By Philipp — Rollbook · Updated October 18, 2026
IBJJF Weight Classes: Complete Guide to All Divisions (2025-2026)
The definitive guide to IBJJF weight classes for Gi, No-Gi, adult, masters, and juvenile divisions. Includes weight limits, cutting tips, and weigh-in rules.
On this page
- Understanding IBJJF Weight Classes
- Adult Male Gi Weight Classes
- Adult Female Gi Weight Classes
- Adult No-Gi Weight Classes
- IBJJF Masters Weight Classes
- Juvenile Weight Classes
- Gi vs No-Gi Weight Difference
- How IBJJF Weigh-Ins Work
- Weight Cutting Tips for IBJJF Tournaments
- Choosing Your Weight Class
- Open Class Explained
- Weight Class Strategy
- Common Weight Class Questions
- Tracking Your Competition Weight
- Official Sources
Understanding IBJJF Weight Classes
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) uses a comprehensive weight class system to ensure fair competition across all levels. Whether you're competing in your first local tournament or preparing for Worlds, understanding these weight divisions is essential for proper preparation.
This complete guide covers all IBJJF weight classes including adult Gi and No-Gi divisions, masters categories, and juvenile weight classes. We'll also share practical tips for making weight and what to expect at official weigh-ins. Before you register, make sure you're familiar with the full set of IBJJF competition rules.
Adult Male Gi Weight Classes
The adult male Gi division is the most common category at IBJJF tournaments. Here are the official weight limits from IBJJF's 2026 weight charts. IBJJF publishes its own pound limits for events that weigh in pounds; they are rounded figures, not straight conversions of the kilogram limits (Light is 76.0 kg or 168.0 lbs, while 76 kg converts to 167.6 lbs), so use the unit your event weighs in:
| Weight Class | Weight Limit (kg) | Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 57.5 kg | 127.0 lbs |
| Light Feather | 64.0 kg | 141.6 lbs |
| Feather | 70.0 kg | 154.6 lbs |
| Light | 76.0 kg | 168.0 lbs |
| Middle | 82.3 kg | 181.6 lbs |
| Medium Heavy | 88.3 kg | 195.0 lbs |
| Heavy | 94.3 kg | 208.0 lbs |
| Super Heavy | 100.5 kg | 222.0 lbs |
| Ultra Heavy | No limit | No limit |
| Open Class | No limit | No limit |
Important: These weights include your Gi. Plan for your Gi to add approximately 1.5-2.5 kg (3.3-5.5 lbs) to your body weight. Review the IBJJF Gi uniform requirements to make sure your competition Gi is legal before weigh-in day.
Warning: The most common weigh-in mistake is forgetting that Gi weight counts. A pearl-weave competition Gi typically weighs 1.5-2.0 kg, while a double-weave can weigh 2.0-2.5 kg. Weigh yourself at home in your full competition Gi at least a week before the event to avoid surprises.
Adult Female Gi Weight Classes
Female competitors have their own set of weight divisions:
| Weight Class | Weight Limit (kg) | Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 48.5 kg | 107.0 lbs |
| Light Feather | 53.5 kg | 118.0 lbs |
| Feather | 58.5 kg | 129.0 lbs |
| Light | 64.0 kg | 141.6 lbs |
| Middle | 69.0 kg | 152.6 lbs |
| Medium Heavy | 74.0 kg | 163.6 lbs |
| Heavy | 79.3 kg | 175.0 lbs |
| Super Heavy | No limit | No limit |
| Open Class | No limit | No limit |
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Adult No-Gi Weight Classes
No-Gi weight classes are slightly different since you're not wearing a heavy Gi. The weights are measured in your competition attire (rash guard and shorts).
Male No-Gi Divisions
| Weight Class | Weight Limit (kg) | Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 55.5 kg | 122.6 lbs |
| Light Feather | 61.5 kg | 136.0 lbs |
| Feather | 67.5 kg | 149.0 lbs |
| Light | 73.5 kg | 162.6 lbs |
| Middle | 79.5 kg | 175.6 lbs |
| Medium Heavy | 85.5 kg | 188.6 lbs |
| Heavy | 91.5 kg | 202.0 lbs |
| Super Heavy | 97.5 kg | 215.0 lbs |
| Ultra Heavy | No limit | No limit |
| Open Class | No limit | No limit |
Female No-Gi Divisions
| Weight Class | Weight Limit (kg) | Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 46.5 kg | 103.0 lbs |
| Light Feather | 51.5 kg | 114.0 lbs |
| Feather | 56.5 kg | 125.0 lbs |
| Light | 61.5 kg | 136.0 lbs |
| Middle | 66.5 kg | 147.0 lbs |
| Medium Heavy | 71.5 kg | 158.0 lbs |
| Heavy | 76.5 kg | 169.0 lbs |
| Super Heavy | No limit | No limit |
| Open Class | No limit | No limit |
IBJJF Masters Weight Classes
Masters divisions follow the same weight classes as adult divisions but are separated by age. For a comprehensive breakdown of each category, see our IBJJF masters age divisions guide. The masters age divisions are:
| Division | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Master 1 | 30-35 years |
| Master 2 | 36-40 years |
| Master 3 | 41-45 years |
| Master 4 | 46-50 years |
| Master 5 | 51-55 years |
| Master 6 | 56-60 years |
| Master 7 | 61+ years |
No merged brackets: IBJJF does not combine weight classes or age divisions when a bracket is small. If you are alone in your division, you are awarded the gold once you pass uniform inspection and weigh-in (Rule Book v6.1, General Competition Guidelines 4.4), or you can move to another division or withdraw for a refund -- check the event page for the options and deadlines.
Masters Weight Class Notes
- Masters use the same weight limits as adult divisions
- Your age is the event year minus your birth year, not your age on competition day (General Competition Guidelines 1.1). Someone born in 1996 counts as 30 for every IBJJF event in 2026
- You can compete in a younger age division but not an older one
- Masters matches last 5 minutes, except Master 1 purple, brown and black belts (6 minutes)
Juvenile Weight Classes
Juvenile divisions are for 16- and 17-year-olds: Juvenile 1 is 16 and Juvenile 2 is 17, again counted as event year minus birth year. Athletes aged 4 to 15 compete in the kids divisions, which have their own charts. Juveniles do not use adult weights -- they have their own, lighter table:
| Weight Class | Juvenile Male (Gi) | Juvenile Female (Gi) |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 53.5 kg / 118.0 lbs | 44.3 kg / 98.0 lbs |
| Light Feather | 58.5 kg / 129.0 lbs | 48.3 kg / 106.6 lbs |
| Feather | 64.0 kg / 141.6 lbs | 52.5 kg / 116.0 lbs |
| Light | 69.0 kg / 152.6 lbs | 56.5 kg / 125.0 lbs |
| Middle | 74.0 kg / 163.6 lbs | 60.5 kg / 133.6 lbs |
| Medium Heavy | 79.3 kg / 175.0 lbs | 65.0 kg / 143.6 lbs |
| Heavy | 84.3 kg / 186.0 lbs | 69.0 kg / 152.0 lbs |
| Super Heavy | 89.3 kg / 197.0 lbs | No limit |
| Ultra Heavy | No limit | -- |
Juvenile No-Gi limits are lighter again (on IBJJF's pound chart the juvenile Rooster limit is 114 lbs for boys and 94 lbs for girls), and the No-Gi kilogram chart splits boys into separate Juvenile 1 and Juvenile 2 tables. Whether juveniles get an open class depends on the event, so check the chart and rules on your event page.
Gi vs No-Gi Weight Difference
No-Gi limits are 2.0 to 3.0 kg (about 4 to 7 lbs) lighter than the matching Gi division, depending on the class. Men's Rooster is 57.5 kg in the Gi and 55.5 kg in No-Gi (2.0 kg), Middle is 82.3 kg vs 79.5 kg (2.8 kg), and Super Heavy is 100.5 kg vs 97.5 kg (3.0 kg). This roughly accounts for the weight of the Gi itself.
Planning Tip: If you compete in both Gi and No-Gi at the same event, register for both at your current weight. Don't try to cut to different classes for each format.
How IBJJF Weigh-Ins Work
Understanding the weigh-in process helps you prepare properly:
When Weigh-Ins Occur
- Weigh-ins happen on your competition day
- You must make weight before your first match
- Typically done in the bullpen area before your bracket starts
- No second chances - if you miss weight, you're disqualified
Pro Tip: Arrive at weigh-ins with a plan. Use the bathroom beforehand, have a light Gi option ready if you are close to the limit, and know exactly what your competition Gi weighs. Some competitors keep a spare, lighter Gi jacket in their bag specifically for borderline weigh-ins.
Chewjitsu on why cutting weight for BJJ hurts your performance — and why same-day IBJJF weigh-ins make aggressive cuts a particularly bad idea:
What to Expect
- Check-in: Present your IBJJF membership card and ID
- Gi Check: Your Gi will be measured for compliance (Gi divisions)
- Weigh-in: Step on the scale in your competition attire
- Clearance: Receive wristband or stamp indicating you've made weight
Weigh-In Attire
For Gi: Full competition Gi (jacket, pants, belt)
For No-Gi: Rash guard and shorts (competition attire)
Weight Cutting Tips for IBJJF Tournaments
While we don't recommend aggressive weight cutting, here are practical tips for making weight:
Chewjitsu on how to cut weight for BJJ without destroying your energy or performance — practical tips for the week leading up to same-day IBJJF weigh-ins:
The Week Before Competition
- Monitor your weight daily
- Reduce sodium intake 3-4 days out
- Stay hydrated until 24 hours before weigh-in
- Avoid heavy meals the night before
Day of Weigh-In
- Wake up early to allow time for final adjustments
- Skip breakfast until after weigh-in (if needed)
- Bring a light and heavy Gi option
- Use the bathroom before stepping on the scale
Healthy Weight Management
- Compete at your natural weight class
- Don't cut more than 3-5% of body weight
- Focus on losing fat during training camp, not water weight at the event
- Consider moving up a weight class if cuts are affecting performance
Key Takeaway
Aggressive weight cutting is rarely worth it in BJJ. Unlike combat sports with day-before weigh-ins, IBJJF weigh-ins happen on competition day -- often just minutes before your match. Cutting too much weight will leave you dehydrated and fatigued, directly hurting your performance on the mat.
Choosing Your Weight Class
Selecting the right weight class is crucial for competitive success:
Factors to Consider
- Natural Walking Weight: Where do you sit without actively dieting?
- Training Weight: Your weight during normal training periods
- Body Composition: Muscle vs. fat ratio matters
- Competition Experience: New competitors should avoid cutting weight -- read our first IBJJF tournament guide for more beginner advice
- Match Duration: Heavier weight cuts affect cardio in longer matches
When to Move Up or Down
Move Down If:
- You have excess body fat to lose
- You consistently weigh below your division limit
- You feel undersized against opponents
Move Up If:
- Weight cuts are affecting your performance
- You're constantly depleted at competition
- You feel stronger and more energetic at higher weight
Open Class Explained
The Open Class (Absolute) division has no weight limit, but it is not open to everyone. Key points:
- Only athletes who finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd in their weight division can enter, registering at the venue within 15 minutes of receiving their medals
- Adult black belts are the exception to the medal requirement -- check the event page for how they register
- There is no white-belt open class at Gi events
- Tests technique against larger/smaller opponents
- Often features exciting David vs. Goliath matchups
Weight Class Strategy
Same-Day Multiple Divisions
At IBJJF events, including majors like the Pan Championship and World Championship, a medal in your weight class earns you a place in the Open Class the same day. Strategy considerations:
- Weight division matches come first, and your result decides whether you can enter the Open Class
- Save energy for your primary division
- Open Class is bonus competition opportunity
- Consider your bracket sizes when deciding
Gi and No-Gi Same Event
Some IBJJF events feature both Gi and No-Gi on different days:
- Can register for same relative weight class in both
- No-Gi limits are 2.0-3.0 kg lighter than the Gi equivalent
- Consider which format you're prioritizing
Common Weight Class Questions
Can I Compete Above My Weight?
Yes, you can always register for a heavier weight class. However, you cannot compete in a lighter division than your actual weight.
What Happens If I Miss Weight?
Missing weight results in disqualification. You forfeit your entry fee and cannot compete in that division. Because Open Class entry depends on medaling in your weight division, missing weight normally ends your day entirely (adult black belts follow separate open-class rules, so check the event page).
Do I Weigh In With My Belt?
Yes, for Gi divisions you weigh in with your complete Gi including the belt. The belt typically weighs 200-400 grams.
Can I Change Weight Classes After Registration?
IBJJF typically allows weight class changes up until registration closes. After that, changes may not be permitted. Check the specific event rules.
Did You Know: The Open Class (Absolute) division lets you compete regardless of weight, but you have to earn your spot: reach the podium in your weight class, then register at the venue within 15 minutes of receiving your medal. Adult black belts are the exception. More in our absolute / open class guide.
Tracking Your Competition Weight
Successful competitors track their weight leading up to events. Key metrics to monitor:
- Morning weight (most accurate)
- Post-training weight
- Weekly averages
- Weight with and without Gi
- Hydration levels
This data helps you understand your body's patterns and makes weight management predictable rather than stressful.
Pro Tip: Start tracking your morning weight daily at least 6 weeks before competition. Your body weight can fluctuate 1-2 kg day to day based on hydration, meals, and training. Weekly averages give you a much more accurate picture of your true walking weight than any single weigh-in.
Official Sources
- IBJJF Books & Videos - Official weight classes and competition rules
- IBJJF Events Calendar - Tournament schedule and registration
Ready to prepare for your next IBJJF tournament? Download Rollbook to log your training sessions in seconds, keep a weekly goal through your camp, and log competition days as their own session type so you can note how they went. Rollbook is free on iOS and Android.
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