In competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), weight classes play a vital role in ensuring fairness and safety by matching competitors against opponents of similar size and weight. The International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), as one of the most prominent governing bodies in the sport, has developed a comprehensive weight class system that has evolved over time. Understanding these divisions, their history, and the related weigh-in procedures is essential for any athlete preparing for competition. This guide provides a complete overview of IBJJF weight classes and weigh-in rules to help you step onto the mats with confidence.

Table of contents

• Understanding IBJJF Weight Classes
• The Different Weight Classes in IBJJF
• IBJJF Weigh-In Rules

Understanding IBJJF Weight Classes

The IBJJF’s weight classes have undergone several adjustments since the federation's establishment to better accommodate the growing and diverse community of BJJ practitioners worldwide. Originally, weight classes were fewer and broader, which sometimes led to mismatched competitions. Over the years, the IBJJF refined these divisions to increase competitive balance, reduce injury risk, and ensure fairness.

The rationale behind the current structure focuses on grouping athletes within narrow weight ranges to foster technical skill as the primary deciding factor in matches, rather than sheer size advantage. The divisions are designed to reflect natural weight distributions and support safe competition across all belt levels and age groups.

The Different Weight Classes in IBJJF

Men’s Weight Classes

The IBJJF defines men’s weight classes by absolute weight limits, measured with the gi on, which adds approximately 1.5 to 2.0 kilograms (3.3 to 4.4 pounds) to the athlete’s body weight. The current men's adult divisions are as follows (weights include the gi):

• Rooster: Up to 57.5 kg (126.8 lbs)

• Light Feather: Up to 64 kg (141.1 lbs)

• Feather: Up to 70 kg (154.3 lbs)

• Light: Up to 76 kg (167.5 lbs)

• Middle: Up to 82.3 kg (181.4 lbs)

• Medium Heavy: Up to 88.3 kg (194.8 lbs)

• Heavy: Up to 94.3 kg (207.9 lbs)

• Super Heavy: Up to 100.5 kg (221.6 lbs)

• Ultra Heavy: Over 100.5 kg (221.6 lbs) – no upper limit

These classes apply primarily to the adult division (18-29 years old). For other age groups such as masters (30+), the weight divisions remain consistent, although there are sometimes slight variations for juvenile or lower age brackets to reflect different athlete profiles.

Men’s Weight Classes – No-Gi

In IBJJF no-gi competitions, men’s weight classes differ slightly from gi divisions because weigh-ins are conducted without the gi, reflecting athletes’ actual body weight. This typically results in slightly lower weight limits compared to gi categories.

The current IBJJF men’s no-gi weight classes (in kilograms and pounds) are:

• Rooster: Up to 55.5 kg (122.4 lbs)

• Light Feather: Up to 61.5 kg (135.6 lbs)

• Feather: Up to 67.5 kg (148.8 lbs)

• Light: Up to 73.5 kg (162 lbs)

• Middle: Up to 79.5 kg (175.4 lbs)

• Medium Heavy: Up to 85.5 kg (188.5 lbs)

• Heavy: Up to 91.5 kg (201.8 lbs)

• Super Heavy: Up to 97.5 kg (214.9 lbs)

• Ultra Heavy: Over 97.5 kg (214.9 lbs) – no upper limit

These divisions ensure fair competition by grouping athletes by actual weight, without the added gi weight. Competitors must carefully manage their body weight to qualify for their chosen division during no-gi weigh-ins.

Women’s Weight Classes

The women's weight classes are similarly structured but feature lower weight limits, reflecting general physiological differences. They are also measured with the gi on and are as follows:

• Rooster: Up to 48.5 kg (107 lbs)

• Light Feather: Up to 53.5 kg (118 lbs)

• Feather: Up to 58.5 kg (129 lbs)

• Light: Up to 64 kg (141 lbs)

• Middle: Up to 69 kg (152 lbs)

• Medium Heavy: Up to 74 kg (163 lbs)

• Heavy: Up to 79.3 kg (174.8 lb)

• Super Heavy: No weight limit

Women’s divisions take into account specific competitive considerations, ensuring equitable matchups while promoting inclusivity across all belt levels and age groups.

Women’s Weight Classes – No-Gi

Similar to men’s divisions, IBJJF women’s no-gi weight classes reflect actual body weight without the added gi weight. The current women’s no-gi divisions are:

• Rooster: Up to 46.5 kg ( 102.5 lbs)

• Light Feather: Up to 51.5 kg (113.5 lbs)

• Feather: Up to 56.5 kg (124.6 lbs)

• Light: Up to 61.5 kg (135.6 lbs)

• Middle: Up to 66.5 kg (146.6 lbs)

• Medium: Up to 71.5 kg (157.6 lbs)

• Heavy: Up to 76.5 kg (168.7 lbs)

• Super Heavy: No weight limit

These classes provide equitable competition opportunities by ensuring athletes compete within their natural body weight ranges.

Juvenile Weight Classes

The juvenile division in IBJJF competitions is designed for athletes aged 16 to 17 years old. (14 and 15-year-olds might be included in a separate juvenile division.) This category serves as a transition between the children’s divisions and the adult divisions, offering age-appropriate competition that reflects the physical and developmental changes typical in late adolescence.

Juvenile weight classes are similar to adult divisions but with slightly adjusted weight limits to accommodate the growth and maturation stage of competitors. Like other IBJJF divisions, weigh-ins for juveniles are conducted with the gi on, and weight classes are strictly enforced to ensure fair matchups.

The standard IBJJF male juvenile weight classes (including gi weight) are:

• Rooster: Up to 53.5 kg (117.9 lbs)

• Light Feather: Up to 58.5 kg (129.0 lbs)

• Feather: Up to 64 kg (141.1 lbs)

• Light: Up to 69 kg (152.1 lbs)

• Middle: Up to 74 kg (163.1 lbs)

• Medium Heavy: Up to 79.3 kg (174.8 lbs)

• Heavy: Up to 84.3 kg (185.8 lbs)

• Super Heavy: Up to 89.3 kg (196.9 lbs)

• Ultra Heavy: No weight limit

The standard IBJJF female juvenile weight classes (including gi weight) are:

• Rooster: Up to 44.3 kg (97.7 lbs)

• Light Feather: Up to 48.3 kg (106.5 lbs)

• Feather: Up to 52.5 kg (115.7 lbs)

• Light: Up to 56.5 kg (124.6 lbs)

• Middle: Up to 60.5 kg (133.4 lbs)

• Medium Heavy: Up to 65 kg (143.3 lbs)

• Heavy: Up to 69 kg (152.1 lbs)

• Super Heavy: No weight limit

By having a dedicated juvenile division, the IBJJF helps ensure young athletes compete against peers of similar age and size, promoting a safer and more balanced competitive environment.

Juvenile Weight Classes – No-Gi

The male juvenile division (ages 16-17) also has no-gi weight classes slightly adjusted from the gi divisions to reflect weigh-ins without the gi:

• Rooster: Up to 51.5 kg (113.5 lbs)

• Light Feather: Up to 56.5 kg (124.6 lbs)

• Feather: Up to 61.5 kg (135.6 lbs)

• Light: Up to 66.5 kg (146.6 lbs)

• Middle: Up to 71.5 kg (157.6 lbs)

• Medium Heavy: Up to 76.5 kg (168.7 lbs)

• Heavy: Up to 81.5 kg (179.7 lbs)

• Super Heavy: Up to 86.5 kg (190.7 lbs)

• Ultra Heavy: No weight limit

Female juvenile division (ages 16-17), no-gi:

• Rooster: Up to 42.5 kg (93.7 lbs)

• Light Feather: Up to 46.5 kg (102.5 lbs)

• Feather: Up to 50.5 kg (111.3 lbs)

• Light: Up to 54.5 kg (120.2 lbs)

• Middle: Up to 58.5 kg (129.0 lbs)

• Medium Heavy: Up to 62.5 kg (137.8 lbs)

• Heavy: Up to 66.5 kg (146.6 lbs)

• Super Heavy: No weight limit

Juvenile competitors weigh in without the gi and must meet these weight limits to qualify for their division.

Weight Classes for Children in IBJJF

The IBJJF provides specific weight divisions for children aged 3 to 14, separated by age brackets to ensure fair and developmentally appropriate matchups. These divisions accommodate the wide range of physical development in younger athletes and promote safety and positive competition experiences.

Weigh-ins for children are conducted with the gi on, just like adult and juvenile divisions, so the gi weight must be factored in when managing competition weight.

Here’s how the IBJJF typically organises children’s weight classes:

• Pre-K (3–4 years old): Weight classes range from 35 lbs and under to 50.1 lbs and above

• Kinder (5–6 years old): Weight classes range from 40 lbs and under to 80.1 lbs and above

• Youth 1 (7–8 years old): Weight classes range from 50 lbs and under to 120.1 lbs and above

• Youth 2 (9–10 years old): Weight classes range from 60 lbs and under to 120.1 lbs and above

• Pre-Teen (11–12 years old): Weight classes range from 70 lbs and under to 145.1 lbs and above

• Teen (13–14 years old): Weight classes range from 90 lbs and under to 160.1 lbs and above

15-year-olds fall into a transitional zone and are either included in a higher end of Teen divisions or moved into Juvenile based on the tournament’s rules and the athlete’s year of birth.

These divisions are defined in pounds and may vary slightly depending on the tournament organiser, but they offer a consistent framework across IBJJF events. As with all categories, weigh-ins are strict, and exceeding the registered class weight may result in disqualification.

IBJJF Weigh-In Rules

Weigh-ins are a mandatory part of IBJJF competitions and typically take place on the day before or the morning of the event. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are competing in a gi or no-gi division. Here’s what you can expect during the weigh-in:

Timing: Weigh-in sessions are scheduled within a specific time window, usually lasting one to two hours. Competitors should arrive early to avoid long queues and ensure they complete their weigh-in on time.

Gi requirement (gi competitions): Athletes must wear their competition gi during the weigh-in. The gi’s weight is included in the total weigh-in measurement, so competitors need to account for this when managing their weight.

No-gi weigh-ins: For no-gi competitions, athletes weigh in wearing minimal clothing such as rash guards and shorts. No gi is worn during weigh-in, so the recorded weight reflects the competitor’s actual body weight without added clothing weight.

Documentation: All competitors must bring a valid photo ID along with their IBJJF membership card or registration confirmation for identity verification.

Official scale: Weigh-ins are conducted on an official IBJJF-approved scale to ensure consistent and accurate measurements.

Weight check: During gi competitions, competitors step on the scale wearing their gi; in no-gi events, they weigh in without the gi. The official records the weight and verifies that it fits within the limits of the registered weight class.

Pass/fail: If an athlete weighs above the limit of their chosen weight division, they may be disqualified or required to compete in a higher weight class, depending on event rules and timing.

Multiple attempts: Some events allow competitors multiple attempts to make weight within the allotted weigh-in window, but all must be completed on time.

Failing to meet the weight requirements is taken seriously, so proper weight management and planning are critical in the days leading up to competition.

In Brief

Understanding the IBJJF weight classes is crucial for any Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner aiming to compete fairly and safely. By familiarising yourself with the various divisions and weigh-in procedures, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for your next tournament.

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FAQs

Does the gi weight count toward my official weigh-in weight?

Yes. The IBJJF weigh-in includes the weight of your gi, so plan accordingly when managing your competition weight.

Can I compete in a different weight class than the one I registered for?

Generally, you must compete in the class you registered for. Some events may allow changes before weigh-in, but this varies.

What happens if I fail the weigh-in?

You may be disqualified or moved to a higher weight class if timing permits. Some events have strict no-fail policies.

Is there a weight allowance or tolerance during weigh-ins?

No official tolerance is given; you must be at or below the maximum weight limit for your class with gi included.

What are absolute divisions?

Absolute divisions, also known as Open Class divisions in IBJJF, are weight-free categories where competitors of any weight can face each other. These divisions test skill and technique regardless of size, allowing athletes from all weight classes within the same belt and age group to compete against one another.