Ultimate 2026 Fuji BJJ Tournament Guide
Master divisions, weight classes, weigh-in rules, scoring systems, and match durations. Everything you need to compete confidently in 2026 with verified tournament data and submission breakdowns.
Fuji BJJ Tournaments have built their reputation on one core principle: guaranteed matches. Unlike single-elimination brackets, Fuji’s format ensures every competitor gets multiple matches, giving you real opportunities to test your game and grow under pressure.
Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or hunting medals as a decorated brown belt, understanding the rules, divisions, and logistics is the difference between arriving prepared and arriving confused.
2026 Update: Fuji continues to expand its circuit across the Midwest and East Coast with consistent rules, professional referees, and a focus on athlete safety. This guide covers everything you need to register with confidence.
Why Fuji Tournaments Stand Out
In a landscape of different tournament operators with varying rule interpretations, Fuji maintains standardized policies on weigh-ins, uniform colors, match durations, and scoring. This consistency is why serious competitors trust Fuji events to provide fair competition and accurate rankings.
2026 Fuji Tournament Divisions & Weight Classes
Men’s Adult Weight Classes
Adult male competitors are grouped into seven standardized weight divisions. Note: In Gi competition, your weight typically includes the Gi and belt.
| Weight Class | Pounds | Kilograms |
|---|---|---|
| Strawweight | Under 140 lbs | Under 63.9 kg |
| Flyweight | 141 – 155 lbs | 64 – 70.9 kg |
| Lightweight | 156 – 170 lbs | 71 – 76.9 kg |
| Welterweight | 171 – 185 lbs | 77 – 83.9 kg |
| Middleweight | 186 – 200 lbs | 84 – 90.9 kg |
| Heavyweight | 201 – 215 lbs | 91 – 97.9 kg |
| Unlimited | Over 216 lbs | Over 98 kg |
Women’s Adult Weight Classes
Women competitors are divided into four standardized categories designed to ensure fair, competitive matchups.
| Weight Class | Pounds | Kilograms |
|---|---|---|
| Flyweight | Under 115 lbs | Under 52.4 kg |
| Lightweight | 116 – 130 lbs | 52.5 – 58.9 kg |
| Welterweight | 131 – 150 lbs | 59 – 67.9 kg |
| Heavyweight | Over 150 lbs | Over 68 kg |
Skill Level Divisions
Gi Competition Divisions
Skill divisions in Gi are based on belt rank and training time:
- Novice White Belt – Less than 6 months training
- Advanced White Belt – More than 6 months training
- Blue Belt – Holders of Blue Belt rank
- Purple Belt – Holders of Purple Belt rank
- Brown/Black Belt – Advanced ranks combined or separate
No-Gi Competition Divisions
No-Gi divisions are based on years of training experience:
- Beginner – Less than 1 year No-Gi experience, no wrestling background
- Intermediate – 1 to 3 years No-Gi training experience
- Advanced/Expert – 3+ years experience or significant competition history
Match Rules, Scoring & Durations
Match Duration by Division
Know your match time before you arrive. Your conditioning strategy depends on it.
| Division | Match Length |
|---|---|
| Kids (4-6 years) | 2 Minutes |
| Kids (7-9 years) | 3 Minutes |
| Kids (10-15 years) | 4-5 Minutes |
| Adult White Belt | 5 Minutes |
| Adult Blue Belt | 6 Minutes |
| Adult Purple Belt | 7 Minutes |
| Adult Brown/Black Belt | 8 Minutes |
| Masters (30+) | 1 Minute Shorter Than Adult |
Fuji Scoring System
Points are awarded after a position is established and maintained for 3 seconds. This encourages positional control and technical precision.
| Technique/Position | Points |
|---|---|
| Mount Position (with control) | 4 Points |
| Back Control (with hooks) | 4 Points |
| Guard Pass (clear side control) | 3 Points |
| Takedown | 2 Points |
| Sweep | 2 Points |
| Knee-on-Belly | 2 Points |
Stalling Penalties: Fuji referees actively penalize passivity. 1st warning = verbal correction. 2nd = 2 points to opponent. 3rd = disqualification. Stay active or lose!
Submission & Victory Conditions
Victory can be achieved through:
- Submission: Opponent taps physically or verbally
- Points: Highest score when time expires
- Referee Decision: Tie breaker based on aggression and control
- Disqualification: Illegal techniques or unsportsmanlike conduct
Overtime Rules
If the match is tied at the end of regulation, Fuji uses a one-minute sudden-death overtime. First competitor to score wins. If still tied, the referee awards victory to the competitor who demonstrated greater aggression and control.
Critical 2026 Guidelines: Weigh-ins & Uniforms
The Weigh-In Procedure
Missing weigh-in is the fastest way to get scratched. Understand the protocol before competition day.
⚠️ Gi Divisions: Weigh-In WITH Your Gi
You weigh in wearing your full Gi and belt. A heavy Gi can add 3-5 pounds to your bodyweight. Factor this into your weight-cut strategy and register in a realistic division based on Gi weight.
No-Gi Divisions: Rashguard & Shorts
No-Gi weigh-ins are conducted wearing your rashguard and shorts. Board shorts without pockets/zippers are mandatory for men and women.
Multiple Divisions
If competing in both Gi and No-Gi at the same event, confirm with the local tournament director whether you weigh in once (with Gi) for both divisions or separately. Policies may vary.
Uniform Policies (Gi Colors)
Unlike the strict IBJJF rules (White, Royal Blue, Black only), Fuji allows more color flexibility.
Accepted Gi Colors: Navy, Grey, Black, White, Camo, and other solid colors are typically allowed as long as they are clean, properly fitted, and in good condition. Always confirm with your local event on Smoothcomp if you have an unusual Gi color.
Key Requirements:
- Top and bottom must match colors (no mixing patterns)
- No sponsor logos larger than 6 inches on any surface
- Rips, stains, or discoloration may result in rejection
- Sleeves must reach no less than 5cm from the wrist
- Pants must reach no less than 5cm from the ankle
Illegal Techniques & Fouls
Understanding what’s illegal prevents disqualification and keeps you safe.
| Foul | Description | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Eye Gouging | Fingers/objects in eyes | Disqualification |
| Striking | Punches, elbows, knees, kicks | Disqualification |
| Hair Pulling | Yanking or controlling with hair | Warning → Disqualification |
| Slamming from Guard | Spiking opponent on head/neck | Disqualification |
| Biting/Spitting | Any contact with teeth or saliva | Disqualification |
| Fish Hooking | Fingers in mouth/nose/ears | Disqualification |
| Disrespect | Unsportsmanlike conduct | Warning → Disqualification |
Rule Differences Note: Some techniques legal in IBJJF may have stricter enforcement at Fuji. Always check the specific event rules on your Smoothcomp confirmation before competing.
Ready to Compete in 2026?
Register early, confirm your weight with your Gi on, and bring your A-game. Fuji tournaments reward preparation, consistency, and smart technique.
Check the official Fuji BJJ Smoothcomp page for 2026 event dates, registration, and real-time updates.
Find a Fuji Event Near YouConclusion
Fuji BJJ Tournaments remain the premier choice for American grapplers seeking fair competition, guaranteed matches, and professional execution. By understanding the divisions, rules, weigh-in protocols, and scoring system, you eliminate surprises and focus on what matters: your performance on the mat.
Prepare smart. Compete hard. See you on the mats in 2026!
