In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), weight classes play a crucial role in creating fair and competitive matchups. Weight divisions ensure that competitors face opponents with similar physical characteristics. Thus, leveling the playing field. This makes the matches more about skill, technique, and strategy rather than sheer size or strength. Understanding weight classes is key in BJJ competitions. It does not matter either you're a competitor or simply curious about the structure of BJJ tournaments. In this article, we’ll dive deep into BJJ weight classes. We will particularly focus on IBJJF weight classes, and how they impact the competition landscape.

IBJJF Weight Classes: A Breakdown

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is one of the most prominent governing bodies in the BJJ sport. And its weight class system is widely adopted in BJJ tournaments around the world. IBJJF weight classes vary based on age, gender, and belt rank, and are divided into Gi and No-Gi categories. Let's explore each of these aspects in detail. 

IBJJF Weight Classes for Adults – Gi

When competing in Gi BJJ, your weight is measured with the gi on. So, it's important to keep that in mind when choosing your division. Here's a look at the official IBJJF weight classes for adult male and female competitors:

Male Adult Gi Weight Classes:

• Rooster: Up to 57.5 kg (126.5 lbs)
• Light Feather: 57.6 kg – 64 kg (126.5 – 141 lbs)
• Feather: 64.1 kg – 70 kg (141 – 154 lbs)
• Light: 70.1 kg – 76 kg (154 – 167.5 lbs)
• Middle: 76.1 kg – 82.3 kg (167.5 – 181.5 lbs)
• Medium Heavy: 82.4 kg – 88.3 kg (181.5 – 195 lbs)
• Heavy: 88.4 kg – 94.3 kg (195 – 208 lbs)
• Super Heavy: 94.4 kg – 100.5 kg (208 – 222 lbs)
• Ultra Heavy: Over 100.5 kg (Over 222 lbs)

Female Adult Gi Weight Classes:

• Rooster: Up to 48.5 kg (107 lbs)
• Light Feather: 48.6 kg – 53.5 kg (107 – 118 lbs)
• Feather: 53.6 kg – 58.5 kg (118 – 129 lbs)
• Light: 58.6 kg – 64 kg (129 – 141 lbs)
• Middle: 64.1 kg – 69 kg (141 – 152 lbs)
• Medium Heavy: 69.1 kg – 74 kg (152 – 163 lbs)
• Heavy: Over 74 kg (Over 163 lbs)

IBJJF Weight Classes for Adults – No-Gi

No-Gi weight classes are slightly different because competitors do not wear the gi. Hence it affects overall weight. Here’s a breakdown of the No-Gi BJJ weight classes for both male and female adult divisions:

Male Adult No-Gi Weight Classes:

• Rooster: Up to 55.5 kg (122.4 lbs)
• Light Feather: 55.6 kg – 61.5 kg (122.4 – 135.6 lbs)
• Feather: 61.6 kg – 67.5 kg (135.6 – 148.8 lbs)
• Light: 67.6 kg – 73.5 kg (148.8 – 162 lbs)
• Middle: 73.6 kg – 79.5 kg (162 – 175.3 lbs)
• Medium Heavy: 79.6 kg – 85.5 kg (175.3 – 188.5 lbs)
• Heavy: 85.6 kg – 91.5 kg (188.5 – 201.7 lbs)
• Super Heavy: 91.6 kg – 97.5 kg (201.7 – 214.9 lbs)
• Ultra Heavy: Over 97.6 kg (Over 214.9 lbs)

Female Adult No-Gi Weight Classes:

• Rooster: Up to 48.5 kg (107 lbs)
• Light Feather: 48.6 kg – 53.5 kg (107 – 118 lbs)
• Feather: 53.6 kg – 58.5 kg (118 – 129 lbs)
• Light: 58.6 kg – 64 kg (129 – 141 lbs)
• Middle: 64.1 kg – 69 kg (141 – 152 lbs)
• Medium Heavy: 69.1 kg – 74 kg (152 – 163 lbs)
• Heavy: Over 74 kg (Over 163 lbs)

Youth and Master Weight Classes

The IBJJF also provides weight divisions for youth and master divisions. These divisions have their own unique weight categories. These divisions accommodate younger and older competitors. Hence, ensuring fairness across all ages.

Kids and Juveniles:

In kids and juvenile divisions, the weight classes differ based on both age and weight. It ranges from Rooster to Ultra Heavy for different age brackets.

Master Divisions:

Master divisions, which include competitors over the age of 30, follow the same weight classes as the adult categories. However, some tournaments may adjust these divisions slightly to accommodate the age group.

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What to Consider When Choosing Your BJJ Weight Class

Choosing the correct weight class is essential for successful competition. Here's what to consider:

1. Weight with Gi vs. No-Gi: In Gi competitions, your weight is measured while wearing your gi. This can add up to 1.5 kg (3 lbs) to your total weight. Make sure to account for this when selecting your division.
2. Cutting Weight: Some athletes choose to cut weight to enter a lower weight class. While this can provide a competitive advantage, it also carries risks. The risks it involves include dehydration and fatigue. It's important to balance your desire to enter a lower class with your overall health and performance.
3. Natural Weight: Most athletes prefer to compete close to their natural weight to avoid the physical stress of cutting weight. Competing at your natural weight allows for better stamina, strength, and focus.

Why Weight Classes Matter in BJJ

Weight classes are a fundamental part of competition because they help ensure fairness. In a sport like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, technique, leverage, and timing are critical. But size and weight can also play a significant role. When competitors are in the same weight division, it eliminates the potential for size disparities to influence the outcome. Thus making it a more skill-based contest.

Conclusion: Find Your Division and Compete

Whether you’re preparing for a Gi or No-Gi competition, it’s essential to understand the IBJJF weight classes. Moreover, it is important to choose the division that best suits you. At Novakik BJJ, we offer a wide selection of BJJ gis and No-Gi gear to help you train and compete at your best. Whether you're in the lightest weight division or the heaviest, we’ve got the right gear to help you feel comfortable and perform at your peak.

Shop now at Novakik BJJ and find the Best Bjj Gi and No-Gi gear to dominate your weight class in your next competition!