Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to contact us?
Email us at info@jiujitsuchampions.com
When you are emailing us make sure to include:
- Tournament name and date
- Competitor name
- Division
Tournament related questions will be responded to within 24 hours within two weeks from an event date and up to 48 hours any other time.
Are Jiu-Jitsu Champions League tournaments single or double elimination?
Jiu-Jitsu Champions League events are single elimination until the semi-finals. The winners of the semi-finals compete for 1st place and the losers of the semi-final matches compete for 3rd place.
How do I become a Jiu-Jitsu Champions League referee?
Jiu-Jitsu Champions League is always looking for qualified individuals to join our referee team. If you are interested in becoming a Jiu-Jitsu Champions League referee with a minimum belt rank of brown belt in BJJ verified by the SJJIF email us at info@jiujitsuchampions.com Please include your:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Address / Location
- Belt Rank
- SJJIF Membership Number
- Previous referee experience
We will reply with more information on the process of joining our incredible team of referees.
How do I become part of the Jiu-Jitsu Champions League staff team?
Jiu-Jitsu Champions League has several paid positions that we need to staff at each event such as ring coordinators, award assistants, weigh-ins, uniform inspectors, scorekeepers and more. In addition to working the event there may be an opportunity to work the setup the day (or night) before the event. If you are interested in working a Jiu-Jitsu Champions League event please email us at info@jiujitsuchampions.com
Divisions and Bracketing
How does Jiu-Jitsu Champions League form divisions for competitors?
There are 4 variables that competitors are strictly matched by: Gender, Belt Rank, Weight Class, and Age Group. Teammates in the same division will be placed on opposite ends of the bracket.
Does Jiu-Jitsu Champions League combine Orange and Green belt competitors?
Orange and Green belt competitors can compete in the same weight/age brackets. These divisions are commonly thin and combining divisions will give competitors more experience. This is determined during the bracket making process.
How does Jiu-Jitsu Champions League combine brackets for youth?
- If needed we can combine the following belts pending approval from the parents:
- white/grey belts
- grey/yellow belts
- yellow/orange belts
- orange/green belts
- Male and female can be combined up to 11 years old.
What happens if my child does not have anyone in their division?
With so many variables, it’s expected that some kids will be alone in their division. In this case, the organizer can combine them with a division with no greater difference than 1 year in age or 1 weight class. This is known as a combination division. We create these divisions so that every child can have the experience of at least one match.
What happens if my child does not have a match within those guidelines?
If a combination division cannot be formed within the “1 year/1 weight” guidelines, parents are contacted to discuss options. However, in some situations where your child is by themselves in the division, another competitor might move up into your child’s division, in this situation you will not hear from our team. If you do not hear from our team by email or a phone call it means that your child has competitor(s) in their division. In the case that a parent does not respond to the email or call within 24 hours, we will then match the child in the best possible match based on age and weight. If we absolutely cannot find a suitable and safe match for a child the parents can contact us for a registration credit. This must be done before brackets are released.
Kids are one of our top priorities for every tournament. We spend hours reviewing each child’s registration and their place in the brackets to ensure that they get as many fair matches as possible.
Why is my child in a different division than the one I registered him/her in?
The reason your child is in a different bracket is because our team located the best match for them. Typically this will happen if we have reached out to you by email or phone call and we did not receive a response within 24 hours. The bracket coordinator reserves the right to make any changes to the brackets when deemed necessary. Rest assured that we do everything we can to give your child a positive competitive experience.
What if my child doesn’t have a match?
If we are unable to find a match for a competitor we provide the below options:
- Move up a weight, class/age division/belt.
- Credit for another tournament.
The competitor has until the brackets are released to decide what they want to do. We will contact you by email in such an event.
What happens if teammates are in the same division?
Teammates in the same division will be placed on opposite ends of the bracket to avoid competing against each other. Competitor, parent or coach can also request to move the competitor to an older/heavier division in kids division and younger/heavier divisions in adults division to avoid facing a teammate. All requests must be submitted before the final changes deadline.
When are brackets released?
Brackets are typically released 2-3 days before the tournament.
When does Jiu-Jitsu Champions League post the schedule/brackets/results/dates for tournaments?
We keep this information updated on our tournament page.
Do you publish the brackets and competitor list?
Jiu-Jitsu Champions League publishes the competitor list and brackets for every event. However, due to competitors dropping out, missing weight, or not showing up at all, brackets are subject to change. Any errors should be addressed by email before the scheduled event date.
Can brackets be changed?
In very rare circumstances; brackets may be subject to change at the tournament.
- If there is a no show in a bracket and you get 1 match, your bracket is considered completed.
- If there is a no show in your bracket and you get 0 matches, you qualify for a tournament credit.
Rules During Matches
What are the rules at Jiu-Jitsu Champions League tournaments?
Jiu-Jitsu Champions League follows the standards of the SJJIF Rules and Regulations found here.
What techniques are illegal?
Please refer to the SJJIF rule book (page 57) for a list of illegal techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Does Jiu-Jitsu Champions League use “advantages” in scoring?
Jiu-Jitsu Champions League tournaments do not use an “advantage” system. To score points, competitors must complete the technique, demonstrate control, and be free from any submission holds.
What happens if there is a tie in points?
In the case of a tie and no submission, competitors enter a tie break “sudden death” overtime round. The rules of the overtime rounds can be found here. (Page 64-65 article 46.2).
Weight and Weigh Ins
What are the weight classes at Jiu-Jitsu Champions League tournaments?
Weight Divisions can be found here.
When can I weigh in at the competition?
You can weigh in 1 hour before your scheduled division begins. For example, if you are competing at 2:15pm you can weigh in anytime from 1:15pm until the final weigh in call.
What should I wear during weigh-ins?
Competitors must make weight with the respective uniform of the completion division (Gi for Gi and NoGi on NoGi).
What are Jiu-Jitsu Champions uniform rules?
Jiu-Jitsu Champions follow the SJJIF uniform rules which can be found HERE.
Can I change my weight class after I register?
Yes! Please log in to your profile or email us as soon as possible so we can make the changes. Keeping our information updated helps the event stay organized and on schedule.
What if an adult competitor does not make weight?
An adult competitor will be disqualified if they do not make the weight class registered for. Competitors are given until the final changes deadline to change weight class. If you think you might not be able to make weight, it is better to move up one weight class. Changing your weight class after brackets are released or at the tournament is not allowed.
How can I avoid having my child miss their weight limit?
Kids and teens are always growing. It’s normal for a child to grow bigger from the day they register to the day they compete. We believe young children should eat normally before a tournament and not restrict their diets or cut weight. We recommend you take that into account when you register for a weight class. Jiu-Jitsu Champions League events are competitive, but they are meant to promote a healthy lifestyle, be safe and fun.
Email the staff if your child is over their registered weight class. If your child is within 1lb of the limit, consider moving them up so that they can eat comfortably. Sometimes, the difference isn’t that great. A 109lb child moving up to the next 110-120lbs only has a possible weight difference of 9lbs.
Will my child be disqualified for missing weight?
A competitor who weighs in over 0.99 lbs over their registered weight group will be considered to have missed weight. Your child will be disqualified from competition and given the choice of receiving credit for a future event or having staff attempt to find an exhibition match for them. However, the below points on exhibition matches should be considered:
- There is no guarantee that another bracket or match will be available with similar competitors.
- There is no guarantee to have an exhibition match with a similar opponent of age/weight/rank.
- If a bracket or match is found for a child that missed weight, their medal in the division will not contribute to the overall team scores of their academy.
- Exhibition matches do not guarantee an event medal.
Registration Issues
What do I do if my academy isn’t listed on the registration page?
New academies are signing up for Jiu-Jitsu Champions League at every event. Please contact us immediately so we can add your academy to our database. Doing so allows you to submit coach names for an event and secure team points during the competition. (In case of non team affiliation select other)
I registered, but I can no longer attend.
We understand that things happen and plans can change: Injuries, sickness, emergencies, etc. As long as you notify us well before the bracket is released we will credit your registration for any future Jiu-Jitsu Champions League event. No questions asked!
What is Jiu-Jitsu Champions League Refund Policy?
All sales are final . Events Registration fees are non-refundable. Please check above “What if my child doesn’t have a match,” for more details.
If you don’t have someone in your division you will have the option of moving up in divisions or receiving credit for a future tournament.
If you are a “no-show” at the tournament, no credit for another tournament will be issued.
The last day to remove yourself from the event with a credit is the final changes deadline.
Can I get a refund on my tournament registration fee?
No. All Events Registration fees are non-refundable as it states on our tournament registration page and on your registration confirmation email. Credits are only given to competitors that have purchased the Registration Insurance at the time of registration. If you purchased that option, you will receive a credit for a future tournament in the case that you are unable to attend the event. To receive your credit you must submit written notice of your absence to info@jiujitsuchampions.com before the tournament brackets are released. Credit can be used for a future tournament registration of equal or lesser value.
Is there a fee for spectators at tournaments?
Yes, there is a $10 fee for spectator entry. However, SJJIF members get into all tournaments for free with their current membership ID cards and may bypass the line for people paying to enter the tournament. Spectator fees may change depending on the facility the tournament is being held at.
Are parents allowed in the competition area?
Parents are not allowed in the competition area and may watch all matches from the spectator’s area.
Where do I get my tournament T-Shirt?
T-Shirts will be available at the event booth usually next to the main entrance or next to one of our sponsor booths on the tournament day. You will need your ID to pick up a shirt and they must be picked up at the tournament. We will not ship any shirts out to competitors that forgot to get their shirts at the tournament.