Table of content
1. IBJJF Women NoGi Tournaments (Blue-Black Belts)
1.1. IBJJF Rules and Regulations
Weight Division for Women
| Weight Divisions | Juvenile Female | Adult /Masters Female |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 94 lbs | 103 lbs |
| Light-Feather | 103 lbs | 114 lbs |
| Feather | 111.6 lbs | 125 lbs |
| Light | 120.6 lbs | 136 lbs |
| Middle | 129 lbs | 147 lbs |
| Medium Heavy | 138 lbs | 158 lbs |
| Heavy | 147 lbs | 169 lbs |
IBJJF NoGi Uniform Regulation for Women
According to IBJJF Rules:
“Before his/her first fight, the athlete will check his/her weight with the No Gi uniform. There is only one opportunity to check the weight. If the competitor does not make his/her weight, they will be immediately disqualified. Please make sure that you are in the correct weight division. You can not change divisions if you do not make your designated division. No changes will be accepted on the tournament day, no refund.
Check on Tournament Important Info for the official weight measurement used in the Tournament.
All athletes should fight and weigh in with the No Gi uniform."
“Shorts, compression pants (skin-tight spats) and/or compression shorts colored black, white, black and white, and/or the color of the rank (belt) to which the athlete belongs. The shorts must not have pockets or have the pockets stitched completely shut, must not have buttons, zippers, or any kind of plastic or metal that could present a risk to the opponent, and must be long enough to cover halfway down the thigh and no longer than the knee.”
For more information click here.
Women Age and Belt Divisions
White Belts are not eligible for the following IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championships. Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black Belts are allowed to register (according to IBJJF Rules) in this tournament.
| Divisions | Age | Belt Level |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile | 2006 and 2007 | Blue, Purple |
| Adult | 2005 and before | Blue, Purple, Brown, Black |
| Master 1 | 1993 and before | Blue, Purple, Brown, Black |
| Master 2 | 1987 and before | Blue, Purple, Brown, Black |
| Master 3 | 1982 and before | Blue, Purple, Brown, Black |
| Master 4 | 1977 and before | Blue, Purple, Brown, Black |
| Master 5 | 1972 and before | Blue, Purple, Brown, Black |
| Master 6 | 1967 and before | Blue, Purple, Brown, Black |
| Master 7 | 1962 and before | Blue, Purple, Brown, Black |
Rules for Open Class
- Athletes who stood first 1st, 2nd, and 3rd can only register for Open Class Competitions
- Open Class division has two categories for Juvenile Blue and Purple Belt
| Open Class Light | From Rooster to Lightweight |
|---|---|
| Open Class Heavy | From Middle to Ultra Heavyweight |
Note: For Black Belt Adult Division, all the athletes are free to partake in Open Class competitions.
1.2. Winning Criteria
According to IBJJF, the final decision of the match shall be made on the following criteria
- Submission
- Points
- Referee Decision
- Stoppage
- Disqualification
- Loss of Consciousness
- Random Pick
IBJJF Score System
| Position/Technique | Points |
|---|---|
| Knee on Belly | 2 |
| Takedown | 2 |
| Sweep | 2 |
| Guard Pass | 3 |
| Back Control | 4 |
| Back Mount | 4 |
| Mount | 4 |
1.3. Winning Reward
IBJJF offers cash prizes to every weight division’s Black Belt Gold Medalists. The cash prizes of the IBJJF also depend on the number of competitors appearing in each weight division. Other Belt Division champions are awarded medals.
Adult Women Black Belt (All Weight Divisions)
| No. of Athletes in Each Division | Cash Prize to Champion |
|---|---|
| 2-8 | $4000 (USD) |
| 9-16 | $5000 (USD) |
| 17-32 | $6000 (USD) |
| 33+ | $7000 (USD) |
Adult Black Belt Women Open Class
| Black Belt Open Class Female Champion | $10,000 (USD) |
|---|
1.4. List of IBJJF Women No-Gi Tournaments
Here is a list of No-Gi tournaments that provide an opportunity for women to participate in international No-Gi tournaments. You can visit their official page to register for the tournament. World No-Gi Championship.
- European No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship
- American Nationals IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship
- Pans Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship
- Brazilian Nationals Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship
- Baton Rouge International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
- San Diego Spring International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship
- Jiu-Jitsu Con No-Gi International
- (Jiu-Jitsu Con No-Gi International has an exception in that it only organizes Juvenile and Adult championships. This tournament is not suggested for women born after 2005).
- Los Angeles International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
- Curitiba Summer Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
- Dublin International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
- Rio Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
- Sydney International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
- Charleston International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
- Salvador Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
- Nashville Spring International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
- Santa Cruz International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
- Atlanta Spring International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
- Paris Spring International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
- Houston International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship No-Gi
2. ADCC Championships
ADCC Championships conduct only No-Gi events. In ADCC World Championship, you can only partake if you are a Black Belt and you get a special invitation or you have to qualify and win ADCC European Trials, ADCC Asian Trials, and ADCC North and South American Trials.
ADCC conducts two trials in the various regions of Asia, Europe, South, and North America. Women are qualified in the second ADCC Trials. For other ADCC Tournaments like ADCC British Open or ADCC German Open, participants have to register themselves on the official website of ADCC.
In all the belt divisions of the ADCC National Championship, White to Black Belt can take part. While in the ADCC World Championship, only Black Belts are invited.
Here are the ADCC rules and regulations for female participants.
2.1. ADCC Age Categories for Women
For ADCC World Championships and ADCC Qualifiers
For World Championship and ADCC Qualifiers, Women must be of 16 years or above.
Women Age Categories for Other Tournaments
| Categories | Professional | Advance | Intermediate | Beginner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experience | >5 years experience | >5 years experience | 2-4 years of experience | Less than 2 years of experience in BJJ, Judo, Sambo, Wrestling |
| Age | Girls (15 years- 18 years) Adults (+18 years) Master 1 (+35 years) |
Girls (15 years -18 years) Adults (+18 years) Master 1 (+35 years) |
Girls (11 years- 12 years) Girls (13 years - 14 years) Girls (15 years - 18 years) Adults (+18 years) Master 1 (+35 years) |
Girls (7 years - 8 years) Girls (9 years- 10 years) Girls (11 years- 12 years) Girls (13 years-14 years) Girls (15 years- 18 years) Adults (+18 years) Master 1 (+35 years) |
2.2. Weight Classes
Weight Categories for ADCC World Championship
| Weight Categories for Women |
|---|
| +16 years |
| -60 kg (-132.2 lbs) |
| +60 kg (+132.2 lbs) |
ADCC Women Weight Divisions for Other Tournaments
| Girls (7-8 Years) |
Girls (9-10 years) |
Girls (11- 12 years) |
Girls (13-14 years) |
Girls (15-18 Years) |
Adults (+18 Years) |
Masters 1 (+35 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -21kg | -24kg | -28kg | -32kg | -36kg | -50kg | -50kg |
| -24kg | -28kg | -32kg | -36kg | -40kg | -55kg | -55kg |
| -28kg | -32kg | -36kg | -40kg | -45kg | -60kg | -60kg |
| -32kg | -36kg | -40kg | -45kg | -50kg | -65kg | -65kg |
| -36kg | -40kg | -45kg | -50kg | -55kg | -70kg | -70kg |
| -40kg | -45kg | -50kg | -55kg | -60kg | +70kg | +70kg |
| +40kg | +45kg | +50kg | +55kg | +60kg |
Note: These weight classes can vary from tournament to tournament.
2.3. ADCC Winning Criteria
ADCC Winning Criteria involves these three alternatives:
- Points
- Submission
- Referee Decision
ADCC Scoring System
| Techniques and Positions | Points |
|---|---|
| Passing the Guard | 3 points |
| Knee on Stomach | 2 points |
| Mount Position | 2 points |
| Back Mount with Hooks | 3 points |
| Takedown (End Guard or Half Guard) | 2 points |
| Clean Takedown (Ends Passed the Guards) | 4 points |
| Sweeps (Ends Guard or Half Guard) | 2 points |
| Clean Sweep (Ends Passed the Guards) | 4 points |
2.4. Time Limits for ADCC World Championships, Trials, and National Championships
For Professionals
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Qualifying Rounds | 10 Minutes |
| Overtime in Qualifying rounds | 5 minutes |
| Finals | 20 Minutes |
| Overtime in Finals | 10 Minutes |
Note: For Qualifying rounds, the first 5 minutes are without points. Points start after 5 minutes of the start of the match and last until the end. Points are also applicable in the overtime period.
For finals, the first 10 minutes are without points. Points start after the first 10 minutes and last until the end of the match.
For ADCC Trials
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Qualifying Rounds | 6 Minutes |
| Overtime in Qualifying rounds | 3 minutes |
| Finals | 8 Minutes |
| Overtime in Finals | 4 Minutes |
Note: For Qualifying rounds, the first 3 minutes are without points. Points start after 3 minutes of the start of the match and last until the end of the match, also in the overtime.
For finals, the first 8 minutes are without points. Points start after the first 4 minutes and last until the end of the match.
For ADCC National Championship
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Qualifying Rounds | 6 Minutes |
| Overtime in Qualifying rounds | 3 minutes |
| Finals | 8 Minutes |
| Overtime in Finals | 4 Minutes |
Note: For Qualifying rounds, the first 3 minutes are without points. Points start after 3 minutes of the start of the match and last until the end of the match, also in the overtime.
For finals, the first 8 minutes are without points. Points start after the first 4 minutes and last until the end of the match.
2.5. List of Other ADCC Tournaments
- ADCC AFRICA CHAMPIONSHIP
- ADCC AUSTRALIAN OPEN
- ADCC KAZAKHSTAN OPEN
- ADCC GOLD COAST OPEN
- ADCC BULGARIA OPEN
- ADCC SLOVAK NATIONAL
- ADCC MELBOURNE OPEN
- ADCC PERTH OPEN
- ADCC SOUTHEAST ASIA
- ADCC MOLDOVA OPEN
- ADCC GERMAN OPEN
- ADCC SERBIA OPEN
- ADCC POLISH NATIONALS
- ADCC SCOTTISH OPEN
- ADCC SINGAPORE NATIONALS
- ADCC ESTONIA OPEN
- ADCC NEW ZEALAND OPEN
- ADCC CABO TORMENTOSA – SA
3. UAEJJF Women No-Gi Championships (White to Black Belt)
UAEJJF also offers Women NoGi championships. Rules like weight divisions, fight times, and weight categories do not differ a lot in Gi and No-Gi tournaments. But No-Gi uniform regulations are very clear for the female's No-Gi championship mentioned in the rule book of UAEJJF, issued by JJAU.
3.1. UAEJJF Women Age Categories and Fight Time
| Division | Age | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Masters | Older than 35 Years | 5 minutes |
| Adults | Older than 18 Years | 6 minutes |
| U18 | 18-20 Years | 5 minutes |
| U16 | 16-17 Years | 4 minutes |
| U14+ | 14-15 Years | 3 minutes |
| U14 | 12-13 Years | 3 minutes |
| U10 | 10-11 Years | 3 minutes |
| U8+ | 8-9 Years | 1.5 minutes |
3.2. UAEJJF Women Weight Categories
| U10 | U12 | U14 | U16 | U18 | U21 | Adults |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -20kg | -22kg | -22kg | -32kg | |||
| -22kg | -25kg | -25kg | -36kg | |||
| -25kg | -28kg | -28kg | -40kg | -40kg | ||
| -28kg | -32kg | -32kg | -44kg | -44kg | -45kg | -45kg |
| -32kg | -36kg | -36kg | -48kg | -48kg | -48kg | -48kg |
| -36kg | -40kg | -40kg | -52kg | -52kg | -52kg | -52kg |
| -40kg | -44kg | -44kg | -57kg | -57kg | -57kg | -57kg |
| +40kg | -48kg | -48kg | -63kg | -63kg | -63kg | -63kg |
| +48kg | -52kg | +63kg | +63kg | +63kg | +63kg | |
| -57kg | -70kg | -70kg | -70kg | |||
| +57kg | +70kg | +70kg | +70kg |
3.3. UAEJJF Women No-Gi Uniform Regulations
For No-Gi championships, uniform rules are given the rule book of UAEJJF are;
“Rash Guards: Men and women are required to wear a skin tight shirt that covers the torso and reaches the waistband of the shorts. Their shirts must be mostly red or blue. Competitors are requested to attend the competition with both colors of shirts.
Shorts: Shorts must be at least to the mid-thigh in length (not exceeding 15 cm from the knee) and must not pass the knee. Shorts may have pockets, but the pockets must be sewn shut and without buttons, exposed drawstrings, and plastic or metal zippers. Compression pants that fit tightly on the skin are permitted under the shorts. All Shorts and tights must be mostly black.”
4. Submission Only Jiu-Jitsu (White-Black Belts)
Submission only offers women's No-Gi tournaments for White to Black Belts. This tournament follows the rules and regulations of the Eddie Bravo Invitational. (EBI)
4.1. Rule and Regulations for Women No-Gi Tournaments
Age Limits
| Youth | Teens | Adults and Masters |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 years | 13-15 years | Adults: 18 years+ |
| 7-8 years | 16-17 years | Masters 1: 30-34 years |
| 9-10 years | Masters 2: 35-39 years | |
| 11-12 years | Directors 1: 40-44 years | |
| Directors 2: 45-49 years | ||
| Executive 1: 50-54 years | ||
| Executive 2: 55 years |
Women Weight Classes
| Adults | Youth/Teens |
|---|---|
| 115 lbs and Under | 39 lbs and under |
| 116 lbs -125 lbs | 40-49 lbs |
| 126 lbs -135 lbs | 50-59 lbs |
| 136 lbs -145 lbs | 60-69 lbs |
| 146 lbs -155 lbs | 70-79 lbs |
| 156 lbs - 170 lbs | 80-89 lbs |
| 171 lbs - 185 lbs | 90-99 lbs |
| 186 lbs - 195 lbs | 100-115 lbs |
| 196 lbs - 205 lbs | 115+ lbs |
| 206 lbs - 235 lbs | |
| 236 - lbs |
Skill Levels
| Regular Youth/Teens No-Gi |
|---|
| Novice (Under Six Months Training) |
| White Belt (No Wrestling Experience |
| Grey Belt |
| Yellow Belt |
| Orange Belt (Championship Belts Under Three Years) |
| Green/Blue Belt |
| Regular Adult 18 Years + No-Gi Division |
|---|
| Novice (Under Six Months Training) |
| White Belt (No Wrestling Experience |
| Blue Belt |
| Purple Belt |
| Brown Belt |
| Black Belt |
| Adult Absolute No-Gi Division (Skill level should be the same for all weight classes) |
|---|
| Novice (Under Six Months Training) |
| White Belt |
| Blue Belt |
| Purple Belt |
| Brown Belt |
| Black Belt |
Legal and Illegal Submissions
| Legal Submissions | Kids/Teens White-Grey |
Kids/Teens Yellow-Orange |
Adult White | Blue | Purple | Brown and Black |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulder and Arm Locks | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Choke Head/Arm Choke |
Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Biceps and Calf Slicers | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | ||
| Wrist Locks | Legal | Legal | Legal | |||
| Stretching Submissions | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | ||
| Ankle Locks | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | |
| Knee Bars | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | ||
| Knee Reap | Legal | Legal | Legal | |||
| Toe Holds | Legal | Legal | Legal | |||
| Heel Hook | Legal | Legal |
Regulations Time for Match
This is the information for standard match time limits. You can visit the official website for more details.
| For Adults | Standard Matches have 8 Minutes |
|---|---|
| Fore Teens | 6 Minutes Matches |
| For Youth | 4 Minutes Matches |
| For Youth Novices | 2 Minutes Rounds |
| Overtime for each category | 2 Minutes |
Women NoGi Uniform Regulations
According to Submission only rules and regulations, uniform requirements for No-Gi tournaments are:
“For No Gi Women divisions, athletes have to wear board shorts or lycra elastic pants without pockets or with pockets entirely stitched shut and reaching at least halfway down the thigh and at most to the knee. Attached metal or plastic of any kind that may hurt the opponent is expressly forbidden on the board shorts. Athletes also have to wear a rashguard or a shirt of elastic fabric (clings to the body). This rash guard or shirt does not need to meet any color requirements. Athletes cannot compete wearing a loose shirt of any kind.”
4.2. Winning Criteria in Submission-Only-Jiu-Jitsu
The winning criteria for submission-only Jiu-Jitsu is different from other disciplines of BJJ championships. Submission Only Jiu-Jitsu does not follow any rules for point-winning.
To win in this tournament, you have to submit your opponent. Rulesets mentioned on the official website of the submission-only Jiu-Jitsu championship are:
- Win via Submission victory within regulation time.
- Win in Overtime: victory by submission, fastest submission time, or fastest escape time.
- Win by opponent disqualification.
- Win via opponent forfeiture.
4.3. Winning Rewards
- The Submission Only Jiu-Jitsu Championship gives specially designed medals to the first three position holders.
- The Submission Only Jiu-Jitsu Championship also grants cash prizes to its winners. Cash prizes always depend upon the number of competitors participating in the championship.
- If 20 competitors come to compete in one division, a $1000 cash prize will be awarded to the winner.
5. North American Grappling Association (NAGA) Women No-Gi Tournaments (White to Black Belt)
5.1. Women No-Gi Age Categories
| Divisions | Age |
|---|---|
| Children | 13 Years of Age and Under |
| Teens | 14-17 Years of Age |
| Adults | 18-29 Years of Age |
| Master | 30-39 Years of Age |
| Director | 40-49 Years of Age |
| Executive | 50 Years of Age and Older |
5.2. Women Adult No-Gi Skill Level
| Categories | Grappling Experience |
|---|---|
| Novice | 6 Months and Under |
| Beginners | 6 Months to 2 Years |
| Intermediate | 2 to 5 Years (Blue Belts Mostly fall Under this Category) |
| Expert | 5 Years and over (Purple, Brown, Black Belt compete Under this Category) |
5.3. Women No-Gi Weight Category for Adults, Masters, Director, Executive Weight Class
| Divisions | Weight |
|---|---|
| Subatomic weight | 99.9 lbs and under |
| Atomweight | 100-109.9 lbs |
| Strawweight | 110-119.9 lbs |
| Flyweight | 120-129.9 lbs |
| Bantamweight | 130-139.9 lbs |
| Featherweight | 140-149.9lbs |
| Lightweight | 150-159.9 lbs |
| Welterweight | 160-169.9 lbs |
| Middleweight | 170-179.9 lbs |
| Light-Heavyweight | 180-189.9 lbs |
| Cruiserweight | 190-199.9 lbs |
| Heavyweight | 200 lbs and over |
5.4. European Tournaments Weight Class
| Divisions | Weight |
|---|---|
| Subatomic Weight | 44.9 kg |
| Atomweight | 45-49.9 kg |
| Strawweight | 50-54.9 kg |
| Flyweight | 55-59.9 kg |
| Bantamweight | 60-64.9 kg |
| Featherweight | 65-69.9 kg |
| Lightweight | 70-74.9 kg |
| Welterweight | 75-79.9 kg |
| Middleweight | 80-84.9 kg |
| Cruiserweight | 85-89.9 kg |
| Heavyweight | 90 kg and over |
5.5. Winning Criteria
NAGA winning criteria includes following methods:
- Submission
- Points
- Referee decision
- Opponent disqualification
NAGA Score System
| Position/Technique | Points |
|---|---|
| Takedown | 1 or 2 points |
| Submission Attempt | 1 or 2 points |
| Sweeps | 2 points |
| Side Control Variations | 2 points |
| Mount | 2 points |
| Back Grab | 2 points |
5.6. Women NoGi Fight Time Limits
| Category | Women Age and Skill Level | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 18-29 years (Novice, beginner and White Belts) | 4 minutes |
| Masters | 30-39 years (All Belt Levels) | 4 minutes |
| Director | 40-49 Years (All Belt Levels) | 4 minutes |
| Executive | 50 Year or Above (All Belt Levels) | 4 minutes |
| Adult | 18-29 Years (Intermediate/ Blue) | 5 minutes |
| Adult | 18-29 Years Expert/ Purple, Brown, and Black Belt) | 6 minutes |
5.7. NAGA No-Gi Penalties
| First Offense | Verbal Warning |
|---|---|
| Second Offense | Verbal Warning Optional |
| Third Offense | Opponent Receive 1 Point |
| Fourth Offense | Opponent Receive 1 point |
| Fifth Offense | Disqualification |
5.8. NAGA No-Gi Legal and Illegal Techniques for Women
| Position/ Technique | Legal/Illegal |
|---|---|
| Straight Foot Lock | Legal |
| Straight Knee Bars | Legal |
| Toe Holds | Legal |
| Heel Hooks | Legal |
| Calf Crunches | Legal |
| Rib/ Neck Compression | Legal |
| Neck Cranks | Legal |
| Triangle Chokes | Legal |
| Twisters | Legal |
| Electric Chair | Legal |
| Guillotines | Legal |
| Straight Arm Bar | Legal |
| Wrist Locks | Legal |
| Scissors Takedown | Legal |
| NoGi Ezekiel Choke | Legal |
| Bicep Crunches | Legal |
| Omoplata | Legal |
| Gogoplata | Legal |
| Slamming | Illegal |
| Squeezing Windpipe | Illegal |
| Smothering | Legal |
6. Takeaways
There are only a few BJJ organizational bodies working. The main bodies include IBJJF, UAEJJF, EBI, and a few others. The basic motto of different governing bodies of BJJ is to facilitate the fighters and ensure the application of rules without any exception. No-Gi BJJ is considered more modern as compared to traditional BJJ. So this is the reason there are more female fighters participating in the No-Gi BJJ.
Photo Credit: @graciemag
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