First tournament

Nervous is normal. Unprepared isn't.

Everything a first-time competitor needs to know about a NEXTWAVE event — from registration to walking off the mat.

Step by step

How it works.

Choose an event on the events page and check the date, venue and registration deadline. Talk to your coach before you register.

You'll select age group, Gi or No-Gi, experience level and weight class. If you're unsure, your coach knows where you belong.

Complete registration before the deadline. You'll get a confirmation, and brackets release before event day so you know your mat and matches.

Don't overhaul your game. Sharpen what already works, drill your best positions and manage your weight sensibly.

Weigh-ins are same-day and happen before your division starts. Arrive before your window opens, not right before your first match.

Find your mat, check the bracket board, warm up when your division is called up, and let your coach handle the schedule.

Pack list

Straight answers

First-time competitors are a core part of every NEXTWAVE bracket. Experience divisions exist so beginners face beginners.

Most people do at some point. You'll learn more in six minutes of competition than in a month of class — and it's why we release brackets in advance.

No. Register at the weight you naturally walk around at. Cutting weight for your first tournament makes for a worse day and worse jiu-jitsu.

We publish a schedule and run to it. Arrive for your weigh-in window and you won't be sitting around for hours.

Next step

Read the rules so nothing on event day is a surprise, then pick the event you'll compete at.