Age Groups and Birthdates

We are running junior and juvenile divisions based on IBJJF Rules.

This means young competitors are matched based on their year of birth, rather than their age on the day of the event. A competitor who is 7 years old and who is turning 8 this year, will be classed as being 8 years old for the purposes of matchmaking and would belong in the Junior I (8-9 Years) category.

This does not mean that a seven year old will face a "child who is 9 and about to turn 10". A  9-year-old who is turning 10 this year would be in the Junior II (10-11) category. The age categories are still banded in two-year groups, as it would be if we used date of birt.. The difference is merely the cut-off point for the groups.

Important Note Regarding Juvenile Age Groups and Belts

We also use the IBJJF belt system for juvenile age groups and belts. A child who is turning 16 this year is classed as being in the Juvenile category. Juveniles who earned a colored belt under the junior system cannot compete as Juvenile White Belts and are encouraged to consult their coach to check whether Juvenile Blue or Purple is more appropriate for them.

Division Merges for Juniors and Juveniles

If we are unable to match a child in their exact division, we will offer the following options:

- Move up in weight one category

- Move up in belt one category

- Move up in age one category (with the exception of Teen 2 and Juveniles)

If you are unhappy with the matches offered, please let us know what you would prefer. We will try to accommodate you, and if we are unable to find a suitable match you will be entitled to a refund of the child's entry fee.