North American Grappling Association

The North American Grappling Association (NAGA) is one of the largest grappling organizations in the United States, hosting the highest volume of regional events across the country. NAGA tournaments feature both gi and no-gi divisions at the same event, giving competitors the option to enter either or both.

NAGA is known for its skill-based division system rather than belt-based, which makes it accessible to competitors from various grappling backgrounds — not just Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Wrestlers, judo practitioners, and no-gi grapplers can all find appropriate divisions.

The organization runs events in cities across the United States nearly every weekend, making it one of the most accessible tournament options for families regardless of location. The sheer number of events means there is almost always a NAGA tournament within driving distance.

NAGA tournaments tend to be large, high-energy events with hundreds of competitors across dozens of divisions. They offer a great competitive experience for youth and adult athletes alike, with a ruleset that is generally more permissive than IBJJF for experienced divisions.

NAGA uses a skill-based division system rather than the traditional belt-based divisions used by most BJJ organizations. This approach accommodates competitors from all grappling disciplines.

Skill Divisions:

How divisions are determined: - Competitors self-select their division based on training experience - NAGA reserves the right to move competitors up if they are deemed too skilled for their registered division - Winning gold in a division may require the competitor to move up for their next event - Sandbagging (competing below your skill level) is taken seriously

BJJ belt equivalencies: While NAGA uses skill levels, there are general equivalencies: - Beginner ≈ White belt (0–1 stripe) - Novice ≈ White belt (2–4 stripe) to early Blue belt - Intermediate ≈ Blue belt to Purple belt - Expert ≈ Brown belt and Black belt

Why this matters: The skill-based system means competitors from wrestling, judo, or other grappling arts can enter at an appropriate level without needing a BJJ belt rank. This makes NAGA more inclusive than belt-restricted organizations.

NAGA uses a point-based scoring system during matches that is similar to other major BJJ organizations, with some differences in how tiebreakers are handled.

Point Values:

Key scoring details: - Positions must be held for 3 seconds to score - Points are awarded once per position per sequence - A sweep must originate from a guard position - Back mount requires both hooks or a body triangle

Advantages and penalties: NAGA uses advantages as secondary scoring, similar to the IBJJF system. Advantages are awarded for near-successful techniques.

Submission wins: A submission immediately ends the match. NAGA encourages submission attempts and the skill-level system means Expert divisions see a wide range of legal submissions.

Tiebreaker resolution: If a match ends with tied points, advantages determine the winner. If still tied, the referee makes a decision based on aggression and positional dominance.

For a comparison of scoring across organizations, see our scoring guide.

NAGA offers extensive youth divisions organized by age, skill level, and weight. Youth divisions are a major part of every NAGA event.

Youth Age Groups:

Youth skill levels: Within each age group, youth competitors are divided by skill level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) to create fair matchups. This keeps experienced youth competitors from facing complete beginners.

Youth safety rules: - Shorter match times appropriate for the age group - Restricted submissions for younger divisions - No leg locks in youth divisions - Modified choke rules for the youngest age groups - Referees trained in youth competition safety

Youth-specific considerations: - NAGA events can be long days with many competitors — pack snacks and entertainment for wait times - Youth divisions typically run earlier in the day - A parent or legal guardian must be present for all youth competitors - Coaches must have valid coaching credentials or be verified by the competitor's academy

For guidance on youth belt progression, see our guide on understanding youth BJJ belts.

NAGA match times vary by age group and skill level. Higher skill levels receive longer matches.

Adult Match Times:

Youth Match Times: Youth matches are shorter, typically: - Tiny Tot / Mighty Mite: 2–3 minutes - Pee Wee / Junior: 3–4 minutes - Teen / Juvenile: 4–5 minutes

Day scheduling: NAGA events often run gi and no-gi divisions on the same day, which means competitors entering both may have a long event day. Plan for: - Gi divisions typically in the morning - No-gi divisions typically in the afternoon - Some overlap is possible — check the schedule carefully if entering both

Pacing tip: If your child is competing in both gi and no-gi, ensure they have time to change, hydrate, and eat between divisions. Bring both gi and no-gi attire to the venue.

NAGA's technique rules vary significantly by skill level, with Expert divisions having notably more permissive rules than beginner or youth divisions.

Beginner Division Restrictions: - No heel hooks - No knee reaping - No wrist locks - No neck cranks - No bicep or calf slicers - No flying submissions

Novice/Intermediate Additions: - Wrist locks may become legal at Intermediate level - Straight ankle locks generally legal - Toe holds may be permitted at higher skill levels

Expert Division: NAGA Expert divisions allow a broader range of techniques than many other organizations, including: - Heel hooks (no-gi) - Knee reaping (no-gi) - Calf slicers - Wrist locks - Toe holds

This makes NAGA Expert divisions attractive to competitors who train leg locks and other advanced submissions.

Youth restrictions: - Most leg submissions prohibited - Choke variations limited for younger age groups - Slams always prohibited - Scissor takedowns prohibited - Referees prioritize quick stoppage on submissions

Always prohibited at all levels: - Slamming from any position - Suplex-style throws - Small joint manipulation - Striking or biting - Scissor takedowns

Important: Always verify current rules on the NAGA website before competing, as rules may be updated between events.

NAGA registration is handled online through the NAGA website. The process is straightforward and does not require an annual membership.

Registration steps: 1. Visit the NAGA website (nagafighter.com) and find your event 2. Create an account or log in to an existing one 3. Select your division(s) — skill level, age group, weight class, gi and/or no-gi 4. Complete the registration form with competitor information and emergency contacts 5. Pay the registration fee — fees vary; entering both gi and no-gi may offer a discount 6. Receive confirmation via email

No membership required: Like JJWL, NAGA does not require an annual membership. You pay per event.

Registration tips: - Register early for the best pricing — NAGA often offers early-bird discounts - Late registration (including day-of) is typically available but at a higher fee - You can register for gi only, no-gi only, or both - Double-check your skill level — NAGA takes sandbagging seriously - Ensure your weight class is correct — weigh yourself with your gi before registering for gi divisions

Refund policy: NAGA's refund policy varies. Contact the organization directly if you need to cancel or change your registration. Earlier cancellations have better refund prospects.

Day-of registration: NAGA typically allows day-of registration at a premium price, subject to division availability.

NAGA weight classes are organized by age group, gender, and skill level. The organization offers a wide range of weight categories to create competitive matchups.

Adult Male Weight Classes (approximate):

Note: Exact weight class boundaries may vary by event. Always check the specific event's weight classes when registering.

Youth weight classes are more granular with smaller weight increments to account for the wide size variation among children of the same age.

Weigh-in process: - Weigh-ins occur on the day of the event - Gi divisions weigh in wearing the gi - No-gi divisions weigh in wearing competition attire - You must make weight at the official weigh-in

Weight management advice for parents: - Never have your child cut weight — register for their natural weight class - If between weight classes, register for the heavier one - Do a practice weigh-in at home before the event, wearing the gi if competing in gi divisions - Bring water and snacks to stay fueled throughout the long event day

NAGA tournaments use a single-elimination bracket format for most divisions. These are large events with hundreds of competitors across many divisions running simultaneously.

Bracket structure: - Single elimination — one loss and you are eliminated - Bronze medals are typically awarded to semifinal losers - Large divisions may be split into multiple brackets - If a division has only 2 competitors, it is a single match - If a division has 3 competitors, round robin may be used

Gi and no-gi on the same day: One of NAGA's distinguishing features is running both gi and no-gi divisions at the same event. This gives competitors the flexibility to: - Enter gi only - Enter no-gi only - Enter both for a comprehensive competition experience

Event scale: NAGA events are typically among the largest regional tournaments in their area. It is common to see 300–600+ competitors at a single event. This means: - Many mats running simultaneously - Divisions may run ahead of or behind schedule - Stay alert for your division call and check the bracket board regularly

Absolute divisions: NAGA may offer open-weight absolute divisions, allowing competitors of any weight to enter for additional matches.

Competing in multiple divisions: If you register for both gi and no-gi, be aware that both divisions may overlap. Notify the scoring table if you have a conflict, and they will typically work to accommodate scheduling.

NAGA offers both gi and no-gi competition at the same event, and the rules differ between the two formats.

Gi rules: - Standard gi (kimono) must be worn — white, blue, or black - Gi grips (collar, sleeve, pant) are legal and central to strategy - Gi chokes (cross-collar, loop, baseball bat, etc.) are legal - The gi adds friction that slows the pace and rewards methodical position work

No-gi rules: - Competitors wear a rash guard and shorts or spats - No fabric gripping — only body grips (overhook, underhook, wrist control, etc.) - The pace tends to be faster and more scramble-oriented - Leg lock rules may be more permissive in no-gi divisions at higher skill levels

Key differences in technique legality: Expert no-gi divisions at NAGA events may allow heel hooks and knee reaping, which are not legal in gi divisions. This makes NAGA Expert no-gi attractive to competitors who focus on modern leg lock systems.

Which should my child enter? - If your child primarily trains in the gi, start with gi competition - If your child trains both, entering both gi and no-gi provides the most matches and experience - No-gi can feel faster and more chaotic — it depends on your child's comfort level - Many competitors enter both and find the variety keeps the day interesting

Attire requirements for no-gi: Rash guards must be form-fitting. Board shorts must not have pockets, zippers, or buttons. Spats are an acceptable alternative to shorts. No shoes on the competition mat.

NAGA events are large and can run all day. Preparation and patience are key to a good experience.

Before arriving: - Check the NAGA website for your event schedule, division times, and venue information - Pack: gi, no-gi attire (if competing in both), water, snacks, sandals, registration confirmation, ID - Arrive early — at least 1 hour before your division's estimated start time

At the venue: 1. Check in at the registration desk with your confirmation and ID 2. Weigh in at the designated scales 3. Gi inspection (for gi divisions) 4. Find the bracket boards — locate your name and mat assignment 5. Warm up in the designated area (not on competition mats)

During the event: - NAGA events are busy — stay near your assigned mat area when your division is approaching - Listen for announcements, but also physically check the bracket boards - If competing in both gi and no-gi, keep track of both schedules - Stay hydrated and eat light meals between divisions

Coaching: - One coach is typically allowed matside per competitor - Coaches should remain in the designated area and follow sportsmanship guidelines - Parents watching from the stands should cheer supportively — avoid coaching from the stands as it can confuse the competitor

After competing: - Medal ceremonies are held after each division concludes - Results are posted on the NAGA website - Take time to cool down, hydrate, and decompress

Large event tip: NAGA events can feel overwhelming for first-timers. The noise, crowds, and pace are part of the experience. Arrive early, find your area, and focus on your own division. For a complete first-tournament guide, see preparing for your first BJJ tournament.