Weight classes are what keep Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu safe and fair. They split competitors into weight divisions so athletes of similar size can compete against each other. That way, you can decide a match by skill instead of just pure strength. IBJJF weight classes are the standard worldwide and have slightly different rules for gi and no-gi competitions. 

These divisions cover everything from Rooster (at the top) all the way up to Ultra Heavy, which has no upper limit. 

In this guide, you’ll see how IBJJF gi weight classes are set up, what the weigh-in rules look like, what the lightest and heaviest divisions are, and how Kingz gear makes it easier to make weight and compete with confidence.

What Are BJJ Weight Classes? 

In combat sports, weight classes help ensure fairness by preventing athletes with significant size differences from facing each other. Competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu operates similarly, with clear divisions that maintain a competitive balance and ensure their safety. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) uses separate charts for male and female adults, juveniles divisions, but the weights are the same - the only difference is age group, not weight range. 

In both gi and no-gi competitions, the gi weight is included in the official weight measurement. A gi weight is your body weight plus the weight of your gi (jacket, pants, and belt). There’s no standard gi weight, but most adult gis add around 3 to 5 pounds (1.5 to 2.5 kg), so competitors usually weigh themselves at home with their gi on to be sure they fit their division.

Compared to other combat sports, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has some unique weight classes, such as Rooster, Light Feather, Medium-Heavy, and Ultra-Heavy. This ensures fair competition and gives all competitors the chance to make weight, which means to meet the required limit for their division at the official weigh-in.

A Breakdown of the IBJJF Weight Classes

IBJJF weight classes are the most widely followed in competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They help create fair competition across GI and no-GI competitions, while still offering athletes a wide range of weight divisions to choose from. Below is a full breakdown of how these divisions are organized.

Male Adult Gi Divisions

For male adults competing in gi divisions, the gi weight counts toward the final number on the scale. The following weight classes apply:

• Rooster: 57.5 kg (126.5 lbs)
• Light Feather: 64 kg (141 lbs)
• Feather: 70 kg (154 lbs)
• Light: 76 kg (167 lbs)
• Middle: 82.3 kg (181.5 lbs)
• Medium Heavy: 88.3kg/195lbs
• Heavy: 94.3 kg (208 lbs)
• Super Heavy: 100.5 kg (222 lbs)
• Ultra Heavy: Over 100.5 kg, with no upper limit

Male Adult No-Gi Divisions

IBJJF no-gi uses the same numeric limits, but weigh-ins are done without gi. This means competitors often weigh slightly lighter in no-gi competitions compared to gi competitions.

Female Adult Gi Divisions

Female adult athletes also follow detailed categories. In gi divisions, the gi weight is included in the total.

• Rooster: 48.5 kg (106.9 lbs)
• Light Feather: 53.5 kg (117.9 lbs)
• Feather: 58.5 kg (128.9 lbs)
• Light: 64 kg (141 lbs)
• Middle: 69 kg (152 lbs)
• Medium Heavy: 74 kg (163 lbs)
• Heavy: 79.3 kg (175 lbs)
• Super Heavy: 85.5 kg (188.5 lbs)
• Ultra Heavy: Over 85.5 kg

Divisions for Kids and Masters

The adult system is used for both male and female kids' gi classes, but adjustments are made for younger athletes. The rules for the master's men's weight classes are the same as those for adults, but they are divided by age to ensure that everyone can compete fairly.

Weigh-in Rules & Weight Limit Details

Gi vs. No-Gi Weigh-ins

Athletes must step on the scale in their full gi outfit, which includes pants, jacket, and belt. In other words, the gi weight is part of the total score. In IBJJF no-gi events, fighters only wear a rash guard and men’s or women’s shorts to the weigh-in, so the results may not look exactly the same.

One Chance on the Scale

Each player only gets one chance to make weight. If they fail, they are immediately removed from the division they chose. That's why competitors always use the same gear they'll wear to the competition and weigh in at home the day before.

Timing and the Rules

In contrast to some other combat sports, IBJJF events have weigh-ins right before the fights. Athletes cannot rehydrate from large weight cuts, since weigh-ins happen immediately before matches. "Big cuts" refer to an athlete's large, rapid weight reductions, primarily through extreme dehydration, which they cannot recover from between the IBJJF's immediate weigh-in and the start of the fights. 

If you make weight, you step on the scale at or below the legal limit for your weight class. You’ll need to prepare, whether you want to go for Light Feather, Medium Heavy, or Super Heavy.

Lightest & Heaviest BJJ Weight Classes

The Lightest Divisions

The lightest weight group in BJJ is the Juvenile Rooster, with the limit of 51.5 kg (around 115 lbs) for males. Female juveniles have 46.5 kg category. Next is Light Feather, which weighs 61.5 kg, and then Feather, which weighs 66.5 kg, or 145 lbs. The lighter classes group athletes of similar size, making speed and agility more important in the games.

The Heaviest Divisions

Super Heavy is just below Heavy on the list. Bigger athletes can participate in the Super Heavy and Ultra Heavy divisions. The Ultra Heavy division has no upper limit at all. Men weighing 100 kg or more can compete in this class. For women, the highest weight level is 85.5 kg (188.5 lbs) and above, which is the last weight (Ultra-Heavy).

Absolute Divisions and Styles

All weights are mixed together in absolute divisions, which are also known as open class. A fighter who weighs 155 pounds might face someone who weighs 185 pounds. Fast transitions are important for lighter players, while control and pressure are important for heavier grapplers. Jiu-jitsu competitions are fun on both ends of the scale.

Breakdown by Group

• Male Adults: When it comes to male adults, the weight categories go from Rooster (57.5 kg) to Ultra Heavy. The middle weight of 82.3 kg, the medium weight of 88.3 kg, and the heavy weight of 94.3 kg are all popular weights.
• Female Adult: There are divisions that go from Rooster (48.5 kg) to Ultra Heavy - 85.5 kg (188.5 lbs), which is the highest limit.
• Masters Male Weight Classes: The same as adult classes, but split up by age to be fair.
• Teenagers: The male and female teenage gi divisions are similar to those of adults, but they undergo some changes. Pre-teen athletes also start in lighter weight groups, such as 46.5 kg, 55.5 kg, and 56.5 kg.

How to Choose Your Ideal Division

Start with Your Natural Weight

Think about your normal weight when you choose your division. Some competitors choose to compete with smaller players, but cutting down can drain your energy. Most of the time, competing with those in your weight class makes you stronger, helps you recover faster, and gives you more confidence.

Pros and Cons of Cutting

Cutting weight can help some players gain a size advantage, but it can also make them tired. IBJJF discourages extreme dehydration or unsafe methods when competing.

Playing in your weight division means an easier time recovering and no last-minute struggles to make weight.

The Importance of Strategy

The weight divisions depend on your goals and style. Some athletes cut to Feather or Light Feather to face opponents of similar size, while others enter Super Heavy or Ultra Heavy weight classes to conserve their energy. Either way, your chosen division should align with your training plan and recovery ability, allowing you to compete at your best.

Tournament Rules Are Final

Weight divisions depend on official tournament rules, not on what you prefer. Whether it’s Light, Feather, Medium Heavy, Super Heavy, or Ultra Heavy, every competition is set up for fair competition and the safety of all competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Lowest BJJ Division Always Win?

Many people believe that dropping all the way down will guarantee victory because it gives them a size and strength advantage over smaller opponents. In reality, cutting to 145 lbs, 155 lbs, or even 185 lbs often leaves athletes tired and weak. Instead of helping, the extreme cut usually makes performance worse.

Do I Weigh in With My Gi?

Yes. In gi competition, the gi weight always counts. Athletes must weigh in with pants, a jacket, and a belt – not just their body weight.

What Happens If I Don’t Make Weight?

If you don’t make weight, you’re disqualified right away. IBJJF competitions don’t allow you to move to different weight classes or change your chosen division at the last minute.

What Are the Weight Classes in BJJ?

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, weight classes are divided into divisions, allowing competitors of similar size to face each other. The IBJJF weight classes include: 

• Rooster
• Light Feather
• Light
• Feather
• Light
• Middle
• Medium Heavy
• Heavy
• Super Heavy
• Ultra Heavy. 

Both gi competition and non-gi competitions use these divisions, but the exact weight limit depends on whether the gi weight is included.

What Are the Rules for Weigh-In BJJ?

IBJJF competitions have strict weigh-in rules. Athletes must weigh with their gi for gi divisions and without it for IBJJF no gi. Competitors only get one chance to make weight. If they fail, they’re out of their chosen division. The weigh-in takes place right before the competition, helping to maintain competitive balance across all weight divisions.

What Is the Heaviest BJJ Weight Class?

The heaviest group in IBJJF gi weight classes is the Ultra-Heavy. The weight limit for ultra-heavy category has no upper limit, so men in this group can weigh over 100.5 kg or 222 lbs. This division also exists in master's male weight classes, female adult brackets, and even in male juvenile gi divisions.

What Is the Lightest BJJ Weight Class?

The lightest category is Rooster, starting at 51.5 kg (around 115 lbs) for juvenile and female categories, and 57.5 kg (126.5 lbs) for adult males. After that are the Light Feather and Feather weight classes. Both female juvenile gi and male juvenile gi athletes also compete in these lighter divisions.

Are BJJ Weight Classes Different for Men and Women?

Yes. IBJJF weight classes are slightly different for men's divisions and women's weight classes. For example, a female adult may have a lower upper limit than a male adult in the same bracket. The goal is to create different weight classes so athletes compete against others of similar size.

Is There an Open Class in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Yes. Along with normal divisions, there’s an absolute division, also called an open class. Here, athletes of all sizes and weights can compete together. It’s a popular part of tournament rules open to all who make weight in their chosen division first.

Conclusion

With the proper BJJ weight class, you get comfort, health, and performance. Instead of worrying about cutting too much, focus on training hard, eating well, and competing at a weight that makes you feel strong and confident. Pick the division that allows you to step onto the mats ready to perform at your best.