First BJJ World Championship

The inaugural IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, also known as the Mundials, was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1996. Organized by Carlos Gracie Jr. and the IBJJF, the event brought together the best competitors from across Brazil and marked the first truly global stage for BJJ competition.

The first Worlds set the standard for what would become the premier annual gi tournament, with divisions based on weight and belt rank. Its establishment gave athletes a clear goal to strive for and helped formalize BJJ as an international sport. Over time, the Mundials grew to attract competitors from every continent, solidifying its reputation as the ultimate proving ground for gi jiu-jitsu practitioners.