How IBJJF weigh-ins work (and how to avoid a DQ)

You weigh in wearing your gi

For gi divisions, IBJJF weigh-ins are conducted with your full competition kimono and belt on. The division limit includes that weight. A pearl-weave gi adds roughly 1.5–2 kg and a heavier double-weave more, so the number that matters is your weight dressed to compete — not what your bathroom scale says in the morning.

Same-day, single chance

IBJJF typically weighs competitors on the day of competition, usually shortly before the division runs. In most cases it's one shot: if you're over, you're disqualified, often without a refund. There's no day-before weigh-in and 24-hour rehydration window like some no-gi promotions use.

How to never get caught out

Weigh yourself at home in your actual competition gi several days before the event, and again the night before. Account for the gi you'll actually wear — if you've been practising in a light gi but competing in a heavier one, that difference can be the kilo that DQs you. If you're sitting right on the limit, the safe move is to drop into the division up rather than gamble on the scale.

Confirm your division and the gi-on math with the weight class finder before you ever register.

IBJJF vs ADCC weigh-ins

Because IBJJF weighs you in your gi right before competing, there's little time to rehydrate — which is why big water cuts backfire at IBJJF but are common at day-before events like ADCC.