Here is our full guide on bjj weight classes and weight divisions – I will be going over how bjj weight classes are broken down and bjj weight divisions for the biggest organizations for both gi and no gi such as the IBJJF, ADCC, and NAGA.
At every bjj belt level it is strongly recommended you compete!
We’ve also added bjj age divisions including adult and masters divisions for each.
IBJJF Weight Classes
The International Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Federation or the IBJJF is the biggest and most famous BJJ competition host in the world today. It is also know as Confederacao Brasilleira de Jiu Jitsu.
It was founded in 1994 by Carlos Gracie Jr. head of Gracie Barra to create a safe and regulated environment for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes to compete in.
Male IBJJF Weight Classes
| Division | Gi Weight (kg/lbs) | No-Gi Weight (kg/lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 57.5 kg / 126.5 lbs | 55.5 kg / 122.5 lbs |
| Light Feather | 64 kg / 141 lbs | 61.5 kg / 136 lbs |
| Feather | 70 kg / 154 lbs | 67.5 kg / 149 lbs |
| Light | 76 kg / 167 lbs | 73.5 kg / 162.5 lbs |
| Middle | 82.3 kg / 181 lbs | 79.5 kg / 175.5 lbs |
| Medium Heavy | 88.3 kg / 195 lbs | 85.5 kg / 188.5 lbs |
| Heavy | 94.3 kg / 208 lbs | 91.5 kg / 202 lbs |
| Super Heavy | 97.5 kg / 215 lbs | 97.5 kg / 215 lbs |
| Ultra Heavy | No maximum | No maximum |
Female IBJJF Weight Classes
| Division | Gi Weight (kg/lbs) | No-Gi Weight (kg/lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 47.5 kg / 107 lbs | 46.5 kg / 103 lbs |
| Light Feather | 52.2 kg / 115 lbs | 51.5 kg / 114 lbs |
| Feather | 57 kg / 125.5 lbs | 56.5 kg / 125 lbs |
| Light | 62.8 kg / 138.5 lbs | 61.5 kg / 136 lbs |
| Middle | 69.1 kg / 152 lbs | 66.5 kg / 147 lbs |
| Medium Heavy | 76.1 kg / 167.5 lbs | 71.5 kg / 158 lbs |
| Heavy | 82.3 kg / 181.5 lbs | 76.5 kg / 169 lbs |
| Super Heavy | No maximum | No maximum |
IBJJF Age Divisions
There are three different age divisions in IBJJF. Namely these are Juvenile, Adult and Masters (which is broken up further in the next section).
| Juvenile | 16 year old & up |
| Adult | 18 years old & up |
| Masters | 30 years old & up |
IBJJF Masters Age Divisions
- Adults – ≥ 18
- Masters 1 – ≥ 30
- Masters 2 – ≥ 36
- Masters 3 – ≥ 41
- Masters 4 – ≥ 46
- Masters 5 – ≥ 51
- Masters 6 – ≥ 56
- Masters 7 – ≥ 61
ADCC Weight Classes
The Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) holds one of (if not the) most prestigious grappling event in the world. It is considered the grappling Olympics and is held once every two years.
They hold qualifier tournaments each year with winners of the tournaments giving an invite to the ADCC championship.
Recently, they also started hosting frequent ADCC Opens at a variety of international locations. These events bring many tough competitors who are likely vying for their spot in the ADCC Championship.
With a distinct rule set and a focus on no gi grappling only, it is quickly becoming massively popular and for many even rivals the IBJJF.
Weight Classes for ADCC Opens and Other Tournaments
ADCC Open Tournament Male Weight Classes
Male Weight Classes (Professional, Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner)
| Age Division | -60.0 kg (-132 lbs) | -65.0 kg (-143 lbs) | -70.0 kg (-154 lbs) | -76.0 kg (-167 lbs) | -83.0 kg (-183 lbs) | -91.0 kg (-200 lbs) | -100.0 kg (-220 lbs) | +100.0 kg (+220 lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18+) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Masters 1 (35+) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Masters 2 (40+) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Masters 3 (45+) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boys 15-18 yrs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boys 13-14 yrs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boys 11-12 yrs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boys 9-10 yrs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boys 7-8 yrs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
ADCC Open Tournament Female Weight Classes
Female Weight Classes (Professional, Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner)
| Age Division | -50 kg (-110 lbs) | -55 kg (-121 lbs) | -60 kg (-132 lbs) | -65 kg (-143 lbs) | -70 kg (-154 lbs) | +70 kg (+154 lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18+) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Masters 1 (35+) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Girls 15-18 yrs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Girls 13-14 yrs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Girls 11-12 yrs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Girls 9-10 yrs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Girls 7-8 yrs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Experience Levels for ADCC BJJ Weight Classes (For Opens and Other ADCC Tournaments)
| Experience Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Professional | More than 5 years of experience in BJJ, Judo, Sambo, etc. |
| Advanced | More than 5 years of experience in BJJ, Judo, Sambo, etc. |
| Intermediate | From 2 to 4 years experience in BJJ, Judo, Sambo, etc. |
| Beginner | Less than 2 years experience in BJJ, Judo, Sambo, etc. Also includes categories for 7-8 and 9-10 year old boys and girls, who can compete together. |
Weight Classes for ADCC Qualifiers and ADCC World Championships
ADCC Qualifiers and World Championships Male Weight Classes
| Weight Limit (kg) | Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|
| -65.9 kg | -145.2 lbs |
| -76.9 kg | -169.5 lbs |
| -87.9 kg | -193.7 lbs |
| -98.9 kg | -218.0 lbs |
| +99 kg | +220.5 lbs |
| Absolute (Open) | No Limit |
ADCC Qualifiers and World Championships Female Weight Classes
| Weight Limit (kg) | Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|
| -60.0 kg | -132.2 lbs |
| +60.0 kg | +132.2 lbs |
NAGA Weight Classes
The North American Grappling Association (NAGA) is another very popular a prominent organization in the grappling community that’s been holding events since 1995. They are probably the most popular in North America next to ADCC or IBJJF events.
Plus they also aware NAGA belts and swords:
- Championship belts awarded to:
- Adult divisions (incl. master, director, executive) no-gi expert winners
- Adult divisions (incl. master, director, executive) purple, brown, black belt winners
- Children & Teen no-gi & gi expert winners
- Adult absolute intermediate, expert, purple, brown/black belt winners
- Competitors can win one belt per tournament, except in absolutes where more can be won*
- Non-Expert Division Awards:
- Children winners receive a sword (one per event)
Male NAGA Weight Classes
| Weight Class | Weight Limit (kg) | Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Flyweight | 58.97 & under | 129.9 & under |
| Bantamweight | 58.97 – 63.50 | 130 to 139.9 |
| Featherweight | 63.50 – 67.81 | 140 to 149.9 |
| Lightweight | 67.81 – 72.57 | 150 to 159.9 |
| Welterweight | 72.57 – 77.11 | 160 to 169.9 |
| Middleweight | 77.11 – 81.65 | 170 to 179.9 |
| Light-Heavyweight | 81.65 – 86.18 | 180 to 189.9 |
| Cruiserweight | 86.18 – 90.72 | 190 to 199.9 |
| Heavyweight | 90.72 – 102.06 | 200 to 224.9 |
| Super-Heavyweight | 102.06 – 113.40 | 225 to 249.9 |
| Ultra-Heavyweight | 113.40 & over | 250 & above |
Female NAGA Weight Classes
| Weight Class | Weight Limit (kg) | Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Atomic Weight | 45.36 & under | 99.9 & under |
| Atomweight | 45.36 – 49.90 | 100 to 109.9 |
| Strawweight | 49.90 – 54.43 | 110 to 119.9 |
| Flyweight | 54.43 – 58.97 | 120 to 129.9 |
| Bantamweight | 58.97 – 63.50 | 130 to 139.9 |
| Featherweight | 63.50 – 67.81 | 140 to 149.9 |
| Lightweight | 67.81 – 72.57 | 150 to 159.9 |
| Welterweight | 72.57 – 77.11 | 160 to 169.9 |
| Middleweight | 77.11 – 81.65 | 170 to 179.9 |
| Light-Heavyweight | 81.65 – 86.18 | 180 to 189.9 |
| Cruiserweight | 86.18 – 90.72 | 190 to 199.9 |
| Heavyweight | 90.72 & over | 200 & over |
Grappling Industries Weight Classes
Grappling Industries organizes worldwide tournaments that emphasize a competitor-focused experience. They are mostly known for their round-robin format to guarantee multiple matches for participants, catering to all skill levels and age groups.
I’ve competed in a couple of their events and pretty much always had atleast two matches as opposed to some other organizations where I’m stuck with only one match (after wasting time preparing and cutting weight).
Male Grappling Industries Weight Classes
| Age Division | Weight Divisions |
|---|---|
| Adults 18+ | -135 lbs (-61 kg) |
| Master 30+ | -145 lbs (-66 kg) |
| Senior 40+ | -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) |
Female Grappling Industries Weight Classes
| Age Division | Weight Divisions |
|---|---|
| Adults 18+ | -105 lbs (-48 kg) |
| Master 30+ | -115 lbs (-52 kg) |
| -125 lbs (-57 kg) | |
| -135 lbs (-61 kg) | |
| -145 lbs (-66 kg) | |
| -155 lbs (-70 kg) | |
| -170 lbs (-77 kg) | |
| -185 lbs (-84 kg) | |
| -200 lbs (-91 kg) | |
| Over 200 lbs (over 91 kg) |
Grappling X Weight Classes
Grappling X is another jiu jitsu organization that holds frequent tournaments.
If you are a BJJ practitioner from the West Coast, then you have probably heard about Grappling X. I also like their web portal currently known as “Smooth Comp” where you can see your record and profile across different competitions (like Grappling X and Submissions on the Shore”).
Adult Male Grappling X Weight Classes (18+ Years Old)
| Weight Class | Weight in lbs | Weight in kg |
|---|---|---|
| Featherweight | 135 & Under | 61.23 & Under |
| Flyweight | 135.1 – 145 | 61.28 – 65.77 |
| Lightweight | 145.1 – 155 | 65.82 – 70.31 |
| Junior Welterweight | 155.1 – 165 | 70.36 – 74.84 |
| Welterweight | 165.1 – 175 | 74.89 – 79.38 |
| Middleweight | 175.1 – 185 | 79.42 – 83.91 |
| Light Heavyweight | 185.1 – 200 | 83.96 – 90.72 |
| Heavyweight | 200.1 – 220 | 90.76 – 99.79 |
| Super Heavyweight | 220.1 & Above | 99.84 & Above |
Masters Male Grappling X Weight Classes (30+ Years Old)
| Weight Class | Weight in lbs | Weight in kg |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | 160 & Under | 72.57 & Under |
| Middleweight | 160.1 – 180 | 72.62 – 81.65 |
| Light Heavyweight | 180.1 – 200 | 81.70 – 90.72 |
| Heavyweight | 200.1+ & Above | 90.76 & Above |
Female Grappling X Weight Classes (18+ Years Old)
| Weight Class | Weight in lbs | Weight in kg |
|---|---|---|
| Featherweight | 115 & Under | 52.16 & Under |
| Lightweight | 115.1 – 130 | 52.21 – 58.97 |
| Welterweight | 130.1 – 145 | 59.02 – 65.77 |
| Middleweight | 145.1 – 160 | 65.82 – 72.57 |
| Heavyweight | 160.1 & Above | 72.62 & Above |
Jiu Jitsu World League
The Jiu Jitsu World League (JJWL) was co-founded by Rigan Machado and has definitely been growing in popularity over the past couple years. I competed in two of their events in the past and can’t really say anything negative about them.
JJWL Adult Gi Weight Classes
Male – Adult & Masters Gi
| Weight Class | Weight Limit (lbs) | Weight Limit (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 130 and under | 59.0 and under |
| Light Feather | 141 and under | 64.0 and under |
| Feather | 154 and under | 69.9 and under |
| Light | 168 and under | 76.2 and under |
| Middle | 182 and under | 82.6 and under |
| Medium Heavy | 195 and under | 88.5 and under |
| Heavy | 208 and under | 94.3 and under |
| Super Heavy | 222 and under | 100.7 and under |
| Ultra Heavy | 223 and over | 101.2 and over |
Female – Adult & Masters Gi
| Weight Class | Weight Limit (lbs) | Weight Limit (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 108 and under | 49.0 and under |
| Light Feather | 120 and under | 54.4 and under |
| Feather | 130 and under | 59.0 and under |
| Light | 142 and under | 64.4 and under |
| Middle | 154 and under | 69.9 and under |
| Medium Heavy | 165 and under | 74.8 and under |
| Heavy | 177 and under | 80.3 and under |
| Super Heavy | 178 and over | 80.7 and over |
JJWL Adult No Gi Weight Classes
Male – Adult & Masters No Gi
| Weight Class | Weight Limit (lbs) | Weight Limit (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 130 and under | 59.0 and under |
| Light Feather | 141 and under | 64.0 and under |
| Feather | 154 and under | 69.9 and under |
| Light | 168 and under | 76.2 and under |
| Middle | 182 and under | 82.6 and under |
| Medium Heavy | 195 and under | 88.5 and under |
| Heavy | 208 and under | 94.3 and under |
| Super Heavy | 222 and under | 100.7 and under |
| Ultra Heavy | 223 and over | 101.2 and over |
Female – Adult & Masters No Gi
| Weight Class | Weight Limit (lbs) | Weight Limit (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 130 and under | 59.0 and under |
| Light Feather | 141 and under | 64.0 and under |
| Feather | 154 and under | 69.9 and under |
| Light | 168 and under | 76.2 and under |
| Middle | 182 and under | 82.6 and under |
| Medium Heavy | N/A | N/A |
| Heavy | 155 and over | 70.3 and over |
| Super Heavy | N/A | N/A |
| Ultra Heavy | N/A | N/A |
UAEJJF
The United Arab Emirates Jiu Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) is the official governing body for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in the United Arab Emirates. The federation organizes a comprehensive calendar of competitions each year, including prestigious events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and the World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro (AJP) organization and works to promote BJJ across the UAE.
Male UAEJJF Weight Classes (18+)
| Weight Class | Weight Limit (kg) | Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | -56 kg | -123.5 lbs |
| Class 2 | -62 kg | -136.7 lbs |
| Class 3 | -69 kg | -152.1 lbs |
| Class 4 | -77 kg | -169.8 lbs |
| Class 5 | -85 kg | -187.4 lbs |
| Class 6 | -94 kg | -207.2 lbs |
| Class 7 | -120 kg | -264.6 lbs |
Female UAEJJF Weight Classes (18+)
| Weight Class | Weight Limit (kg) | Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | -49 kg | -108.0 lbs |
| Class 2 | -55 kg | -121.3 lbs |
| Class 3 | -62 kg | -136.7 lbs |
| Class 4 | -70 kg | -154.3 lbs |
| Class 5 | -95 kg | -209.4 lbs |
Related Frequently Asked Questions
How and When Do You Weigh in for a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Competition?
This will vary from organization to organization so its important to always check the rules before signing up.
Some organizations like Grappling X allow you to weigh in the day of or the day before. Others like the IBJJF have you weigh in the day of, usually just before your first match.
The IBJJF is also quite strict in that if you don’t make weight for the weight class you signed up for you will be immediately disqualified. Others are more flexible and may allow you to compete in the heavier weight class.
Does IBJJF Make You Weigh In with Your Gi On?
Yes, you must weigh with your gi on when competing in an IBJJF tournament. This also goes for no gi attire. You will be required to weigh in wearing your no gi apparel as well.
How Does a BJJ Competition Work?
Here is generally what to expect for your first bjj tournament:
- you sign up for the tournament on line
- you arrive at the event for check in (check times your division is competing at)
- your name will called then you will weight in and shortly after have your first match
How Much Does a Gi Weigh?
A gi can weigh from 2 lbs-5 lbs depending on the size, materials and brand.
Tip: Make sure you have a competition approved gear because if not, you can get disqualified.
We hope this info has helped provide some answers to bjj weights classes and the different organization requires – for some related reading check out the links below:
Zack Nicholas
Zack is an avid jiu jitsu practitioner and martial arts nerd. He currently holds a brown belt in BJJ. When not on the mats or in the gym, he can be found going for walks with his wife, attempting (and often failing) to train his dog, and frequently obsessing over a specific hobby only to forget about it a week later.
