Recognised National Authority for Sport Jiu-Jitsu in Aotearoa

The Sport Jiu-Jitsu Federation of New Zealand (SJJFNZ) is the official governing body for sport jiu-jitsu in New Zealand. Their role is to support and regulate the development of the sport at every level, from grassroots academies to national competition. SJJFNZ sets and maintains the standard for tournament rules, rankings, and athlete eligibility, and plays a vital role in shaping a fair and consistent competitive environment across the country.

At NZ Grappler, we’re proud to work alongside SJJFNZ to ensure our events meet the highest national standards. Their support helps us maintain structure, transparency, and progression pathways that benefit the entire BJJ community in Aotearoa.

Resources and Support for Academies Nationwide

Beyond competition, SJJFNZ is committed to helping New Zealand BJJ academies run safely and professionally. They provide accredited tournament circuits with practical resources, including tournament support, SmoothComp support, safety plans, hygiene and sanitisation protocols, and risk assessment tools. These materials are designed to help approved tournament circuits deliver a high-quality experience for competitors while meeting their health and safety obligations in alignment with Sport New Zealand.

Their goal is to support the long-term growth of the sport by strengthening the infrastructure that supports it. Through this work, SJJFNZ helps ensure BJJ in New Zealand is not only competitive, but sustainable, safe, and well managed.

Structured Rankings, Rules, and Competition Pathways

SJJFNZ maintains the official national calendar for sport jiu-jitsu in New Zealand, including sanctioned events and ranking opportunities for athletes. Their rulebook and guidelines are tailored to reflect the needs of the local BJJ scene, ensuring consistency and fairness from club-level comps to large-scale national tournaments.

Athletes who compete in NZ Grappler events benefit from these systems through clear ranking pathways and progression opportunities. As the sport continues to grow, SJJFNZ remains a key pillar in supporting structured, athlete-focused development that aligns with international best practices.