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Weight classes in Jiu Jitsu are a crucial element that helps keep competition fair and on track. Whatever stage you're at - whether you're a complete beginner stepping onto a local mat for the very first time or a seasoned grappler getting ready to move up the ranks - getting a handle on how weight classes work is vital. And it’s particularly important when it comes to the weight classes used in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In BJJ, you might hear these weight classes referred to as 'BJJ weight classes' or simply 'weight categories' - but to make things clear, they all boil down to the same thing: a system of weight divisions in place to make sure everyone is competing on an even playing field.
You might actually be surprised to learn that BJJ isn't one of those martial arts where sheer strength counts for all that much. But that being said, when you do get two athletes who are evenly matched in terms of skill level, then size and power do tend to play a more important role. Which is exactly why you'll see clearly defined weight divisions used in all major BJJ tournaments.
One of the things that BJJ enthusiasts love about this martial art is the fact that even smaller guys can knock over their bigger opponents thanks to leverage and technique. That’s absolutely true in training sessions, but the minute you step onto a competition mat, things become a lot more complicated.
That is where weight classes in Jiu Jitsu come in. By grouping competitors based on how much they weigh, tournaments make sure that competitors aren’t facing off against some poor soul who is an enormous amount bigger than they are. This in turn creates matchups that are a lot more competitive and technically demanding. It also stops newbies from ever feeling like they're in way over their heads.
Tournaments will use weight categories to ensure fair matches are being held between competitors who are roughly the same size. This helps open the sport up to people of all levels and skill sets. Weight classes are also a big part of what makes competition fair and inclusive for everyone involved.
Competitors need to follow these weight classes, which will vary from tournament to tournament.
Most major BJJ tournaments will structure competitors into the following categories:
Organizations like the IBJJF have some standardized weight classes in place - including gi weight classes and no-gi weight classes - but it's always worth double-checking the specific rules of the tournament you’re entering to be on the safe side.
In gi competitions, weight is taken with the gi on, no-gi is taken with it off – which can actually make a bit of a difference to which weight class you end up in. And when it comes to youth divisions, some weight classes have been designed specifically with younger competitors in mind – to ensure everything is fair and age-appropriate.
Below is a breakdown of some of the common adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu weight classes you might see in gi tournaments for men and women. Weight limits can vary between organizations, but this gives a general idea of what you can expect:
These weight classes are designed to keep competitors in line with a pretty tight weight range, so people don't get an advantage just because they're bigger.
These weight classes are used for both male and female adult divisions, with a bit of a tweak for each gender & age group.
When it comes to no-gi competition, weight classes in Jiu Jitsu are normally a little lower than they are in gi competition. It's because there's no gi to add extra weight to the competitor, and it can make a difference of up to 6 pounds depending on how big the gi is & what it's made of. When you're competing no-gi, knowing the specific IBJJF weight classes is super important, as they can differ from gi divisions and impact weigh-in procedures and match-ups.
Even though the class names are often the same (Light, Middle, Heavy, etc.), the actual weight limits are slightly lower. Some no-gi weight limits include 56.5 kg, 61.5 kg, 66.5 kg, 135.6 kg, 146.6 kg, and 58.5 kg (129.0 lbs), which gives you an idea of the difference from gi divisions. If you compete in both styles, it's worth getting the lowdown on the difference when planning your weight cuts & tournament schedule. Note that in no-gi competitions, weight classes like 56.5 kg (124.6 lbs) are standard in certain divisions.
One of the things that makes BJJ interesting is that weight classes aren't just about weight - they're always paired with belt divisions. So a white belt competitor won't be matched up against a purple belt competitor.
Each belt level - white, blue, purple, brown, and black - has its own set of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu weight classes, so that both experience & size are taken into account. Some organizations, like NAGA, even offer additional weight classes for older competitors, as well as standard adult and master divisions for both male and female competitors. This layered system helps keep matches competitive and rewarding of technical progress.
For beginners, this structure is especially encouraging - competing against someone of similar size & experience can really reduce anxiety at your first tournament.
Kids' divisions have a whole different take on weight classes. For kids & teens, weight classes are usually a lot narrower, with more divisions to account for all the growing they're doing. Pre-teen and juvenile weight classes are specifically designed for younger athletes, making sure they're competing with others of a similar age and developmental stage.
Kids' competitions are also way more safety-focused. Matches are often shorter, rules are more restrictive, & coaches play a much bigger role in guiding athletes during competition. As kids grow, they may move up through multiple weight classes in a single year - and that's completely normal.
Weigh-ins are an essential part of every Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition - they make sure athletes compete in the right weight division and that matches are fair and safe. The International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) has a clear set of rules for weigh-in procedures that are followed at all their events, and most other major jiu jitsu federations adopt them too.
For most IBJJF tournaments, competitors have to weigh in right before their first match. That means you've got to be at or below your division's weight limit when you weigh in - no allowances for being over, and there's no second chance if you blow it. In gi competitions, you have to weigh in while wearing your full competition gi - which is why it's so important to factor that weight into your preparation. For no-gi events, weigh-ins are done without the gi and the weight limits are adjusted accordingly.
If a competitor fails to make weight, jiu jitsu federation's rules are pretty strict: you'll get disqualified from your division and there are no second chances or refunds. That makes it super important to know your target weight and to check the specific requirements for each tournament you enter - slight variations can exist between different organizations or event locations.
To avoid any last-minute stress, always double-check the official weigh-in procedures published by the tournament organizers. Get there early, bring all your required gear, and make sure you're weighing yourself on a reliable scale before the event. By understanding and respecting the weigh-in rules set by the BJJ community, you'll set yourself up for a smooth competition day and be ready to perform at your best.
Weight cutting is a major topic in combat sports - and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is no different. But, let's be honest, making aggressive weight cuts can be a huge no-no, especially for beginners.
Because BJJ weight classes are pretty close to each other, extreme cutting tends to come back to haunt you with fatigue, dehydration and your game falls apart on comp day. Lots of experienced competitors prefer to roll at or near their natural training weight, focusing on getting in shape and refining their technique instead.
If you do decide to try to manage your weight, it's probably best to take it easy and get some professional guidance on the way.
Alongside standard divisions, lots of tournaments offer an Open Class or Absolute Division - where guys from all weight classes go head to head. These divisions really highlight one of the core principles of BJJ: that good technique can beat size.
Open weight matches can be some of the most fun to watch - you get to see some pretty creative guard work, dynamic movement and some seriously high level game planning going on. For the smaller competitors out there - winning in the absolute division is often seen as the ultimate bragging right.
Getting a handle on weight classes in Jiu Jitsu isn't just about doing well in comps - it also influences how you train day to day. Lighter guys will tend to focus more on speed, guard retention and mobility, while the larger lads will tend to work on pressure, top control and positioning.
You still get a lot of value out of rolling with partners of different weights, but when it comes to comp prep, you tend to spar with guys who are close to your own size.
At the end of the day, Weight Classes in Jiu Jitsu exist to help create some fairness, safety and just plain exciting games. Even though BJJ is a martial art where smaller practitioners can take down bigger opponents - weight divisions help make sure matches come down to skill, conditioning and game planning rather than just how big you are.
Whether you're stepping into your first comp or looking to kick off your next competitive season, getting a handle on BJJ weight classes will save you from making a bunch of rookie mistakes when it comes to training, nutrition and goal setting. Just know the rules, know your division and walk onto that mat feeling confident - because when it comes to Jiu Jitsu, its what's between your ears that matters every bit as much as what you can do on the mat.
