The IBJJF Formation

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) was founded in 1994 by Carlos Gracie Jr. as a governing body to regulate competitions and standardize rules worldwide. Prior to the IBJJF, BJJ competitions varied widely in format and scoring, which made it difficult to build a unified sport.

The IBJJF introduced structured rulesets, weight classes, and ranking systems that shaped modern BJJ competition. Events like the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Mundials) and the Pan-American Championships became premier stages for athletes, elevating the sport’s professional profile. While not without criticism—particularly over restrictive rules and limited prize money—the IBJJF has been instrumental in organizing and legitimizing BJJ as a global sport.