Join us in Whangārei, Northland, for a full day of Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition, bringing together athletes, academies, coaches and families from across New Zealand.

The Whangārei Open welcomes competitors from all academies and affiliations, with divisions for Kids, Teenagers, Juveniles and Adults across all eligible belt and experience levels.

Competition will be conducted under IBJJF rules and division standards, with NZBJJF committed to providing a professional, safe, fair and well-organised competition environment for every athlete.

EVENT INFORMATION

Event: Whangārei Open 2027

Classification: NZBJJF 4-Star Regional Event

Competition: Gi & No-Gi

Location: Whangārei, Northland, New Zealand

CHECK-IN & WEIGH-IN

Weigh-in opens at the published event time and remains available throughout the day.

Athletes do not need to weigh in when doors open unless their division is scheduled early in the morning.

Kids divisions compete first, followed by Youth and Adult divisions according to the published schedule.

All athletes must arrive at the venue and complete their weigh-in at least 2 hours before their scheduled match time.

Please check your scheduled match time on Smoothcomp and plan your arrival accordingly.

Kids & Youth Divisions: MorningAdult Divisions: Afternoon

Final schedules and individual match times will be published through Smoothcomp once registration closes and brackets have been completed.

Athletes must check their Smoothcomp profile and scheduled match times before travelling to the venue.

VENUE

Parua Bay Community Centre

WHO CAN COMPETE

The Whangārei Open 2027 welcomes athletes from all academies, teams and affiliations.

Divisions are available for:

• Kids
• Teenagers
• Juveniles
• Adults
• All eligible belt and experience levels
• Gi
• No-Gi

Athletes may register for Gi, No-Gi, or both, subject to age, belt and division eligibility.

NZBJJF MEMBERSHIP | REQUIRED

All competitors must hold a current and valid NZBJJF Membership to participate in an NZBJJF-sanctioned event.

Membership must be valid and authenticated through Smoothcomp during registration.

Join or renew your NZBJJF Membership

Membership Support: membership@nzbjjf.co.nz

Athletes are responsible for ensuring their membership is active and correctly linked to their Smoothcomp profile before registration closes.

An incomplete, expired or non-validated membership may prevent an athlete from completing or maintaining their event registration.

RULES & DIVISIONS

The Whangārei Open 2027 will be conducted under IBJJF rules and competition standards.

Athletes, coaches and parents are strongly encouraged to review the applicable rules before registering and competing.

Official IBJJF Rules

Age divisions are determined according to the applicable IBJJF year-of-birth system.

It is the responsibility of the athlete, parent or guardian to ensure all registration information is correct, including:

• Athlete name
• Academy
• Belt or skill level
• Age division
• Weight division
• Gi / No-Gi registration

Please review all information carefully before registration closes.

WEIGH-IN & WEIGHT CATEGORIES

All athletes must weigh in wearing the appropriate competition uniform.

Gi: Full competition GiNo-Gi: Competition No-Gi attire

Weight categories displayed in Smoothcomp show the athlete's net weight, with the applicable competition-attire allowance shown in brackets where relevant.

EXAMPLE

79 kg (82.3 kg) Gi

This means the athlete is registered in the 79 kg division, with a maximum gross weigh-in weight of 82.3 kg while wearing the Gi.

IMPORTANT WEIGHT POLICY

Athletes are responsible for registering in the correct weight division.

If an athlete exceeds the maximum permitted weight for their registered division at the official weigh-in, the athlete will be disqualified from that division.

This policy applies to Kids, Teenagers, Juveniles and Adults.

There will be:

• No weight division changes on competition day
• No weight changes after brackets have been published
• No refunds for athletes disqualified for failing to make weight

Please check your weight carefully before selecting your division.

CHECKING DAY

The official Checking Day takes place after registration closes.

This is the athlete's final opportunity to review their registration and division status before brackets are finalised.

Competitors must verify:

• Age division
• Belt / skill level
• Weight category
• Academy
• Gi / No-Gi entry
• Division status

Any permitted corrections, cancellation requests or registration changes must be submitted within the published Checking Day period.

Once Checking Day closes and brackets are prepared, further changes may no longer be possible.

REFUND POLICY

Whangārei Open registrations are subject to the refund deadlines published on the official event page.

100% Refund: Available until the published registration/refund deadline.

Checking Day: Refund or cancellation options may be available during the published Checking Day period, subject to the event policy.

After Checking Day: No refunds.

No refunds will be issued to athletes disqualified for failing to make their registered weight.

REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS

EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION

Register during the published Early-Bird period to receive the applicable reduced entry fee.

Early registration is encouraged to secure your place and assist with the organisation of divisions.

GI + NO-GI DISCOUNT

Athletes registering for both Gi and No-Gi may receive a special two-division registration rate.

All registration periods, deadlines and applicable fees will be displayed directly on Smoothcomp.

SPECTATOR ENTRY

Adults & Teens (13+): NZ$10

Children (7–12): NZ$6

Children Under 6: FREE

Spectator entry is payable at the venue unless otherwise announced by NZBJJF.

Families, teammates and supporters are encouraged to join us in Whangārei and support the athletes throughout the competition.

COACHES, ATHLETES & SPECTATORS

NZBJJF is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful and family-friendly competition environment.

Athletes, coaches, parents and spectators are expected to demonstrate appropriate sportsmanship and respect toward competitors, referees, table officials, event staff, coaches and fellow spectators.

Abusive, threatening, aggressive or unsportsmanlike behaviour will not be tolerated.

NZBJJF reserves the right to take appropriate action when conduct compromises the safety, fairness or professional standards of the event.

4-STAR REGIONAL EVENT

The Whangārei Open 2027 is an official NZBJJF 4-Star Regional Event, forming part of the NZBJJF competition and national ranking calendar.

Athletes have the opportunity to compete, represent their academy and earn valuable points toward the NZBJJF National Ranking.

CONTACT & EVENT INFORMATION

General Enquiries: info@nzbjjf.co.nz

Membership Support: membership@nzbjjf.co.nz

FOLLOW NZBJJF

Facebook: @nzbjjf

Instagram: @nzbjjf

Official schedules, brackets and important competition announcements will be published through Smoothcomp and NZBJJF communication channels.

Athletes, parents and coaches are responsible for monitoring these channels for event updates.

SEE YOU IN WHANGĀREI

The New Zealand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation looks forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, academies and families from across Northland and New Zealand to the Whangārei Open 2027.

Whether this is your first competition or you are returning as an experienced competitor, the Whangārei Open provides an opportunity to compete, test your skills, represent your academy and earn NZBJJF ranking points in an official 4-Star Regional Event.

Prepare well. Check your registration. Make weight. Support your teammates. Compete with respect.

Good luck to all competitors.

NEW ZEALAND BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU FEDERATION

WHANGĀREI OPEN 2027

NZBJJF 4-STAR REGIONAL EVENT | GI & NO-GI | WHANGĀREI, NORTHLAND