The IBJJF Seoul Open Gi & No-Gi Championship returns to South Korea in August 2026, continuing the federation’s rapid expansion across Asia and the growing influence of Korean Jiu-Jitsu.
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) has officially announced that the Seoul International Open Gi & No-Gi Championship 2026 will take place on August 15–16, 2026, at the Seosuwon Chilbo Gymnasium in Suwon, South Korea.
Registration is now open for competitors across all belt levels, age divisions, and weight classes, offering athletes another opportunity to compete on one of the world’s most recognized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament circuits.
According to the IBJJF event listing, the two-day tournament will feature both Gi and No-Gi competition and is expected to attract competitors from throughout Korea, Japan, and the broader Asian region.
The event will be held at Seosuwon Chilbo Gymnasium, located at 171 Seosuwon-ro 577beon-gil, Gwonseon-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
The federation has also released its registration schedule, with discounted early registration rates available through May 1, 2026. Final registration closes on August 7, 2026, unless the tournament reaches maximum capacity beforehand. All participants must maintain an active IBJJF membership valid through the event dates.
The Seoul Open has become an increasingly important stop on the Asian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu calendar, particularly for athletes seeking international experience, IBJJF ranking points, and opportunities to test themselves against competitors from across the region. With both Gi and No-Gi divisions available, the tournament appeals to a wide range of athletes, from hobbyists making their first international appearance to experienced competitors chasing major titles.
IBJJF Continues Expanding Across Asia
The announcement of the 2026 Seoul Open highlights the IBJJF’s continued investment in the Asian Jiu-Jitsu market. Over the past several years, the federation has significantly expanded its footprint throughout Asia, with Japan and South Korea emerging as the two primary hubs for major IBJJF competition.
As participation numbers continue to grow, the region has become one of the fastest-growing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu markets in the world. New academies are opening throughout Asia, international competitors are traveling more frequently to compete, and regional events are attracting increasingly larger fields.
At the center of that growth is the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, the IBJJF’s flagship tournament in the region. Held at Chiba Port Arena in Chiba, Japan, the event has evolved into a multi-day championship that now draws many of the continent’s top competitors. What was once considered a regional tournament has rapidly developed into one of the most prestigious events on the international IBJJF calendar.
Beyond the Asian Championship, the federation’s Asian circuit now includes major competitions such as the Seoul International Open, Tokyo Open, and various regional championships that serve Kids, Juvenile, Adult, and Masters divisions. Together, these events provide year-round opportunities for athletes throughout Asia to compete under the IBJJF banner.
The Growing Importance of Korean Jiu-Jitsu
The continued presence of the IBJJF in South Korea reflects the remarkable growth of Korean Jiu-Jitsu over the past decade.
Once viewed primarily as a supplemental skill for mixed martial artists, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has developed into a thriving sport with dedicated academies, professional competitors, and a rapidly expanding recreational community. Major tournaments now regularly attract hundreds of competitors, while Korean athletes continue to earn recognition at international events.
The Seoul Open serves as one of the most important annual opportunities for Korean practitioners to compete against international opposition without traveling overseas. It also provides local fans with the chance to watch elite-level Gi and No-Gi competition in person.
Jiu-Jitsu’s Growing Presence in Multi-Sport Competition
The growth of Jiu-Jitsu throughout Asia extends beyond the IBJJF circuit.
While the IBJJF governs many of the world’s largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, the sport’s inclusion in the Asian Games falls under the jurisdiction of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) and the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU). The sport has been featured as a medal event at the Asian Games since 2018 and continues to gain visibility through Olympic-recognized multi-sport competitions organized by the Olympic Council of Asia.
Although IBJJF and JJIF competition formats differ significantly, many elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes compete in both systems while representing their countries in international events. The increasing visibility of Jiu-Jitsu on both professional and multi-sport stages has helped accelerate the sport’s growth throughout Asia and create more opportunities for athletes than ever before.
Official Registration
Athletes interested in competing can register directly through the IBJJF’s official event page.
Register here:
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