NZ Grappler 2026 Tournament Calendar
Plan your 2026 competition season
Looking for BJJ competitions New Zealand 2026? This calendar brings together NZ Grappler’s full 2026 tournament season in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with direct links to the official event information.
2026 BJJ tournament calendar
Use this quick summary to plan ahead, then open the official event page to confirm divisions, weight classes, registration deadlines and weigh-in requirements.
| Date | Competition | City | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Dec | ADCC Open | Auckland | Upcoming |
| 14 Nov | Winter Nationals | Auckland | Upcoming |
| 17 Oct | South Island Champs | Christchurch | Upcoming |
| 19 Sep | Capital Challenge | Wellington | Upcoming |
| 29 Aug | North Island Champs | Auckland | Upcoming |
| 19 Jul | SJJFNZ Open | Auckland | Completed |
| 4 Jul | West Coast Challenge | Taranaki | Completed |
| 27 Jun | Winter Challenge | Dunedin | Completed |
| 6 Jun | ADCC Cup | Auckland | Completed |
| 9 May | Summer Nationals | Auckland | Completed |
| 11 Apr | Summer Scramble | Wellington | Completed |
| 7 Mar | Southern Challenge | Christchurch | Completed |
| 21 Feb | Summer Slam | Auckland | Completed |
Upcoming BJJ competitions around New Zealand
12 December 2026 · Auckland
ADCC Open Auckland
Venue: Te Atatū Recreation Centre. A submission-only ADCC-format grappling competition. Smoothcomp lists beginner, intermediate and professional experience divisions, with 9am weigh-ins and fights from 10am.
14 November 2026 · Auckland
Winter Nationals
Venue: Barfoot & Thompson Stadium. A national-level Gi and No-Gi competition on the national calendar.
17 October 2026 · Christchurch
South Island Champs
Venue: Ara Institute of Science. Gi and No-Gi competition for athletes planning a South Island competition.
19 September 2026 · Wellington
Capital Challenge
Venue: Kapiti College. Gi and No-Gi competition. Smoothcomp lists standard NZ Grappler registration, division-change and weigh-in requirements.
29 August 2026 · Auckland
North Island Champs
Venue: Barfoot & Thompson Stadium. Gi and No-Gi competition with standard NZ Grappler divisions. Smoothcomp advises athletes to be weighed in and ready two hours before their first fight.
How to choose the right BJJ competition
The best event for you depends on your experience, location, training goals and the divisions offered. Some athletes want a nearby first competition. Others plan several BJJ tournaments New Zealand-wide to gain experience against different opponents.
- Check the event format. Use the official event page to confirm the available Gi and No-Gi competitions and rules.
- Confirm your division. Review age, belt or experience level, weight class and any event-specific eligibility requirements.
- Plan the practical details. Allow for travel, parking, accommodation, check-in and weigh-in timing.
- Talk to your coach. Your coach can help you choose the right event and division for your current level.
- Do not miss the deadline. Confirm the closing date early; late registrations are not accepted.
New to competition? Read Your First BJJ Tournament in New Zealand for practical guidance on preparation, match times, weigh-ins, the bullpen and tournament-day expectations.
How Smoothcomp registration works
NZ Grappler uses Smoothcomp to manage athlete entries, divisions, brackets and estimated match times. Begin on the NZ Grappler registration page, choose your competition and follow the official event link.
- Sign in to your Smoothcomp account or create one.
- Check that your academy, belt, age and contact details are current.
- Select the correct division and weight class shown for that event.
- Review the deadline, weigh-in information and event terms before completing payment.
- Use Smoothcomp before registration closes if you need to make an allowed registration change.
- Check again after registration closes for brackets and estimated match timing.
Event formats and requirements can differ. Always rely on the individual NZ Grappler event page and linked Smoothcomp listing for the final information.
Choose your 2026 tournament
Check the official details, confirm your division and secure your place before registration closes.
Completed 2026 events
Event details below are based on the official Smoothcomp listings.
SJJFNZ Open
Auckland, 19 July, at Eventfinda Stadium. Smoothcomp describes it as New Zealand’s only internationally sanctioned Open, with Gi and No-Gi divisions and maximum ranking points on the line.
West Coast Challenge
Taranaki, 4 July. A Gi and No-Gi event with standard NZ Grappler registration and weigh-in requirements.
Winter Challenge
Dunedin, 27 June. A Gi and No-Gi tournament. Smoothcomp advised athletes to weigh in two hours before their first fight and be matside 30 minutes before it.
ADCC Cup
Auckland, 6 June. A submission-only ADCC-format grappling event. Smoothcomp listed 9am weigh-ins and a 10am fight start.
Summer Scramble
Wellington, 11 April. An NZ Grappler Gi and No-Gi event serving the lower North Island.
Southern Challenge
Christchurch, 7 March. An NZ Grappler Gi and No-Gi tournament for the South Island competition calendar.
Summer Slam
Auckland, 21 February. Standard NZ Grappler Gi and No-Gi competition. Smoothcomp listed a 7am opening, early weigh-ins and no late entries.
New to competing? Read Your First BJJ Tournament in New Zealand and our guide to how Smoothcomp brackets work, or go straight to competition registration.
Event details may be updated by the organiser. Always check the official event page and Smoothcomp listing before entering or making travel arrangements.