Choose your event

NZ Grappler runs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments across New Zealand every year.

Our events have divisions for kids, juveniles, adults and masters—from first-time white belts through to experienced black belts.

Choose an upcoming NZ Grappler tournament and check:

• The tournament date
• The location
• Whether you want to enter Gi (in the kimono), No-Gi (without the kimono) or both
• When registrations close

Do not leave registration until the last minute. Late registrations aren’t accepted.

Check your division and weight

Before registering, check that you have selected the correct age, belt and weight division.

If you are unsure, ask your coach before completing your registration.

Do not guess your weight.

Check it properly and allow for any clothing or uniform you may be required to wear at weigh-in. The exact requirements will be listed on the official event page.

If you need to change your division before registrations close, you can update your registration through your Smoothcomp account.

Register through Smoothcomp

All NZ Grappler tournament registrations are completed through Smoothcomp.

You will need to create a Smoothcomp account or sign in to your existing account.

Make sure the information in your profile is correct, especially your:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Academy
• Belt
• Weight division

Complete your entry and payment before the registration deadline.

You will be asked to sign up for the federation at checkout. Make sure you do that before you complete your registration—this membership is valid for one year.

You are not entered until your registration and payment have been completed.

Check your emails

We send important tournament information before every event.

This may include registration reminders, schedule information, weigh-in instructions and other competition-day updates.

Check the email address connected to your Smoothcomp account and make sure it is correct.

You should also subscribe to the NZ Grappler mailing list and follow us on social media. This is where we share important updates, reminders and any changes you need to know about.

What to bring

Pack everything the night before.

You do not want to be searching for your belt or mouthguard while trying to leave for the venue.

Bring:

• A clean Gi and belt if you are competing in Gi
• Appropriate No-Gi clothing if you are competing in No-Gi
• A mouthguard if you use one
• Water in a reusable container
• Food for the day (we do have catering at the event)
• Slides or shoes to wear away from the mats
• Any medication you may need

Keep your belongings together and clearly labelled.

Check your match time

Your estimated match time will appear in your Smoothcomp account once the schedule has been released, normally the day after registrations close.

Tournament schedules can move during the day. Matches may run earlier or later than first estimated, so keep checking Smoothcomp.

We recommend arriving at the venue 2–3 hours before your first match.

You must be weighed in no later than one hour before your first match. This is because you are required to be downstairs waiting in the bullpen one hour before your first match.

Arriving early gives you time to find the venue, check in, weigh in and settle your nerves without rushing.

Listen for your name

One hour before your first match, you must stay in the bullpen or designated waiting area.

Our team will call your name and help move you through to the correct mat.

Listen carefully and follow the instructions given by the officials.

If you cannot hear your name or are unsure where you should be, ask a member of the NZ Grappler team. We are there to help.

Stepping onto the mat

You might feel nervous right up until the referee starts the match.

That is normal.

Listen to your coach. Listen to the referee. Trust your training.

You do not need to feel completely ready. You just need to step forward.

Win or lose, entering your first tournament takes courage. Every match gives you something you can take back to your academy and work on.

Remember, you cannot talk to the referee or contest any decisions. The only people you are permitted to talk to in the official area are your coach and your mat marshal.