Update: Weight Classes and Ranks
July 3, 2023 AVA
We are pleased to announce modifications that we have implemented to enhance the experience for all our athletes. After careful consideration, we have updated our weight classes and ranks. This restructuring is designed to create larger divisions, ensuring more matches, and promoting a balanced, fair competition for all.
The belt ranks for Gi Adult divisions are the same: Beginner White (Less than 6 months experience), White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black.
For Nogi Adult divisions, the belt ranks are based on Gi rank or time experience grappling (for athletes without formal Gi rank): Beginner White (Less than 6 months experience), White (Less than 2 years experience), Blue (Less than 4 years experience), Purple (Less than 6 years experience), Brown (Less than 7 years experience), Black (More than 7 years experience).
Weight Classes for Male Adults
For our male adults, we have decided to adopt the ADCC World weight classes. The ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) World Championship is a major grappling tournament that has been held every two years since 1998. The weight classes used in this championship are recognized worldwide and are known for their fairness and balance. By adopting these weight classes, we aim to provide our male athletes with a competitive environment that is both challenging and fair.
The weight classes for male adults are as follows:
- -66 kg (-145.5 lbs)
- -77 kg (-169.8 lbs)
- -88 kg (-194 lbs)
- -99 kg (-218.3 lbs)
- +99 kg (+218.3 lbs)
AVA Custom Weight Classes for Female Athletes and Kids
For our female athletes, we have devised a unique approach. Acknowledging the traditionally smaller turnout in women’s divisions in BJJ, we have created our own weight classes. This strategic decision is aimed at encouraging greater participation among women, thereby fostering larger and more competitive divisions. Our goal is to promote inclusivity and diversity in our competitions, and we believe these new weight classes will be a step in that direction.
The weight classes for female adults are as follows:
- -55 kg (-121.3 lbs)
- -65 kg (-143.3 lbs)
- -75 kg (-165.3 lbs)
- +75 kg (+165.3 lbs)
For our youth divisions, which combine both male and female athletes, we have established our own divisions. These divisions are inspired by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) guidelines, ensuring that the ranks assigned to our young athletes appropriately correspond with their age.
4-6 Years Gi & Nogi:
At this age, the belt rank is either White or Grey (which includes all Grey variations). The weight classes are as follows:
- -15 kg (-33 lbs)
- -20 kg (-44 lbs)
- -25 kg (-55 lbs)
- +25 kg (+55 lbs)
7-9 Years Gi & Nogi:
For this age group, the belt ranks, include White, Grey (with all its variations), and Yellow (including all Yellow variations). The weight classes are:
- -20 kg (-44 lbs)
- -30 kg (-66 lbs)
- -40 kg (-88 lbs)
- +40 kg (+88 lbs)
10-12 Years Gi & Nogi:
In this age group, the belt ranks are expanded to include White, Grey (with all its variations), Yellow (with all its variations), and Orange (including all Orange variations). The weight classes are:
- -30 kg (-66 lbs)
- -40 kg (-88 lbs)
- -50 kg (-110 lbs)
- +50 kg (+110 lbs)
Teens 13-15 Years Gi & Nogi:
The belt ranks for this age group are White, Grey (Includes all Grey variations), Yellow (Includes all Yellow variations), Orange (Includes all Orange variations), and Green (Includes all Green variations). The weight classes are:
- -45 kg (-99 lbs)
- -55 kg (-121 lbs)
- -65 kg (-143 lbs)
- +65 kg (+143 lbs)
We aim to separate the divisions by gender whenever possible to ensure a fair and balanced competition.
Young Adults 16-17 Years Gi & Nogi
For our young adults aged 16-17, we have specific divisions in both Gi and Nogi. The belt ranks for this age group are White, Blue, and Purple. The weight classes are:
- -55 kg (-121 lbs)
- -65 kg (-143 lbs)
- -75 kg (-165 lbs)
- +75 kg (+165 lbs)
Whenever possible, we aim to separate the divisions by gender to ensure a fair and balanced competition.
Pro Male and Female Divisions – Open Weight and Rank
For our professional athletes, we offer separate Open Weight and Rank divisions in both Gi and Nogi for males and females. These divisions provide an opportunity for our most experienced and skilled athletes to compete against each other, pushing their limits and showcasing the highest level of competition.
Conclusion
Athletes will have the opportunity to compete against a wider range of opponents, providing them with valuable experience and the chance to further develop their skills.
We are excited about these updates, and we believe that our athletes will be too. We look forward to seeing the exciting matches that these new divisions will inspire. As always, we are committed to providing a competitive environment that is fair, challenging, and fun. We can’t wait to see our athletes in action!
Thank you for your continued support!
AVA Sports