08/28/2026
Official Statement Regarding Recent JJWL Tournament Division Error
To our Jiu-Jitsu community, students, and competitors:
For over 20 years of teaching and coaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (and over 25 years practicing the art), our academy has been built on an unshakeable foundation of honor, sportsmanship, and fair play. We do not tolerate sandbagging or unfair competition under any circumstances.
Recently, claims were made regarding one of our upper belts competing in an improper No-Gi division at a Jiu Jitsu World League (JJWL) event. I was not aware of this situation before or during the matches; I only learned what occurred after the athlete was disqualified and I requested an explanation from the head referee. Following an immediate investigation, here are the facts:
Tournament System Error: JJWL formally acknowledged in writing that their system mistakenly placed/added our student (a Purple Belt) into an incorrect division after her original bracket had no competitors. However, the system shouldn’t have allowed it, and the student should not have accepted it. We are actively pushing JJWL to fix this system flaw so it does not happen to anyone else.
Competitor Oversight & Discipline: While JJWL generated the bracket merge, our student failed to double-check her division details before stepping onto the mat. This was a first-time mistake, but as an upper belt, she is held to a higher standard. She has been penalized internally to ensure this is the first and absolute last time an oversight like this occurs.
Matside Coaching Context: In No-Gi competition, rank-specific rashguards are not always worn (competitors wear mixed colors like blue, black, purple, red, pink, or camouflage). As a coach managing four or more concurrent fights on different mats, I coach the match in front of me, trusting the organization has properly vetted the brackets. This issue highlights why requiring ranked No-Gi attire would help referees, organizers, coaches, and table staff instantly spot bracket errors.
Continued in comments..
