Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Competitions
Competition in Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a world unto itself.
A space where technique is laid bare, where pressure reveals automatisms, strengths… and weaknesses.
For some, it becomes a central objective. For others, an occasional milestone, a personal test, for many, a memorable experience — sometimes brutal, often formative.
From club tournaments to international championships, competition structures modern jiu-jitsu: it shapes the rules, influences styles, brings forth champions, and pushes the discipline to evolve.
On this page, you’ll find an overview of major international circuits, and especially a complete guide to the French CFJJB circuit — from licensing to the national team.
Major International Circuits
IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation)
The historic reference in sport jiu-jitsu. The IBJJF organizes the World Championships, Europeans, Pan Ams and sets international standards: rules, refereeing, points system.
Winning an IBJJF title remains, for many, the ultimate goal.
→ View all IBJJF articles and news
ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club)
The “Olympics of grappling”. Biannual no-gi tournament, unique format favoring submissions, invitation of the world’s best, high prize money.
Winning the ADCC means entering legend status.
UFC BJJ
Launched in 2025, UFC BJJ is revolutionizing the competitive landscape: premium TV production, unprecedented media exposure, spectacular format designed for the general public.
Grappling is entering a new era.
→ Discover UFC BJJ and its events
The French Circuit: Everything About the CFJJB
What is the CFJJB?
The French Confederation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CFJJB) is the official organization that structures, organizes, and develops competitive Brazilian jiu-jitsu in France.
Created to meet the explosive growth of BJJ’s popularity in France, the CFJJB today unites hundreds of clubs and several thousand licensed members across the French territory.
Its main missions:
- Organization of the national competition circuit (French championships, regional opens, cups)
- Issuing of official belts according to international standards
- Training of technical staff, referees, and competition judges
- Representing France to the IBJJF and international bodies
- Selection and preparation of the French national team
The CFJJB applies IBJJF regulations while offering adaptations for the French context: youth categories, recreational divisions, adaptive sports.
Competitions Organized by the CFJJB
French Championships
The flagship event of the national calendar, usually held in February or March. It brings together the best French competitors from all regions to crown national champions in each category.
The technical level is particularly high, especially among adult brown and black belts — several French champions are capable of medaling at IBJJF Europeans.
Regional Opens
Throughout the year, tournaments are organized in different geographic zones: Île-de-France, PACA, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Occitanie, Grand Est, Nouvelle-Aquitaine…
These competitions allow practitioners to gain experience in a less intimidating setting than national championships, while facing solid competition.
French Team Cups
Original format favoring team spirit and club belonging. Academies compete in a team-based system, creating a unique atmosphere and strengthening bonds between training partners.
Club Open Tournaments
Many clubs organize their own open tournaments, often at the start of the season. These events are perfect for beginners wanting to discover competition in a friendly atmosphere.
International Selections
Performances at French championships and major opens serve as the selection basis for the French team that will represent the nation at IBJJF European and World championships.
The Typical French Calendar
September – December (early season)
- Training resumes after summer break
- Fall regional opens (Toulouse, Lyon, Paris, Marseille)
- Club tournaments for all levels
- Regional qualifying phases
January – March (high competitive season)
- Winter regional opens
- CFJJB French Championships (February/March)
- French Team Cups
- French national team selections for Europeans
April – June (international period)
- Spring opens
- IBJJF European Championships (with French national team)
- National team training camps
- Final Worlds qualifications
July – August (summer break)
- Slowdown in competitive calendar
- Intensive summer camps
- IBJJF Worlds preparation (June in California)
- Recovery and technical work
How to Participate in CFJJB Competitions
Mandatory Requirements
To compete in the CFJJB circuit, you must have:
1. A valid CFJJB license Obtained through your club affiliated with the confederation. The license includes mandatory sports insurance and gives you access to all competitions in the national circuit. Price generally between €40-80 depending on clubs and regions.
2. A medical certificate of fitness Dated less than one year, issued by a doctor, explicitly specifying “for the practice of Brazilian jiu-jitsu in competition“. A simple sports practice certificate is not sufficient.
3. A regulation-compliant gi Your gi must comply with IBJJF regulations regarding authorized colors (white, blue, black), dimensions, and patch placement. Compliance is checked during weigh-in.
4. A validated belt Your belt must be officially registered with the CFJJB by your instructor. Competing with an unvalidated belt can result in disqualification.
The Registration Process
Registration is generally done online via the CFJJB platform or the competition’s dedicated website, opening 4-8 weeks before the event.
Information to provide:
- Last name, first name, date of birth
- CFJJB license number
- Desired weight category
- Age and belt category
- Gi or No-Gi (depending on competitions)
Registration fees:
- Regional opens: €35-60
- French Championships: €60-100
- Registration generally includes your weight category + absolute (all categories)
Deadline: Registration typically closes 1-2 weeks before the competition. Don’t wait until the last minute!
Competition Day: Practical Timeline
Arrive at least 90 minutes before your first scheduled category.
Typical sequence:
- License check: Present your CFJJB license and ID
- Weigh-in: You must be in your weight category with gi (gi) or without (no-gi)
- Gi inspection: Compliance verification (color, dimensions, patches)
- Draw: Bracket assignment based on number of registrants in your category
- Warm-up: Dedicated area to prepare for your matches
- Announcements: Stay attentive, matches follow quickly
- Match: Give your best!
Practical tips:
- Bring hydration and snacks (competitions are long)
- Bring a backup gi if competing in gi (it can get soaked with sweat)
- Stay near the announcement area, brackets can advance quickly
- Listen to your coach if you have one, otherwise ask a training partner to accompany you
The Atmosphere of CFJJB Competitions
CFJJB competitions are distinguished by a generally friendly and family-like atmosphere, while maintaining a high technical level.
The community spirit of French BJJ is strongly felt: competitors greet each other, encourage each other between academies, and often share a moment after matches.
The level varies considerably by category:
White and blue belts: You’ll find many competition beginners, the perfect opportunity to get started. The level remains consistent and accessible.
Purple and brown belts: Solid regional/national level. Competitors often have several years of experience and a well-structured game.
Black belts: Genuinely international level. Several French competitors are capable of medaling at IBJJF Europeans and some participate in Worlds.
From Local to International: The French Path
France has developed an impressive pool of talent in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Here’s the typical path of an ambitious French competitor:
Local/Regional Level (white to purple belts)
- Multiply experiences in regional opens
- Aim for podiums at French championships in your category
- Get noticed by national selectors
National Level (purple to black belts)
- French championship titles in your category
- Participation in IBJJF Europeans with the French national team
- Possible integration into national training camps
International Level (elite black belts)
- Medals at IBJJF Europeans
- Participation in IBJJF Worlds (California)
- Podiums at Abu Dhabi Grand Slam
- Possibility of ADCC qualification
The French national team has produced several European medalists and even a few IBJJF world medalists, testifying to the growing level of French BJJ. French athletes have also distinguished themselves in international professional circuits (Polaris, F2W, WNO).
Leading Regions and Clubs in France
France has numerous high-level academies that regularly produce successful competitors:
Paris region: Historically the stronghold of French BJJ, with reputable clubs training champions and black belts for 20+ years.
Lyon and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: High density of academies and elevated technical level, particularly thanks to several renowned black belt instructors.
Marseille and PACA: Dynamic scene with several clubs affiliated with major Brazilian lineages, passionate southern atmosphere.
Toulouse and Occitanie: Significant development in recent years, numerous successful competitors.
Bordeaux, Nantes, Strasbourg, Lille: Active local scenes with regular events.
The diversity and geographic distribution of clubs now allows the majority of French people to access quality instruction close to home.
CFJJB Resources and Contact
Official website: Check the CFJJB website for updated calendar, official regulations, competition results, and registration procedures.
Social media: The CFJJB is active on Facebook and Instagram, regularly sharing results, competition photos, and important information for license holders.
Your club: Your instructor and your academy remain your first point of contact for any questions about competitions, registrations, and preparation.
Starting in Competition: What to Expect
Participating in a competition isn’t just about seeking a medal.
It’s accepting:
- Stress
- Waiting
- Discomfort
- Uncertainty
But also:
- Accelerated progression
- Better reading of your game
- Real self-questioning
- A more lucid relationship with your jiu-jitsu
For a first tournament, local or regional competitions are often the most suitable: more relaxed atmosphere, consistent level, reassuring setting.
👉 Competition isn’t an exam. It’s a tool.
IBJJF Points System (Applied in CFJJB)
The points system rewards dominant positions:
4 points:
- Mount
- Back control (with hooks)
3 points:
- Guard pass
2 points:
- Sweep from guard
- Takedown with guard maintained
- Knee on belly
Advantages: Awarded for submission attempts close to success, nearly stabilized positions, or meritorious offensive actions. Advantages only decide in case of point ties.
Match duration (adults):
- White belt: 5 minutes
- Blue belt: 6 minutes
- Purple belt: 7 minutes
- Brown/black belt: 8 minutes
- Absolute: 10 minutes
Can You Practice Jiu-Jitsu Without Competing?
Yes. Absolutely.
Competition is an option, not an obligation.
Many practitioners find their balance in technical learning, friendly sparring, teaching, or recreational practice.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu isn’t limited to podiums.
It offers much broader richness: discipline, confidence, health, community.
👉 Stepping onto a competition mat doesn’t define your value as a practitioner.
In Summary
Competition is one of the driving forces of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
It’s neither essential nor superior — but it remains a formidable revealer.
In France, the CFJJB circuit today offers a structured, accessible, and quality framework for all levels — from the first club tournament to international selections.
Whether you’re curious, a beginner, an experienced competitor, or simply passionate, understanding the competitive universe allows you to better understand jiu-jitsu itself.