The 2026 North American Grand Finale
Organized by NABJJF
December 5, 2026 in Norwalk, California brings NABJJF's North American Grand Finale, the federation's season-closing gi tournament run under IBJJF rules. Competitors across all belt levels close out the year's point standings at this event.
Event Description
NABJJF closes out its season with the North American Grand Finale in Norwalk, California — the marquee event on a calendar the North American BJJ Federation has run for more than 20 years under the motto "Turning Hobbyists into Champions." Competition follows rules based on the SJJIF ruleset, with weight classes set by maximum-weight ceilings, and results feed into NABJJF's single national ranking system across its 10-plus events per year. The Grand Finale takes place December 5, 2026 in Norwalk, CA, open to gi competitors across all belts. Since this is the season-ending championship, expect a strong field chasing year-end ranking points. Register through the Smoothcomp link on Let's Roll.
Divisions
Registration deadline: November 25, 2026
About NABJJF
NABJJF (the North American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation), founded in Los Angeles in 2005, runs 10+ gi and no-gi tournaments a year for all ages and belts. Its flagship North American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament reached its 20th annual edition in 2026.
Rules
IBJJF rules are the standard most BJJ competition rules descend from. Matches are scored on positional progress: 2 points for a takedown, sweep, or knee-on-belly; 3 points for passing the guard; and 4 points for mount, back mount, or back control with hooks. Advantages are awarded for near-scores and close submission attempts and act as the first tiebreaker, followed by penalties and finally referee decision. Match length scales with rank, from 5 minutes for adult white belts up to 10 minutes for black belts.
Legal techniques expand with age and belt. White belts face the tightest restrictions (no wrist locks, slicers, or kneebars); jump to purple and brown/black and more leg attacks and pressure submissions open up. Since the 2021 rule change, heel hooks and inside knee reaping are legal — but only in the adult brown/black no-gi divisions. Kids divisions run shorter matches with a much more restrictive legal-technique list.
Uniform rules are enforced: gis must be white, royal blue, or black, properly fitted, with a rank-appropriate belt; no-gi divisions require rash guards displaying the competitor's belt color. Referees can disqualify for illegal gear, so check the uniform checklist before stepping on the scale.
Always confirm the official rulebook before you compete — organizations update rules between seasons. See the official event page for current rules.
Community results
No results logged yet. Results show up here once competitors log them after the event.
Frequently asked questions
- When and where is the North American Grand Finale?
- December 5, 2026, in Norwalk, CA.
- What ruleset does NABJJF use?
- Rules based on the SJJIF ruleset, with weight classes set by maximum-weight ceilings.
- Does this event count toward rankings?
- Yes, NABJJF runs a single national ranking system, and results from its 10-plus annual events (including the Grand Finale) feed into it.
- How long has NABJJF been running events?
- Over 20 years, under the motto "Turning Hobbyists into Champions."
- How do I register?
- Through the Smoothcomp link on Let's Roll.
BJJ gyms near Norwalk, CA
Looking for a place to train before or after the tournament?
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