Location
Hickory Metro Convention Center
1960 13th Ave Dr SE
Hickory, NC 28602
Changes for 2023
NAGA has added the belt rank of children and teen competitors as criteria when choosing the appropriate skill level. More information about this can be found under the Divisions tab of this page.
We have expanded the teen weight classes, and the upper weight classes of the children to provide the opportunity for more matches.
Family Discount
We understand it can be expensive having multiple family members train and then compete. NAGA does offer relief to families who have multiple family members competing in the same NAGA tournament. The discount only applies to competitors, not spectators. When registering a family, you register each competitor individually. For 2 family members the discount is $25, 3 members is $50, 4 members $75, and so on.
- Family rates are only valid for the following: a parent paying for themselves and their minor child or children (under the age of 18), a parent paying for their minor children (under the age of 18).
- New Process: We have changed the process on how to obtain the family discount. To obtain a family discount, register all the family members who are competing then call our office at 860.537.3686 or email us at [email protected]. We will need the names of the competitors, and which tournament they are registered. We will then refund your form of payment the appropriate family discount amount.
- In Smoothcomp, you need to register and pay for each competitor individually.
Get Your Grappling Gear at the Tournament
NAGA is bringing a truckload of grappling gear (Board shorts, gi bags, rash guards, t-shirts, hats, gi hoodies, patches, skull caps, stickers, dog tags, etc.) in children and adults sizes, for males and females. Check out the huge selection of gear and apparel at the NAGA tournament. Cash and credit cards are accepted (AmEx is not accepted).
Come Join Our Team
Each year NAGA runs over 65 tournament a year across the world. We are always looking for new staff members to join the NAGA team. If you are interested in becoming a referee, complete the Referee Application. We also have positions available such as ring coordinator, security, weigh-in, awards, etc. If you are not competing and would like to work an event, email us at [email protected]. Please indicate which tournament you are interested in working.
Registration/Bracketing Using Smoothcomp
NAGA uses the Smoothcomp tournament management system for registration and bracketing. Smoothcomp is a tournament management system that allows you to register and pay for a tournament online. The system generates brackets that competitors can view and track their estimated division start time and their mat assignments. Post event, individual and team results are posted on Smoothcomp.
If you have competed in a Smoothcomp tournament in the past, you can login to Smoothcomp with your login credentials and register for this tournament. If this is the first time you are using Smoothcomp, you will need to create an account with them before you can register for a NAGA tournament.
Brackets are posted on Friday night. If you were not placed into a bracket, the reason is likely that we need to speak with you before placing you into a division.
Changing Weight Division or Skill Level After Registering
Due to changes in your weight or just a simple mistake of entering the incorrect weight or skill level, you may need to change them. You can do so from your Smoothcomp account. Instructions to do this can be found HERE.
Many of your questions on how to use Smoothcomp can be found answered on our FAQ page HERE.
Registrations on Tournament Day are Not Accepted
All competitors need to be registered and paid by the end of Friday’s weigh-in session (see the schedule for time). Registrations are not accepted at the tournament on Saturday.
Transgender Competitors
Transgender females must compete in the men’s division. Please contact NAGA at 860-537-3686 or [email protected] if assistance is needed registering for these divisions. The NAGA Transgender policy can be found HERE.
Registration Deadlines
- Early Registration: Register by Friday, October 27, 2023
- Normal Registration: Register 10/28/23 through 11/1/23
- Late Registration: Thursday & Friday (11/2 and 11/3/23)
- No registrations or payments will be accepted on Saturday. Registration closes at the end of the Friday night weigh-in session.
Early Registration
Register early and save $20 off the normal registration fee.
- 1 Division = $110
- Each additional division (including Absolute) is $30
- Spectators are $15 ($20 at the door).
- Children 12 and under are $10 and can only be purchased at the door
Normal Registration
Register by the deadline to avoid paying the late registration fee.
- 1 Division = $130
- Each additional division (including Absolute) is $30
- Spectators are $15 ($20 at the door).
- Children 12 and under are $10 and can only be purchased at the door
Late Registration
For those who register Thursday or Friday (11/2 – 11/3/23) the registration fees are:
- 1 Division = $160
- Each additional division (including Absolute) is $30
- Spectators are $20 during late registration and at the door.
- Children 12 and under are $10 and can only be purchased at the door
Registration will be shutdown Friday after the weigh-in session. No registrations or payments will be accepted after this time or on Saturday.
The amount you are charged is based on when you actually pay not when you entered your information into the system. If you entered your information during the early registration timeframe and selected to pay later, then you paid during the late registration period, the late registration price is what you will be charged.
Cash or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover) are the only accepted forms of payment in person (spectators and merchandise).
Spectators
Spectators are $15 if purchased during the early or normal registration periods (deadlines are listed above). They are available online through the Smoothcomp registration page. The price goes up to $20 during the late registration period and at the door.
Children 12 and under are $10 and can only be purchased at the door.
Assistance with Registration
If you are having issues setting up a Smoothcomp account, registering, need to change a weight class or academy, or any Smoothcomp related questions, visit the Smoothcomp knowledge base here. Many of your questions can be answered on this page. If further assistance is needed please contact NAGA via email [email protected] or call 860.537.3686. Contact NAGA for answers to any tournament specific questions (location, times, skill levels, etc.).
Credit/Refund Policy
- Credits – You can cancel and receive a full credit towards any future NAGA tournament for any reason. Competitors must cancel by 12:00 PM on the Friday before the tournament by logging into your Smoothcomp account and canceling your registration. This credit is valid up to 2 years from the date you cancel. Instructions on how to cancel can be found HERE.
- Refunds – As a general rule we do not issue refunds.
Multiple Divisions for Youths & Teens
Youth and teen competitors who want to compete in an additional higher weight class or older age group division can do so for the extra division price. This must be done by 12:00PM, the Wednesday before the tournament. You can add one additional weight class or age group per division type (no-gi or gi), for a maximum of 4 divisions. Competitors cannot do multiple skill levels.
As an example: a beginner 11 year old 85 pound competitor could add the 90-99.9 weight class OR the 12-13 year old category (not both). They cannot add the intermediate skill level. They can do this for no-gi, gi, or both. If they wanted to go up in weight for no-gi and up in age for gi (or vice-versa) we can accommodate that request.
If you would like to add an additional division (or two), call the office at 860.537.3686 or email [email protected]. The following information is required in order to add the extra division(s): which tournament, the competitor’s name, up age or up weight, no-gi/gi/both, payment method (credit card, PayPal, Stripe), and the email address (only needed if you are calling in). NAGA will email you an invoice with a link to pay for the extra divisions. Once payment is made we will copy the competitor into the additional division(s).
Championship Belts Awarded
NAGA awards championship belts to all Youth, Teen, Adult, Masters, Director, and Executive, Expert division champions, and purple, brown, and black belt champions (Limit 1 belt per competitor per tournament for division winners). Absolute Intermediate, Absolute Expert, Absolute Blue Belt, and Absolute Purple Belt winners are awarded belts. Absolute division winners will win a belt even if they win one in their weight class division. This award is unrivaled in quality and appearance.
Samurai Swords Awarded to Youth & Teen Winners
NAGA awards samurai swords to all non-expert Youth & Teen division champions (limit 1 per competitor per tournament). Custom medals will be awarded to all 2nd & 3rd place winners. Swords are not awarded in Europe.
Custom Medals Awarded
NAGA awards custom gold medals to non-expert adult division champions. Silver and bronze medals are awarded to all 2nd & 3rd place winners.
Team Championship Belts Awards
NAGA awards awesome championship belts to the Youth & Teens Overall. Please make sure your team registers under the same affiliation. For more information on setting up your team/school/academy to be with the correct affiliation and to make sure you get all the points, please read this document NAGA Coaches Handout. Individual points that are earned towards a team championship are based on the skill level of the division and what place was taken. A breakdown of points awarded can be found here.
Free Gift for Competitors
Every competitor at a NAGA tournament will receive a free gift. The item can be picked up at the tournament right next to weigh-ins.
Friday Night Weigh-In Time and Location
All competitors can weigh-in the night before the tournament. The Friday weigh-in takes place at the venue from 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
Competitors are given a one pound allowance, do not need to wear their gi when weighing in, and only need to weigh-in once.
Mandatory Check-In Times
In order to run the tournament efficiently, it is important that competitors are checked-in and weighed-in by the times listed below. Competitors who arrive after the listed times will not be allowed to compete and will be given a credit to be used at a future tournament.
- Youths (17 & under): On Saturday, youth competitors who did not weigh-in on Friday, need to be checked-in and weighed-in by 9:30 AM. If you weighed-in on Friday, you need to be at the venue at least 60 minutes before your estimated division start time.
- Adults (18 & over): Adult competitors need to be checked-in and weighed-in at least 60 minutes prior to their scheduled division start time.
- On Friday night, the brackets will be posted on Smoothcomp. Your estimated division(s) start time can be found at that time. Please note that the schedule is dynamic and constantly updating. Be sure to check the brackets often.
What to do When You Get to the Tournament
Doors open on Saturday at 8:00AM. When you arrive at the tournament, you will go to the NAGA front desk to collect your registration cards and any spectator passes you purchased.
Next, you will go to the weigh-in station. After weighing in, you will proceed to the Referee Interview table. The referee will make sure you are in the correct division and all your information is correct. They will then approve you (check you in) in Smoothcomp. You must speak with a referee after weighing in. If not, you will not be confirmed in the system and will be removed from any brackets you are entered. You will be able to check your estimated match start time and mat assignment by logging into your Smoothcomp account at the tournament. For instructions on how to do this, visit HERE.
Spectator tickets can be purchased at the front desk.
Weigh-In Friday or Saturday
The weigh-ins will take place at the tournament venue. Adults, please bring a photo ID to weigh-in. You do not wear your gi when weighing in. You are given a one pound allowance. You only need to weigh-in once. If you have any questions contact NAGA at 860-537-3686 or [email protected].
Friday (11/3/23) Weigh-In & Registration Option – The Friday weigh-in will be open to all competitors regardless if you pre-registered or not. The weigh-ins are from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
Saturday (11/4/23) Check-In & Weigh-In – Weigh-ins open at 8:00 AM. Youths & Teens who did not weigh-in on Friday must be weighed-in by 9:30 AM.
Adults, please check-in and weigh-in at least 60 minutes prior to your scheduled division start time.
Saturday Division Schedule (Doors Open 8:00 AM)
Children and teen no-gi brackets are the first divisions of the day. These begin at approximately 10:00AM. Children and teen gi divisions will follow the no-gi divisions.
Adult no-gi divisions are next, followed by adult no-gi absolute, adult gi, then adult gi absolute.
Please check Smoothcomp the night before the tournament and periodically throughout tournament day. The schedule is dynamic and constantly changing (division start times starting earlier and later). Divisions are sometimes moved to another ring to help keep the flow of the tournament moving smoothly. To check you estimated division start time on Smoothcomp, follow these directions CHECK DIVISION START TIME. There are QR codes at the tournament you or your friends/family can scan to look up brackets. There are NO REFUNDS given to those who have to leave early.
Youths (17 years & under) No-Gi & Gi Competition
- Youths who did not weigh-in on Friday must be checked-in by 9:00 AM and weighed in by 9:30 AM.
- If a youth weighed-in on Friday and does not see themselves in a bracket when they are released on Friday night, please arrive by 9:30AM so we can work to get you into a division.
- Youth final bracketing takes place from 9:30 to 10:00 AM.
- Youth No-Gi Divisions – Estimated Start Time is 10:00 AM
- Youth Gi Divisions – These follow the no-gi divisions. Check the Smoothcomp website that day for division start times.
Adult No-Gi & Gi Order of Divisions (typical order, may be altered based on tournament needs)
- Women Divisions (No-Gi goes first followed by Gi)
- Men’s, Master’s, Director’s & Executive No-Gi Intermediate
- Men’s, Master’s, Director’s & Executive No-Gi Expert
- Men’s, Master’s, Director’s & Executive No-Gi Novice
- Men’s, Master’s, Director’s & Executive No-Gi Beginner
- Men’s, Master’s, Director’s & Executive No-Gi Absolute Intermediate and Expert
- Men’s, Master’s, Director’s & Executive No-Gi Absolute Novice/Beginner
- Men’s, Master’s, Director’s & Executive Blue Belt Gi
- Men’s, Master’s, Director’s & Executive Purple, Brown, Black Belt Gi
- Men’s, Master’s, Director’s & Executive White Belt Gi
- Men’s, Master’s, Director’s & Executive Absolute Gi Divisions
No-Gi and Gi (BJJ) Divisions
NAGA tournaments have both no-gi and gi (BJJ) divisions for men, women, children and teens. No-gi divisions follow NAGA’s unique rules and point system. Gi divisions follow traditional BJJ rules and scoring (with some minor differences). The rules for NAGA no-gi and gi (BJJ) divisions can be found here.
Age, Weight, and Skill Levels
Listed below are the age categories. For each age category, weight classes and skill levels are listed. If you have any questions please visit our FAQ page, email [email protected], or call 860-537-3686.
Age Categories
- Children (13 years of age and under)
- Teens (14-17 years of age)
- Adult (18-29 years of age)
- Master (30-39 years of age)
- Director (40-49 years of age)
- Executive (50 years of age and older)
Children (13 & Under) Weight Classes
- 39.9 lbs. & under
- 40-49.9 lbs.
- 50-59.9 lbs.
- 60-69.9 lbs.
- 70-79.9 lbs.
- 80-89.9 lbs.
- 90-99.9 lbs.
- 100-109.9 lbs.
- 110-124.9 lbs.
- 125-139.9 lbs.
- 140-154.9 lbs.
- 155-169.9 lbs.
- 170 lbs. & over (may need to compete with teens)
Teen (14 – 17 Years Old) Weight Classes
- 99.9 lbs. & under
- 100-114.9 lbs.
- 115-129.9 lbs.
- 130-144.9 lbs.
- 145-159.9 lbs.
- 160-179.9 lbs.
- 180-199.9 lbs.
- 200 & over lbs.
Youth No-Gi and Gi Skill Levels (17 Years And Younger)
- Novice – 6 months & under of grappling experience (white belts only) – Children (13 & under) Novice is no submissions. Teen (14-17) Novice is with submissions.
- Beginner – 6 months to 1 year of grappling experience (no yellow, orange, or green belts)
- Intermediate – 1 to 2 years of grappling experience (no orange or green belts)
- Advanced – 2 to 3 years of grappling experience (no green belts for 13 & under) (no green or blue belts for teens 14-17)
- Expert – 3 years & over of grappling experience (no restrictions for 13 & under) (for teens, no purple belts, they must compete as an adult)
The belt levels referenced are based on the BJJ belt system. When choosing the experience of your child or teen, please consider numerous factors: how long they have trained, how often they train, their BJJ belt rank, how naturally talented they are in the sport, athleticism in other sports, and how they do against teammates. Challenge your children and have them compete at an appropriate skill level. NAGA has the right to alter a competitor’s division placement after the competitor interview at the tournament.
If a competitor has won the same skill level multiple times at NAGA (and to include the equivalent skill level at other tournaments), they may need to move up a skill level. Contact us if your competitor meets these criteria, and you need assistance selecting their skill level.
Competitors cannot do two different skill levels i.e. No-Gi Beginner then Gi Intermediate.
Youth Notes
- Expert winners are awarded a championship belt. If multiple Expert divisions are won by a competitor, only one belt will be awarded. A gold medal will be awarded for the second division win.
- Only one belt or sword can be won per competitor. A gold medal will be awarded for any additional divisions that are won.
- Children (13 & under) Novice divisions do not allow submissions. Winners are determined by who is ahead in points (takedowns, position, guard passing, etc.) at the end of the match.
- Competitors can only compete in one skill level.
- Whenever possible, your child will be matched up with someone their same age or children within a year old (plus or minus), and in the same weight class. Please understand that under some circumstances they may have to compete with others slightly older or heavier. When checking in at the tournament, if a youth was moved outside of their division, they will be notified, and asked to approve the change.
- If there are 2 or more girls in a division, we will create a separate division for the girls. If not, the female competitor will be given the option to compete with the male competitors.
- A competitor must compete in at least one match to win an award. If no one is in your specific division, NAGA will work to get you into a division (different age, weight, or skill). NAGA makes every effort to create fair divisions based on the pool of competitors at this tournament.
Male Adult, Master, Director, Executive Weight Classes
- Flyweight – 129.9 lbs. & under
- Bantamweight – 130-139.9 lbs.
- Featherweight – 140-149.9 lbs.
- Lightweight – 150-159.9 lbs.
- Welterweight – 160-169.9 lbs.
- Middleweight – 170-179.9 lbs.
- Light-Heavyweight – 180-189.9 lbs.
- Cruiserweight – 190-199.9 lbs.
- Heavyweight – 200-224.9 lbs.
- Super-Heavyweight – 225-249.9 lbs.
- Ultra-Heavyweight – 250 lbs. & over
Female Adult, Master, Director, Executive Weight Classes
- Sub-atomic Weight – 99.9 lbs. & under
- Atomweight – 100-109.9 lbs.
- Strawweight – 110-119.9 lbs.
- Flyweight – 120-129.9 lbs.
- Bantamweight – 130-139.9 lbs.
- Featherweight – 140-149.9 lbs.
- Lightweight – 150-159.9 lbs.
- Welterweight – 160-169.9 lbs.
- Middleweight – 170-179.9 lbs.
- Light-Heavyweight – 180-189.9 lbs.
- Cruiserweight – 190-199.9 lbs.
- Heavyweight – 200 lbs. & over
Adult No-Gi Skill Levels (18 Years And Older)
- Novice – 6 months & under of grappling experience
- Beginner – 6 months to 2 years of grappling experience
- Intermediate – 2 to 5 years of grappling experience (if you are a BJJ blue belt, you must enter at least Intermediate)
- Expert – 5 years & over of grappling experience (if you are a BJJ purple, brown or black belt, you must enter Expert)
Adult Gi Skill Levels (18 Years And Older)
- White
- Blue
- Purple
- Brown
- Black
Adult Notes
- Blue belts must enter at least Intermediate No-Gi.
- Purple, brown, and black belts must enter Expert No-Gi.
- Expert winners are awarded a championship belt. If multiple Expert divisions are won by a competitor, only one belt will be awarded. If a competitor wins their Intermediate or Expert weight class, and the Absolute, the competitor will receive a second belt.
- Purple, brown, and black belts will be separated whenever there are two or more in a division. Purple, brown, and black belt winners are awarded a championship belt. If multiple divisions are won by a purple, brown or black belt competitor, only one belt is awarded. If a competitor wins their blue, purple, brown, black weight class, and the Absolute, the competitor will receive a second belt.
- Competitors can only compete in one skill level(example: cannot do Beginner and Intermediate) and one weight class.
- Adult competitors can compete in a lower age category rather than the category they qualify for i.e. Master competes in Adult, Director competes in Master or Adult.
- Adult competitors can compete in multiple age groups, their actual age group, and a lower age group. For example, a 32-year-old Master can compete in Master and Adult divisions. This is considered two divisions, please register accordingly.
- A competitor must compete in at least one match to win an award. If no one is in your specific division, NAGA will place you into a different (age, weight, skill) division. NAGA makes every effort to create fair divisions based on the pool of competitors at this tournament.
Venue Address
Hickory Metro Convention Center
1960 13th Ave Dr SE
Hickory, NC 28602
Hotel
NAGA has partnered with Stay22 to help get you the best lodging prices near the venue.
