Zeus Jiu Jitsu Professional continues its push to build a professional grappling league in Korea as ZJP Qualifying GI 02 offers athletes a direct path to ZJP 03 and professional competition.
Zeus Jiu Jitsu Professional (ZJP) has officially announced the next event in its growing qualification system, with ZJP Qualifying GI 02 scheduled for June 7, 2026, in Seoul.
The tournament will serve as a direct pathway to ZJP 03, giving competitors the opportunity to earn a place on the promotion’s professional grappling card while competing for prize money and increased exposure within Korea’s rapidly growing jiu-jitsu community.
As Zeus FC continues expanding its presence beyond mixed martial arts, the latest qualifier represents another step toward establishing one of South Korea’s first structured professional jiu-jitsu pipelines.
ZJP Qualifying GI 02 Heads to Seoul
The event will take place at Paraestra Seoul, located in Nowon-gu, Seoul, with competition beginning at 10:00 a.m. local time.
Athletes will complete weigh-ins on the morning of the event between 9:00 a.m. and 9:50 a.m. Registration remains open until May 29, 2026, with an entry fee of ₩50,000.
Unlike traditional open tournaments, the ZJP qualification format provides competitors with a clear progression system. Athletes who perform well have the opportunity to advance directly into future professional events under the Zeus Jiu Jitsu Professional banner.
Divisions and Qualification Opportunities
Zeus Jiu Jitsu tournament will feature select Gi divisions for blue and purple belt competitors.
Men’s Gi (Blue/Purple)
- Under 76 kg
- Over 76 kg
Women’s Gi (Blue/Purple)
- Under 55 kg
- Over 55 kg
The winners of each division, along with a wildcard selection chosen by organizers, will secure advancement to ZJP 03.
The structure reflects Zeus Jiu Jitsu’s long-term vision of identifying emerging talent and creating opportunities for athletes to transition from local competition into professional-level grappling events.
Prize Money Available for Podium Finishers
In addition to qualification opportunities, competitors will also compete for cash prizes.
Prize payouts include:
- First Place: ₩300,000
- Second Place: ₩200,000
- Third Place: ₩100,000
Organizers noted that divisions with fewer than eight competitors will receive 50 percent of the listed prize amounts.
While the payouts remain modest compared to major international events, they reflect Zeus Jiu Jitsu’s broader commitment to compensating athletes and building a sustainable professional model for Korean grapplers.
Competition Rules and Weigh-In Details
All matches will be contested under IBJJF-style Blue and Purple Belt rules.
Bouts will feature five-minute match durations with victories determined by submission or points. Athletes are required to provide their own Gi and complete weigh-ins while wearing their full competition uniform, including belt.
A maximum allowance of 300 grams will be permitted. Competitors exceeding their weight class limit beyond the allowance will be disqualified.
Zeus Jiu-Jitsu’s Vision for Professional Grappling in Korea
The significance of ZJP extends beyond a single tournament.
For years, most Korean jiu-jitsu athletes have competed primarily in amateur tournaments with limited opportunities to earn compensation or build professional careers. Zeus FC believes there is an opportunity to change that through Zeus Jiu-Jitsu Professional.
The organization has openly stated its goal of creating a professional grappling ecosystem where athletes can advance through qualifiers, compete on professionally produced events, and eventually earn greater financial opportunities through the sport.
This model mirrors developments seen internationally, where professional grappling organizations have gained popularity as interest in submission grappling continues to grow.
Korean Jiu-Jitsu Continues to Grow
The launch of events such as ZJP Qualifying GI 02 comes at a time of significant growth for Korean Jiu-Jitsu.
Participation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has expanded rapidly throughout South Korea over the past decade. New academies continue to open, local tournaments regularly attract hundreds of competitors, and Korean athletes are becoming increasingly competitive at major international events.
The rise of professional grappling promotions has further accelerated that momentum.
Organizations around the world are investing in athlete-focused events, while major brands continue creating opportunities for grapplers to compete outside traditional tournament formats. The launch of UFC BJJ in 2025 further demonstrated the growing commercial appeal of submission grappling as a standalone sport.
Zeus Jiu Jitsu hopes to become part of that movement by creating a Korean-based platform capable of showcasing domestic talent and helping athletes develop long-term careers in grappling.
Registration Information
Athletes interested in competing at ZJP Qualifying GI 02 can register through the official Zeus FC website.
With qualification spots for ZJP 03 on the line and cash prizes available for top finishers, the event is expected to attract strong participation from gyms throughout Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan region.
As Zeus Jiu Jitsu continues to expand, the qualifier represents another important milestone in the promotion’s effort to establish a sustainable professional future for grappling in South Korea.
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