BJJ Competitions – Masters Divisions Explained

BJJ Masters Age Divisions Explained

BJJ masters age divisions are for those over the age 30 and are separated into these categories:

However, if your age bracket qualifies for the Masters division you can still opt to compete in the adult division (ages 18-29).

If you’re over 30 years old and interested in signing up for a BJJ competition then you are considered qualified for the Masters division. Below are the bjj masters age broken down by age group.

The International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is largest organization that holds frequent Brazilian jiu jitsu competitions – these competitions and others have divisions separated by sex, belt rank, weight, and age.

Understanding IBJJF Masters Divisions

The IBJJF Master Division allows practitioners aged 30 and above to compete against others in similar age groups. Unlike adult competitions, Masters matches tend to emphasize technical skills over raw athleticism.

Here’s how the IBJJF Masters divisions are structured:

🔹 Can Masters Competitors Fight in Adult Divisions?
Yes, if you’re eligible for a Masters division, you can still compete in the category of the adult division if you prefer a higher competition level. However, younger athletes in the adult competitions often have an edge in speed and endurance.

What Is IBJJF Masters 4 Age?

IBJJF Masters 4 age is for those who are age 46-50.

The IBJJF masters division in bjj are divisions for those over the age 30 and are separated into the above categories. These are the categories for ibjjf age divisions 2025 (keep in mind the competition point system is still the same for masters divisions).

Competition hosts have created different weight and age brackets to ensure fairness in the sport.

For IBJJF, the Masters division has been subdivided into 7 categories:

• Masters 1 – 30-35 years.
• Masters 2 – 36 to 40 years
• Masters 3 – 41 to 45 years
• Masters 4 – 46 to 50 years
• Masters 5 – 51 to 55 years
• Masters 6 – 56 to 60
• Masters 7 – 60+

Another scenario is if you are a Master 6, opting to compete in the Master 1 division, then that is allowed too.

Keep in mind that you can only always go to a lower age division.

However, if you are 23 (adult division) then you are not allowed to compete in Master 2 which is for BJJ practitioners aged 36 to 40.

What Are the Master Divisions in BJJ?

The Masters division in BJJ has been divided into 6 different groups, starting at the 30 years old. 

• Master 1 – 30-35 years.
• Master 2 – 36 to 40 years
• Master 3 – 41 to 45 years
• Master 4 – 46 to 50 years
• Master 5 – 51 to 55 years
• Master 6 – 56 and up

What Age Group is Masters 3?

Masters 3 is for those who are age 41-45.

What Age Group is Masters 4?

Masters 4 is for those who are age 46-50.

What Age Group is Masters 5?

Masters 5 is for those who are age 51-55.

IBJJF Age Divisions 2025 For Men and Women

Now lets talk about IBJJF age divisions 2025 for men and women:

World famed International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation has created different age divisions for its male and female competitors.

IBJJF regulates the sport to create a safe and competitive environment for its participants. 

To add to that, they want to give each competitor a fair match. They, again, divide competitors based on gender, weight, rank and age group.

IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship events have age divisions for ages 4-60  years old. 

For 18 years old and above, it is composed of adults and masters division which is subcategorized further as you get older:

Meanwhile, the youngest age a child can participate in a BJJ competition is at 4 years old.

Note: For minor athletes at IBJJF events they are allowed to enter with one companion for free

Belt Level Differences – Adult vs Masters Divisions

So does belt rank affect the age division? There is a slight difference in difficulty between masters divisions at white, blue, purple and brown compared to adult divisions. 

If you are a competitive athlete in masters divisions, it is sometimes a bit easier since you will be facing older individuals instead of those between the ages of 18-29.

However, if you are competing in the masters divisions at the black belt level then your matches will still be very challenging.

Why? You will be competing against practitioners who have been training BJJ for many years already.

Moreover, there are some living legends still participating in these competitions at masters level that you may be competing against.

Belt Divisions in IBJJF Masters Competitions

IBJJF Masters divisions follow the same belt division structure as other competitions but may have slight differences in how brackets are arranged.

🔹 How Do Black Belt Divisions Differ?
In black belt divisions, competition is often fierce, even in Masters brackets. Many black belts competing in Masters 1-3 were once high-level competitors in adult competitions. Some Masters 4+ black belts may have been inactive for years before returning.

Competitive Peak for BJJ Athletes

Each and every BJJ athlete will start at a different point in their life. This is due to different reasons, some may:

• change of sports
• recently want to get fit
• found out about the sport and want to try
• learn self defense

To add to that, the earliest that one can participate in a competition is at age four, for IBJJF Kids Championship. 

Although a lot of people who became world champions started training in their early teens, they slowly reap their efforts during their 20s and later at 30+ as they enter the masters division. 

Nonetheless, a number of BJJ competitors will peak in their competitive career at 33 years old.

During this age group, competitors are still in their most competitive years in BJJ.

Why Compete in Masters Division?

Why choose to compete in the masters division? A number of BJJ practitioners who compete in masters divisions are most likely those who started BJJ later in life and that is totally fine! 

Although BJJ relies on techniques, it will still be different competing with a younger opponent in the same rank and weight class.

BJJ is continuous learning. It doesn’t matter if you are getting older in the sport. There will always be something new to gain. It’s about those who stay despite hindrances and as you grow older in your beloved sport. 

Do I Have to Compete in My Own Age Bracket?

No, some competitions will let you compete at the adult age bracket even if you are in a masters division.  

Hence, it will be your choice if you would like to move to a lower age bracket. But this can only be applicable depending on the rules and regulation of the organization hosting the tournament.

Thanks for reading and hope this has been informative – see you in the next one!

How Should You Train As An Older BJJ Practitioner?

While I’m only 36 and not quite as old as other masters divisions competitors, I can tell you that my training has changed quite a bit as I get older.

My general rules for safe training and types of training you should do as an older bjj competitor is to:

• aim for atleast 1 tough, competitive round per class (generally no more than two)
• most of your rounds should be slower, controlled, and more technique focused
• avoid training sessions that leave you unable to recover within a day (some competition classes may leave you beat up for 2-3 days which isn’t ideal)
• try to train more frequently but at a lower intensity
  • opting for only the 1 hour class with 2-3 sparring rounds 4 times a week is better than training twice as week at a higher intensity and with more rounds
• consider light weight training 2-3 times a week to keep your joints and connective tissues healthy
• finally, don’t compare yourselves to younger competitors – focus your tough rounds against other competitors in your gym who are your age and skill level

Unlike younger athletes in adult competitions, Masters competitors need to train smarter, not harder. Competition organizers recommend longer recovery periods and strength training to offset the natural decline in athleticism.

🔹 Here are our tips summed up on – How to Train for IBJJF Masters Divisions

• Reduce Hard Sparring: Focus on technique and drilling rather than rolling hard every session.
• Prioritize Recovery: Older competitors need longer recovery periods between hard sessions.
• Strength Training: Helps prevent injuries and maintain power in competition level matches.
• Flexible Training Schedule: Instead of 5-6 hard sessions per week, Masters competitors may benefit from 3-4 high-quality sessions.

IBJJF Weight Divisions Explained

Male IBJJF Weight Divisions

Female IBJJF Weight Divisions

Why Masters Competitions Matter

Masters divisions play a pivotal role in BJJ competition culture by allowing older athletes to stay engaged, compete at the correct division, and continue their growth in the sport.

🔹 Key Takeaways

• IBJJF Master Division allows athletes over 30 to compete in age-appropriate brackets.
• Belt divisions remain the same but may have fewer competitors than adult competitions.
• Absolute divisions allow for open-weight matchups, though they are less common in Masters competitions.
• Competition organizers structure weigh-ins on the same day, requiring careful weight management.
• Training should be adjusted for Masters competitors to prioritize longevity, strength, and recovery.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

If You Are 30+ Should You Compete in the Masters or Adult Division?

This will largely come down to your preference. If you are over 30 years old you are automatically eligible for the Masters division. However, you can still opt to compete in the adult division (age: 18-29).

Most bjj competitors believe that competing in the adult division will be harder than competing in the Masters division. This may or may not be the case depending on the organization and competitors in each respective bracket. A good rule of thumb is to try the Masters division and if you do well, you can always do the adult division next time.

Speaking from personal experience and competing in both the adult division and the Masters 1 division, the Masters 1 division (ages 30-34) is still very competitive.

You will also know you fare against younger bjj athletes through training at your gym. So if you do well against them by all means feel free to jump into the adult division in your next competition.

Which Bracket Will Have More Competitors?

Generally, the adult division bracket will have more competitors. So if your goal is to have more matches you’d be better off signing up for the adult division.

Can I compete in both Masters and Adult divisions?

Yes, if you are 30+ you can enter adult competitions, but most Masters competitors prefer to fight in their correct division.

How do Masters weight classes differ from adults?

They are the same, but Masters divisions typically have fewer competitors per bracket.

Are absolute divisions available for Masters?

Yes, but they are less common in Masters divisions than in adult competitions.

What is the toughest belt division in Masters?

The Black Belt divisions in Masters 1-3 are extremely competitive, often featuring former world champions.

Zack Nicholas

Zack is an avid jiu jitsu practitioner and martial arts nerd. He currently holds a brown belt in BJJ. When not on the mats or in the gym, he can be found going for walks with his wife, attempting (and often failing) to train his dog, and frequently obsessing over a specific hobby only to forget about it a week later.