SJJIF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Did You Know?

• The men's gi division has 9 weight classes from −57.5 kg to Ultra-Heavy +100.2 kg.
• The women's no-gi division has 7 weight classes from −46.7 kg to Heavy +80.3 kg.
• The 2017 edition represented 54 nationalities.

History

The roots of sport jiu-jitsu trace back to 1967, when the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Guanabara was created in Brazil by Hélio Gracie, Alvaro Barreto, and Oswaldo Fadda, with oversight from the National Sports Council. Their goal was to turn jiu-jitsu from a self-defense and street-fighting art into a competitive sport. Official recognition came in June 1973, and the first championship was held that December in Rio de Janeiro. In 2005, the North American Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Federation (NAJJF) was formed. The Sport Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (SJJIF) was founded in June 2011 as a non-profit, aiming to align with International Olympic Committee standards and promote jiu-jitsu globally. It is now recognized as the world governing body for Sport Jiu Jitsu. The first World SJJIF Jiu-Jitsu Championship took place in December 2013 at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California, co-hosted with the NABJJF. Matches are contested without advantage points or referee decisions. Black belt João Silva serves as SJJIF president and event organizer. Cash prizes go to main event winners. The championship draws at least 2,500 competitors each year, including over 100 black belts. In 2018, 72 countries were represented, with 7,000 spectators over three days. The 2019 edition featured 3,000 competitors across 15 fighting areas. The 2023 tournament is scheduled for July in Allen, Texas.