What Documents are Required to Attend IBJJF BJJ Competitions?

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is responsible for making and enforcing all of the rules for registration, qualification, competition, etc. These rules help to protect the practitioners and make it easier to identify individuals who are going to cause problems. But before anyone can participate in IBJJF competitions, one must acquire the required documentation. This article will explain the documents necessary to attend IBJJF competitions.

The International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is an international organization that organizes and conducts BJJ matches across the world. Founded by Carlos Gracie Jr. in 2002, the IBJJF is responsible for hosting some of the largest and most prestigious BJJ tournaments and world championships. Since 2022, IBJJF has helped in refining excellent grapplers.

IBJJF BJJ competitions are open events that allow almost everyone to join. Any practitioner can register for the championships as long as they fulfill the required criteria. The IBJJF’s rules are different from other organizations, often being criticized for its complicated ruling system. IBJJF wants to standardize its rules for everybody. IBJJF is often criticized for its complicated ruling system. Whereas the whole purpose of rules is to conduct a match free of hassle. Other organizations such as ONE Championship and WNO has simply elaborated rules.

The IBJJF requires its practitioners to bring the following documents with them before being allowed to compete in the championships:

The ID card confirms a practitioner’s identity, providing to the officials that they are who they claim to be. A government issued ID card is the first thing that allows you to enter the event facility.

Medical examination reports help inform the officials of any health conditions that would make it unsafe for a practitioner to compete. This type of report is valid for three to six months. The main reason medical reports are required is to ensure no athletes are using any performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). The underhanded use of PEDs has ruined the sanctity of professional sports. It has put other practitioners that do not consume peds in a tight spot. The IBJJF has implemented new penalties, such as stripping fighters of their titles if their tests show evidence of drug use. 6th-degree BJJ black belt Vagner Rocha, 4th-degree BJJ black belt Roberto Cyborg Abreu, and Mica Galvao are examples of fighters who have been found guilty of using PEDs.

Before bouts, athletes are subjected to blood and urine tests. The IBJJF has a strict Anti-Doping Code, which prohibits the use of substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. Athletes who test positive for PEDs are often expelled from championships for a long time. They are also charged with fines and may be subject to legal action spending upon the severity of the offense.

If a practitioner is under 18, the IBJJF requires a consent form signed by their parents. The form includes a warning that the IBJJF cannot be held responsible for any injuries.

Extreme sports travel insurance helps provide financial coverage for athletes who travel internationally to BJJ competitions. It covers other expenses of the fighter such as injury. If a practitioner gets hurt badly, their insurance comes into action and bears all the expenses.

Since January 2019, the IBJJF requires all participants to have an active IBJJF membership card to be allowed to register and compete in IBJJF competitions. This card also includes the current belt level of the practitioner. Athletes can apply for IBJJF membership on the official website. If your membership card expires, make sure to renew it before the appointed day of a competition or else competitors won't be allowed to compete.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the IBJJF has taken necessary measures to prevent the spread of this virus to the athletes. The IBJJF requires proof of a COVID-19 vaccination, usually a COVID-19 certificate.

The IBJJF membership card verifies the belt degree of the practitioner. Without the card, athletes are not allowed to enter the event facility.

The membership form can be found on the official IBJJF website.

Upon visiting the IBJJF official website, fill out the online membership request form with the following basic information:

A recent and clear photo showing the athlete’s face is required on the online form.

Full images of the front and back of the athlete’s ID card.

Online professor approval proves you possess a valid belt from a BJJ coach who can promote students and is recognized by the IBJJF to progress students to their deserving belt levels. The form must be sent to the instructor and receive their verification to confirm approval. The form then directly falls into the portal of the professor and verification is required from him.

After the IBJJF has processed a request, an athlete has to pay a $40 processing fee. The processing fee is paid after the belt verification of the applicant by his instructor. Once the IBJJF is sure that the athlete is a valid BJJ belt holder, they will be given a membership card.

The $40 processing fee is the annual membership fee required to get an IBJJF membership card and compete in IBJJF tournaments. It also acts as the yearly fee after which practitioners can easily compete in IBJJF tournaments.

To qualify for a specific weight division, a fighter’s weight must fall within the required range to be eligible to compete. A fighter must also possess a gi that follows the IBJJF’s rules.

The IBJJF is the official authority for BJJ competitions, setting the rules for registration, qualification, and competition. Athletes need to provide documents to be able to attend and compete in championships. An IBJJF membership card is necessary to prove a practitioner is a qualified belt holder and provide information on the practitioner's academy and instructor. Extreme sports travel insurance is mandatory in case an athlete suffers from an injury.

Photo Credit: @ibjjf