Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Weight Classes: Complete IBJJF Guide (2026)

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Weight Classes: Complete IBJJF Guide (2026)

By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by IBJJF competitors and tournament organizers | Last Updated: January 14, 2026

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu weight classes are standardized divisions established by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) to ensure fair competition by grouping competitors of similar size, with adult male gi divisions ranging from Rooster (under 122.5 lbs/55.5 kg) through nine weight classes to Ultra-Heavy (no upper limit above 222 lbs/100.5 kg), while no-gi divisions are approximately 4-6 lbs lighter at each level because weigh-ins occur without the gi uniform, and female divisions feature seven weight classes from Rooster (under 115 lbs/52 kg) to Super Heavy (no limit above 175 lbs/79.3 kg).

FloGrappling explains the system: “The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation uses a series of weight classes for its gi and no-gi competitions with male divisions including Rooster (55.5 kg/122.5 lbs), Light-Feather (61.5 kg/136 lbs), Feather (67.5 kg/149 lbs), Light (73.5 kg/162.5 lbs), Middle (79.5 kg/175.5 lbs), Middle Heavy (85.5 kg/188.5 lbs), Heavy (91.5 kg/202 lbs), Super Heavy (97.5 kg/215 lbs), and Ultra-Heavy with no maximum weight”.

Progress Jiu Jitsu notes the gi weight difference: “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 with competitors needing to carefully manage their body weight to qualify for their chosen division during no-gi weigh-ins”.​

Understanding weight classes is crucial for competition preparation including selecting the optimal division (cutting to lower weight class versus competing naturally at higher class), strategic weight management timing (when to cut water weight safely in final 24-48 hours before weigh-in), gi weight considerations (competition gis add 3-6 lbs meaning athletes can compete 4-6 lbs heavier in gi versus no-gi at same division), and absolute/open class strategy where size advantages matter significantly since all weight classes compete together.

This comprehensive guide breaks down complete IBJJF weight class tables for adult male and female divisions in both gi and no-gi formats, explains juvenile and masters age divisions, compares IBJJF to other major organizations (ADCC, NAGA), provides weight cutting strategies and safety guidelines, addresses gi weight impact on division selection, and offers competition preparation recommendations for choosing your optimal weight class whether you’re preparing for your first tournament as a white belt or competing at elite black belt level.​

IBJJF Adult Male Weight Classes (Complete Tables)

Male Gi Weight Classes (With Gi)

Jiu Jitsu Legacy complete breakdown: “There are nine weight classes plus an open weight division, with small weight discrepancies between IBJJF metric (kg) weight classes and IBJJF imperial (lbs) weight classes that competitors should be aware of when determining whether they’ll be weighed in kilograms or pounds”.​

IBJJF Adult Male Gi Divisions:

Key details:

• Weigh-in includes gi (wearing competition uniform)
• Gi adds approximately 3-6 lbs (1.5-3 kg)
• Most common divisions: Light, Middle, Medium-Heavy
• Ultra-Heavy starts at 97.5 kg (no upper limit)

Male No-Gi Weight Classes (Without Gi)

IBJJF Adult Male No-Gi Divisions:

Important notes:

• No-gi weigh-in = body weight only (shorts/rashguard)
• Heavier divisions have larger gaps from gi
• Can compete in heavier division in gi vs no-gi
• Example: 190 lbs athlete = Medium-Heavy (gi) or Heavy (no-gi)

IBJJF Adult Female Weight Classes

Female Gi Weight Classes (With Gi)

IBJJF Adult Female Gi Divisions:

Key differences from male:

• Seven divisions (vs nine male)
• No “Super-Heavy” or “Ultra-Heavy” distinction
• Heavy = no upper limit
• Smaller weight gaps between divisions

Female No-Gi Weight Classes (Without Gi)

IBJJF Adult Female No-Gi Divisions:

Important considerations:

• Significant difference between gi and no-gi (7-8 kg)
• Gi weight impact greater for women
• Strategic division choice matters more
• May compete in different divisions gi vs no-gi

Juvenile and Masters Divisions

Juvenile Weight Classes (Ages 16-17)

Male Juvenile Gi:

Female Juvenile Gi:

Masters Divisions (Ages 30+)

Weight classes remain identical to adult divisions:

• Same weight limits as adult (30-35 year old in Masters 1)
• Age brackets: Masters 1-7 (30-34, 35-39, 40-44, etc.)
• Belt and age determine division
• Reference: Understanding age to start BJJ for all ages

Gi Weight Impact: Strategic Considerations

How Much Does a Gi Weigh?

Competition gi weights:

• Lightweight gi: 3-4 lbs (1.4-1.8 kg)
• Standard gi: 4-5 lbs (1.8-2.3 kg)
• Heavy gi: 5-6 lbs (2.3-2.7 kg)
• With belt: Add 0.5 lbs

Strategic implications:

• Can wear heavier gi = compete at higher weight
• Example: 185 lbs body weight
  • No-gi: Medium-Heavy (188.5 lbs limit)
  • Gi with 5 lb uniform: 190 lbs = over Medium-Heavy, must compete at Heavy
• Choose lighter gi for lower division

Reference: Guide to choosing first BJJ gi and gi sizing

Strategic Division Selection

Factors to consider:

1. Natural weight:

• Where do you walk around normally?
• Competing at natural weight = strength advantage
• Cutting weight = temporary size reduction

2. Competition depth:

• Light/Middle = most competitors (toughest)
• Rooster/Ultra-Heavy = fewer competitors
• May face easier path at extreme divisions

3. Physical attributes:

• Tall/long limbs = guard game (lower weight okay)
• Short/stocky = passing game (benefit from strength)
• Consider style matchup

4. Weight cutting capacity:

• Can you safely cut 5-10 lbs?
• Prior experience cutting weight?
• Time until competition?

Weight Cutting: Strategy and Safety

Safe Weight Cut Timeline

4-6 weeks out:

• Clean diet (eliminate processed foods)
• Reduce calories slightly (500/day deficit)
• Maintain training intensity
• Lose 1-2 lbs per week maximum

1 week out:

• Normal eating (don’t crash diet)
• Reduce sodium slightly (3-4 days before)
• Maintain hydration
• Light training (taper)

48 hours before weigh-in:

• Water loading method:
  • Day 6: Drink 2 gallons water
  • Day 5: Drink 2 gallons water
  • Day 4: Drink 2 gallons water
  • Day 3: Drink 1 gallon water
  • Day 2: Drink 0.5 gallon water
  • Day 1 (weigh-in day): Minimal water
• Body flushes excess water (natural diuretic effect)

Day before weigh-in:

• Low sodium meals
• Minimal carbs (reduce water retention)
• Light sweating (sauna/hot bath) if needed
• Cut 3-5 lbs water weight safely

Weigh-in day:

• Make weight
• Immediately rehydrate (Pedialyte, water)
• Eat carbs (replenish glycogen)
• Light meal every 2-3 hours

Dangerous Weight Cutting Practices (AVOID)

Never do these:

• ❌ Starve for days (muscle loss, weakness)
• ❌ Extreme dehydration (>5% body weight)
• ❌ Diuretics/laxatives (medical risk)
• ❌ Saunas for hours (heat injury)
• ❌ Cutting weight night before (no recovery time)

Safe limits:

• Maximum cut: 5-7% body weight
• Example: 200 lbs athlete = 10-14 lbs max cut
• Anything beyond = performance decrease

ADCC Weight Classes (Comparison)

ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) – No-Gi Only:

Male ADCC Divisions:

• Under 66 kg (145.5 lbs)
• Under 77 kg (169.8 lbs)
• Under 88 kg (194 lbs)
• Under 99 kg (218.3 lbs)
• Over 99 kg (218.3+ lbs)
• Absolute (open)

Female ADCC Divisions:

• Under 60 kg (132.3 lbs)
• Over 60 kg (132.3+ lbs)
• Absolute (open)

Key differences from IBJJF:

• Fewer divisions (5 vs 9 male)
• No gi competitions only
• Submission-only format (no points in regulation)
• Most prestigious no-gi tournament

Choosing Your Weight Class: Decision Framework

Compete at Natural Weight If:

• ✅ First time competing (focus on technique)
• ✅ Within 3-5 lbs of division limit
• ✅ No weight cutting experience
• ✅ Comfort and performance priority

Cut Weight to Lower Division If:

• ✅ Experienced competitor
• ✅ 8-15 lbs over lower division (safe cut range)
• ✅ Previous weight cutting success
• ✅ Competitive advantage worth it
• ✅ Time to cut properly (4+ weeks)

Compete at Higher Division If:

• ✅ Between divisions (more than 5 lbs over)
• ✅ Too close to competition to cut safely
• ✅ Prefer not to cut weight
• ✅ Absolute division preparation

Absolute/Open Class Considerations

What is absolute:

• All weight classes compete together
• No weight limits
• Tests skills against all sizes
• Size matters significantly

When to compete absolute:

• Experienced competitor (1+ years)
• Want more mat time
• Test yourself against larger opponents
• Build experience
• Not recommended for first tournament

Competition Day: Weigh-In Process

IBJJF Weigh-In Rules

Timing:

• Gi divisions: Weigh-in wearing gi
• No-gi divisions: Weigh-in in shorts/rashguard
• Typically 30-60 minutes before division starts
• Must make weight or disqualified

What to wear:

• Gi divisions: Competition gi + belt
• No-gi divisions: Shorts + rashguard
• Remove shoes, watches, jewelry
• Bring lighter gi as backup

Making weight:

• Step on scale
• Official records weight
• Over limit = 15 minutes to retry (cut more)
• Still over = move to higher division or DQ

Emergency Weight Cut (Last Resort)

If 1-2 lbs over at weigh-in:

• Light jog/jumping jacks (sweat)
• Spit into cup (saliva = weight)
• Use restroom
• Remove clothing (if allowed)
• 15 minute window only

Prevention:

• Weigh yourself morning of competition
• Account for gi weight
• Arrive with 1-2 lb buffer
• Better safe than sorry

Weight Class Strategy by Belt Level

White Belt (First Competitions)

Recommendation:

• Compete at natural weight
• Focus on experience, not winning
• Don’t cut weight (unnecessary stress)
• Learn competition environment first
• Reference: 30 white belt tips

Blue Belt (Building Experience)

Recommendation:

• Small cuts acceptable (3-5 lbs)
• Experiment with division selection
• Learn your optimal weight
• Reference: 5 blue belt goals

Purple Belt and Above (Competitive)

Recommendation:

• Strategic weight cutting (5-10 lbs)
• Optimize performance per division
• Consider competition depth
• Reference: Purple belt development

The Bottom Line: Weight Classes Guide

Key takeaways:

IBJJF Structure:

• ✅ 9 male divisions (Rooster → Ultra-Heavy)
• ✅ 7 female divisions (Rooster → Heavy)
• ✅ Gi and no-gi have different limits
• ✅ No-gi is 4-6 lbs lighter (heavier divisions)
• ✅ Absolute/open class = all weights

Division Selection:

• ✅ Natural weight for beginners
• ✅ Strategic cutting for experienced
• ✅ Maximum safe cut = 5-7% body weight
• ✅ Consider gi weight (3-6 lbs)
• ✅ 4-6 weeks minimum for cut

Competition Preparation:

• ✅ Know your division limits (kg and lbs)
• ✅ Test weight with gi before competition
• ✅ Arrive 1-2 lbs under limit (buffer)
• ✅ Lighter gi for lower division
• ✅ Immediate rehydration after weigh-in

Safety First:

• ✅ Never extreme dehydration
• ✅ Never crash diets
• ✅ No diuretics/laxatives
• ✅ Performance > winning lower division
• ✅ Long-term health priority

Your optimal weight class depends on goals, experience, and natural size.

Compete smart. Stay safe. Train consistently. 💪

Related resources:

• BJJ Belt System – Competition by belt
• White Belt Guide – First tournament prep
• Choosing First Gi – Lightweight competition gi
• Gi Sizing Guide – Proper fit
• BJJ Classes – Training preparation
• Will BJJ Build Muscle? – Body composition

Know your division. Make weight safely. Compete confidently. 🥋

OSS! 🙏

How We Reviewed This Article

Editorial Standards: IBJJF official rulebook analysis, competition organizer consultation, sports nutrition research, weight cutting safety studies, and competitor survey data.

Sources Referenced:

• FloGrappling (IBJJF weight classes breakdown)
• Progress Jiu Jitsu (comprehensive guide)
• Jiu Jitsu Legacy (detailed tables)
• Gold BJJ (multi-organization comparison)
• Wikipedia (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu weight classes)
• IBJJF Official (governing body standards)
• NAGA Fighter (division explanations)

Last Updated: January 14, 2026