FIRST TIMERS
My First Championship Guide
From membership to the medal podium — everything you need to know before stepping onto the mat for the first time.
Get Your Membership
Before registering for any championship, you must have an active membership under your current belt rank and your registered academy.
How to apply
- Complete your membership application at afbjj.smoothcomp.com
- Complete the payment
- Wait for approval — your membership becomes active immediately after approval
Processing time
Membership approval may take up to 24 hours after payment is completed.
Can't find your academy?
Your membership must be linked to a registered academy. If your academy is not listed, speak with your instructor before applying.
Choose a Championship
Browse the list of championships with open registration and select the event you wish to compete in.
Register for the Championship
Choosing your weight division
- Weight limits include your uniform (Gi/No-Gi).
- You may weigh less than the limit.
- If you weigh over the limit at weigh-in, you will be disqualified.
You may edit your registration on the Check & Change day.
Choosing your age division
Your division is determined by your birth year, not your birthday.
Masters athletes
Masters competitors may compete in lower age divisions. For example:
- Master 2 → Master 2, Master 1 or Adult
- Master 1 → Master 1 or Adult
They cannot compete in higher Masters divisions.
Kids & juveniles
Kids and juveniles must compete in the division that matches their birth year. Exceptions may be available if an athlete is alone in their division.
Important: you may only register in one division per championship.
Change Your Registration
Cancel your registration
If you wish to withdraw from the event, you can cancel your registration directly through your Smoothcomp account. Refunds are processed in accordance with the event's refund policy.
Request a division change
- Before the Check & Change day: email the event organiser with your request, including the exact division (belt, age and weight class) you wish to change to.
- During the Check & Change day: submit your division change directly through the Check & Change feature in your Smoothcomp account.
All division changes are subject to the AFBJJ Check & Change Policy, and only eligible changes will be approved.
Registration Check & Change Day
This is your final opportunity to verify your registration. Check your:
- Name
- Academy
- Belt
- Age division
- Weight division
If an error exists, contact the event staff before midnight (local event time) using the email associated with your account and mention your details.
Athletes alone in their division
Single-fighter categories can change division during Check & Change day:
- Masters competitors may compete in lower age divisions.
- Kids competitors may compete in higher age and weight divisions.
- Adult competitors may compete in higher weight divisions.
Or contact AFBJJ / the event organiser by this deadline if you wish to:
- Request a division change — include the exact age, belt and weight division you wish to change to.
- Withdraw from the championship.
Find Your Competition Schedule
Once released, you can view:
- Competition day
- Approximate division start time
- Match brackets
- Estimated first match time
Competition times are dynamic and may change without notice. It is the athlete's responsibility to regularly monitor the official schedule at afbjj.smoothcomp.com or through the Smoothcomp app.
/ Championship day
Bring Identification
You must have identification available. Bring either:
- Photo ID, or
- AFBJJ Smoothcomp ID
Arrive Early
Be at the venue at least one hour before your scheduled division — events sometimes run ahead of schedule. When your division begins, staff will call you for weigh-in.
T-Shirts, Medals & Spectators
Spectators
Family and friends are welcome to attend. Some championships charge an admission fee — check the event page for spectator information. Many events allow one free companion for registered minor athletes.
Championship T-shirt
Collect your championship T-shirt at the designated T-shirt booth inside the venue (while stocks last). Location varies by event.
Medal ceremony
If you finish in the Semi-Final or Final, proceed directly to the podium after your final match. Event staff will guide you through the medal presentation.
Quick Competition Checklist
Before Registration
- Active membership
- Academy registered
Registration
- Choose event
- Select age division
- Select weight division
Before Event
- Review Check & Change day
- Confirm schedule and brackets
- Pack competition Gi (or No-Gi gear)
- Bring valid ID
Competition Day
- Arrive 1 hour early
- Listen for weigh-in call
- Compete
- Collect T-shirt
- Attend medal ceremony (if applicable)
Competition Flow at a Glance
- 1
Join
Membership
- 2
Register
Smoothcomp
- 3
Check & Change
Verify details
- 4
Weigh-in
On the day
- 5
Compete
Hit the mats
- 6
Podium
Medal ceremony
Ready to compete?
Memberships, registrations, brackets and results are all managed through the Smoothcomp portal.
Open Smoothcomp Portal