Frequently asked questions

Understanding the ecosystem for high-performance youth BJJ.

General & philosophy

Is this a new competition team?

Absolutely not. We are a neutral, independent platform. Athletes remain proud members of their own academies. Think of us as a "Regional National Squad" training session. We exist to make your child better for their own team.

Who is this specifically for?

This is for the "Champions of Tomorrow." We focus on children (8-15) who have a genuine desire to compete. If your child talks about IBJJF, AJP, or ADCC, and wants to test themselves against the best in the region, this is their home.

Do you accept beginners?

We accept motivated beginners. You do not need a colored belt, but you must have the ability to spar safely and the mental resilience to handle high-intensity rounds. If the goal is purely recreational/fun without competitive intent, this might not be the right environment.

How do we protect the relationship with our home gym?

We are very strict on this. TopBJJ is a "Poach-Free Zone." We operate to reinforce the home coach's work. By exposing athletes to new styles, we send them back with new questions and renewed focus for their own instructors.

Is there a cost to participate?

No. Our Invitational training sessions are 100% free. Access is merit-based, prioritizing dedication, attitude, and competitive drive over financial means.

Where does the network operate?

We currently organize events across the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and France.

Matchmaking & logistics

New here? Check out our step-by-step "Road to TopBJJ" guide on the homepage for a visual overview of how to join.

Why is it "invitational"?

To guarantee quality and safety. We don't just open the doors; we curate the room. We ensure that every athlete is paired with a partner of similar weight and skill level to maximize the training value. We don't want a heavy competitor paired with a beginner lightweight.

What creates the "high level" environment?

It's the mix. We bring together the top 10% most motivated kids from 40+ different gyms. When you put that much drive in one room, the energy changes. The pace is higher, the focus is sharper, and the growth is faster.

How do I get an invitation?

First, register yourself on our official website. Once you are in our system, you can request access to upcoming events. Alternatively, our system may automatically select and invite you based on your profile (age, weight, belt) to match a specific training partner.

Can I just show up to an event without an invitation?

No. This is strictly an invitational platform. Participation is confirmed in advance to ensure every single athlete has a suitable training partner.

How are training partners selected?

We don't leave it to chance. Pairings are generated based on:

  1. Weight (Safety is priority #1)
  2. Age & Gender
  3. Experience (Belt level and competition results)
  4. Team (We try to pair you with someone from a different academy)

Note: We may mix belt levels (e.g., a competitive Grey vs. a Yellow) if the weight and skill matchup creates a productive session.

What if I register but don't get an invitation?

This means we couldn't find a safe or valuable match for you for that specific event (e.g., no one at your weight/experience level). Don't take it personally! You remain in the system and have priority for the next event.

What is the cancellation policy?

Because partners are matched specifically, a no-show leaves another child without a partner. If you cannot attend, you must notify the organization immediately via the portal so we can find a replacement.

The event day & logistics

What to expect when you arrive.

What does a typical session look like?

Events usually run for 3 to 4 hours on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. The schedule typically includes:

  1. A group warm-up.
  2. Technical instruction (seminar style) led by the Host Instructor.
  3. A short snack break.
  4. Plenty of time for sparring/rolling.

What gear do I need?

  • Required: Gi or No-Gi kit (check the specific event invite), mouthguard, and water bottle.
  • Recommended: Flip-flops for off-mat areas.

Note on Showers: Facilities vary. While many host academies have showers, some locations may only have restrooms. Please be prepared to shower at home if necessary.

Is the environment safe?

Safety is our top priority. Unlike open mats where anyone rolls with anyone, we pre-match athletes to ensure safe pairings. Host instructors and TopBJJ staff provide active supervision throughout the session to ensure mat etiquette is followed.

Are parents allowed to watch?

Yes, parents are usually welcome to stay and watch, space permitting. It is a great opportunity to connect with other parents. We only ask that you leave the coaching to the instructors on the mats.

Media & privacy

Photos, videos, and social media.

Are photos and videos taken?

Yes. We capture high-quality content to celebrate the athletes. By registering, parents grant permission for their child to be photographed/filmed.

  • Access: After the event, we publish exclusive collections on our website.
  • Privacy: These galleries are restricted/password-protected for attending athletes and parents only.

Can I use the photos?

Absolutely. The content is free for you to use. We encourage you to share them on social media to celebrate your hard work—please just tag @topbjjkids so we can grow the community!

For host academies & coaches

Information for gym owners hosting an edition.

What are the requirements to host?

  1. Facility: Safe mat space and restrooms.
  2. Instruction: You (the Host Instructor) lead the warm-up and technique. This is your chance to showcase your teaching style and academy atmosphere.
  3. Hospitality: We typically ask hosts to organize a fruit/light snack for the break.

How much administrative work is involved?

Minimal. TopBJJ Kids acts as your back-office. We handle:

  • External registrations & Waivers.
  • Matchmaking & Partner lists.
  • Parent communication.
  • Marketing & Media.

What is your role as the host instructor?

  • Teaching: You choose the techniques (Gi or No-Gi, provided they are IBJJF/AJP/ADCC legal). We encourage high-percentage moves that showcase your style.
  • Marketing: You provide us with a high-quality photo and your lesson topic a few weeks in advance. We create professional social media campaigns to introduce you to our network.
  • Your Team: We encourage your own competition team to participate.

How do I register my own students for the event?

Please have your students' parents register directly via the TopBJJ.eu website.

  • Why? This ensures data accuracy, legal waiver compliance, and automatic entry into our matchmaking system.
  • Manual Lists: We generally do not accept manual lists to avoid administrative errors, but can assist if you have technical issues.

Can I set a cap on attendees?

Yes. You decide the capacity based on your mat space (typically 20–40+ athletes). We will cap registrations to ensure the room is safe and not overcrowded.

I'm a coach, can I register my entire competition team?

Absolutely. We encourage coaches to register their athletes. It helps them gain experience against new styles they don't encounter in their own gym. This makes them sharper for tournaments.

Will you try to poach my students?

Absolutely not. This is embedded in our DNA. TopBJJ is neutral ground. Any form of recruitment (poaching) by attending coaches, parents, or athletes is not tolerated. The goal is to make the athlete better for their own team.

Still have questions?

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