2026 WILL MACHADO BJJ CHAMPIONSHIPS

HOW DOES THE GATHERING DIFFER FROM OTHER COMPS?

This boutique BJJ competition stands as Australia’s Original BJJ Championships. It began back in the 90’s, before BJJ was a ‘thing’. The only Black Belt in the ‘antipodes’ at that time was John Will - ‘Dirty Dozen’ member and the well-spring of BJJ in the Southern Hemisphere. In those days, Blue Belt matches were the highlight of the competition! How far we’ve come!

The Gathering is an opportunity for all students and coaches from the Machado lineage to get together, to compete, to train and to share the mat with Professor Rigan Machado, who makes the trip out for the event. It’s an opportunity to catch up with old friends or make new ones. It’s a competition, yes - but it’s also our annual ‘family picnic’ of sorts.

Lock it into your calendar now; you will love, love, love the experience.

Competition: October 10th 2026 - MSAC - in Melbourne.

Professor Rigan Machado: the day after at Dominance Academy.'

Competition Notes - FAQ:

• There is no absolute/open division for White Belts
• Smoothcomp will automatically assign people to the closest suitable division if they are the only competitor in their ‘actual’ division. IE: if they are an ‘orphan’ competitor
• Don’t be too quick to judge how many people are in your division; many people wait until the last day, even the last few hours, before they register.
• Kids Divisions start at 9am.
• Adults divisions start at 11am
• We are usually done by 5pm
• You must make weight, whilst wearing your Gi, (be at or below the nominated weight) upon weigh-in as you step onto the mat for your first match
• If you fail to make weight at that time, you will forfeit your match
• Note: Many competitors will be BELOW the maximum nominated weight - IE: if a weight category is say, 65kg’s, many competitors will weigh in at less than that weight.
• Registrations close at midnight on Monday September 8th
• Please refresh and check your Smoothcomp account for ‘real time’ updates with regard to the start-time for your match. And be at your nominated mat, 15 minutes before your nominated start time.

SCHEDULE ON THE SUNDAY:

Be at Dominance by 9am!

Black Belts Degree Awards: 9:30am

Academy Owners Group shot: 10:00am

All Black Belts Group Shot: 10:15am

Advanced Seminars: 10:30- 12:30 

Photos with Rigan: 12:30-1:00pm

White Belts Seminars: 1:00pm-3:00pm

Photos with Rigan: 3:00pm-3:30pm

No need to book. Cash payment - at door.

$100 for competitors

$120 for non-competitors