 – 3 minutes
• Pee Wee III – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 9 – 3 minutes
• Junior I – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 10 – 4 minutes
• Junior II – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 11 – 4 minutes
• Junior III – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 12 – 4 minutes
• Teen I – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 13 – 4 minutes
• Teen II – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 14 – 4 minutes
• Teen III – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 15 – 4 minutes
• Juvenile I – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 16 – 5 minutes
• Juvenile II – (Current Year) – (Birth Year) = 17 – 5 minutes

Notably, Juvenile I and Juvenile II have further divisions based on weight classes.

Weighing In and Considerations

Weigh-ins for IBJJF tournaments occur just before the initial match. Quick weigh-ins leave little time for rehydration, making water weight cuts less feasible. Missing weight results in disqualification with no second chances or refunds. Gi tournaments require weigh-ins while wearing the gi, factoring in the attire’s weight. Conversely, no-gi weigh-ins reflect the competitor’s attire.

IBJJF and Covid-19 Considerations

Covid-19 restrictions vary by venue, with guidelines adhering to local regulations. As of January 2022, no vaccine or testing requirements exist for IBJJF tournaments. Refunds are offered for canceled events due to Covid-19.

In Conclusion

A comprehensive understanding of BJJ weight classes is crucial for competitors. The consistent weight classes for adults and masters divisions, along with the nuances of the juvenile divisions, empower practitioners to make informed decisions. Embracing IBJJF’s stringent policies ensures a seamless competition experience and the opportunity to showcase skills in the appropriate weight class.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are IBJJF weight classes? IBJJF weight classes refer to specific divisions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions, categorizing participants based on their weight. These divisions ensure fair matchups by grouping individuals with similar body sizes.

2. How many weight classes are there in BJJ? The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) has established various weight classes, typically ranging from Rooster to Ultra Heavy, plus an open weight class, for both gi and no-gi competitions.

3. What is the difference between gi and no-gi weight classes in BJJ? Gi and no-gi weight classes in BJJ differ in the attire worn during competition. Gi divisions involve competitors wearing a traditional BJJ uniform (gi), while no-gi divisions involve wearing attire without the gi. The weight classes are adjusted accordingly for each division.

4. How do IBJJF weight classes work for women’s divisions? IBJJF weight classes for women’s divisions follow similar guidelines as men’s divisions, but with specific weight ranges tailored for female participants. These weight classes ensure fair competition among women of different sizes.

5. What are the age divisions in IBJJF competitions? IBJJF offers a wide range of age divisions, from children as young as 4 to adults over 60. These divisions ensure that competitors are matched with peers of similar ages and developmental stages.

6. How are age divisions calculated in IBJJF tournaments? Age divisions in IBJJF tournaments are calculated based on the current year minus the competitor’s birth year. The result determines which age group a participant falls into for fair competition.

7. What are the match length variations in IBJJF divisions? Match lengths vary based on belt rank, age division, and gender. Typically, matches are 5 minutes long for most divisions, but advanced belts and specific age groups may have longer match times.

8. Can I compete in a different age division if my birthday falls within the year of the competition? Yes, IBJJF allows competitors to compete in an age division if their birthday falls within the same year as the competition, even if they haven’t reached the full age of that division.

9. What should I consider for weigh-ins in BJJ tournaments? Weigh-ins for IBJJF tournaments occur just before the initial match. Competitors should factor in the weight of their attire, whether gi or no-gi, to ensure they meet the requirements of their chosen weight class.

10. How do Covid-19 restrictions affect IBJJF tournaments? Covid-19 restrictions for IBJJF tournaments vary by venue and are in line with local guidelines. As of January 2022, there are no specific vaccine or testing requirements for participation, but these regulations could change based on the evolving situation.

11. How can I ensure I’m competing in the correct BJJ weight class? To compete in the correct BJJ weight class, participants should be aware of their weight, attire, and the specific IBJJF weight classes for their chosen division. It’s important to avoid drastic last-minute weight cuts that could affect performance.

12. Are there any refunds if I miss weight in an IBJJF tournament? IBJJF has a strict policy that if a competitor misses weight during weigh-ins, they are disqualified from the tournament with no second chances or refunds.

13. What are the benefits of competing in the IBJJF adults division over the masters division? Competing in the adults division is often seen as more prestigious and may offer longer match times for advanced belts. However, the choice between adults and masters divisions ultimately depends on the participant’s goals and preferences.

14. Are Juvenile I and Juvenile II further divided by weight classes? Yes, Juvenile I and Juvenile II age divisions in IBJJF tournaments are further subdivided based on weight classes. These divisions ensure fair competition for participants in these age groups.