Organized by IBJJF
IBJJF competition comes to Central Texas on December 5, 2026 for the Waco International Open. Sanctioned by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the tournament runs gi divisions across all belts for competitors from across the state.
The Waco International Open is an IBJJF-sanctioned gi tournament, run under the sport's dominant global points-and-advantages ruleset covering takedowns, guard passes, mount, back control, and submissions. Competitors span all 22 IBJJF age divisions, from young kids through masters, and gis must be white, black, or royal blue in the correct fabric weight to pass inspection. This event takes place December 5, 2026 in Waco, TX. Weigh-ins are strict — one attempt, and missing weight means disqualification — so competitors should confirm their gi and weight class ahead of time. An active annual IBJJF membership plus event registration are both required; entry fees typically run roughly $50 to $120 depending on the registration tier. Register through the IBJJF event page linked on Let's Roll.
Registration deadline: November 27, 2026
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), founded in 2002 and headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is widely regarded as the largest and most prominent sanctioning body in competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It organizes the sport's most prestigious tournaments, including the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship, European Open, and World No-Gi Championship, drawing thousands of competitors to its largest events each year.
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.
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