The National American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (NABJJF): Elevating the Sport of BJJ

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many practitioners competing in tournaments across the globe. One organization that has played a significant role in elevating the sport of BJJ is the National American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (NABJJF). Founded in 2012, the NABJJF is a non-profit organization that promotes and develops the sport of BJJ in the United States. In this article, we will explore the history, mission, and achievements of the NABJJF.

History of the NABJJF

The National American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation was founded in 2012 by Sensei Renato Migliaccio, a BJJ black belt with over 20 years of experience in the sport. Sensei Migliaccio's vision was to create an organization that would bring together BJJ practitioners from across the United States and provide them with opportunities to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Since its founding, the NABJJF has grown rapidly, with members from all over the country participating in its events. The organization has also established partnerships with other BJJ organizations around the world, including the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and the European Jiu-Jitsu Federation (EJJF).

Mission of the NABJJF

The mission of the National American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation is to promote and develop the sport of BJJ in the United States. The organization aims to create a community of BJJ practitioners who share a passion for the sport and are committed to improving their skills and competing at the highest levels.

The NABJJF also seeks to provide opportunities for athletes of all ages and skill levels to participate in BJJ tournaments. The organization hosts events throughout the year, ranging from local tournaments to national championships.

Events Hosted by the NABJJF

The NABJJF hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including:

• Local Tournaments: These tournaments are held throughout the United States and provide BJJ practitioners with the opportunity to compete against other local athletes.
• National Championships: The NABJJF hosts several national championships each year, including the American National Championships and the US Open.
• International Tournaments: The organization also hosts international tournaments, such as the Pan-American Championships and the World Championships.

The NABJJF's tournaments are open to athletes of all ages and skill levels, from white belts to black belts. The organization also offers divisions for kids, teens, and masters, ensuring that there is a competition for everyone.

Advantages of Competing in NABJJF Tournaments

There are many advantages to competing in NABJJF tournaments. Some of these include:

• High-Quality Competition: The NABJJF hosts some of the most competitive tournaments in the United States, attracting top-level athletes from around the country.
• Recognition: Winning an NABJJF tournament is a prestigious accomplishment that can help athletes advance their careers in the sport.
• Community: The NABJJF provides BJJ practitioners with the opportunity to connectand build relationships with other athletes who share their passion for the sport.
• Fair and Professional Refereeing: The NABJJF ensures that its tournaments are conducted in a fair and professional manner, with experienced referees who are knowledgeable about the rules and regulations of the sport.
• Opportunity for Growth: Competing in NABJJF tournaments provides athletes with opportunities to test themselves against top-level competition, identify areas for improvement, and continue to grow and develop their skills.

Future of the NABJJF

The NABJJF has made significant strides in promoting and developing the sport of BJJ in the United States since its founding in 2012. The organization has hosted numerous successful tournaments and established partnerships with other BJJ organizations around the world.

The future of the NABJJF looks bright, with the organization continuing to expand and offer new opportunities for BJJ practitioners of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned black belt or a white belt just starting out, competing in an NABJJF tournament can be an exciting and rewarding experience.

NABJJF vs. IBJJF

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is perhaps the most well-known and widely-respected organization in the sport of BJJ. The IBJJF hosts some of the biggest and most prestigious BJJ tournaments in the world, including the World Championships and the Pan American Championships.

While the NABJJF is still relatively new and may not have the same level of name recognition as the IBJJF, it has made significant strides in establishing itself as a legitimate and respected organization in the BJJ community.

One key difference between the NABJJF and the IBJJF is their approach to belt promotions. The IBJJF has a strict set of guidelines for awarding belts, with promotions generally being based on a combination of time spent training and success in competition. The NABJJF, on the other hand, allows individual academies to set their own criteria for belt promotions, which can lead to a wider variety of approaches to rank advancement within the organization.

Another difference is the geographic scope of the two organizations. While the IBJJF hosts tournaments around the world, its headquarters and primary focus are in Brazil. The NABJJF, on the other hand, is based in the United States and is primarily focused on promoting and developing the sport within the US.

The Benefits of Competing in NABJJF Tournaments

There are many benefits to competing in NABJJF tournaments, including:

• High-Quality Competition: The NABJJF attracts many of the best BJJ athletes in the United States, providing competitors with the opportunity to test themselves against top-level competition.
• Safe and Fair Environment: The NABJJF places a high priority on athlete safety and ensures that its tournaments are conducted in a safe and professional environment.
• Community Building: Competing in NABJJF tournaments is a great way for BJJ practitioners to connect with one another, share knowledge and experiences, and build relationships with other athletes who share their passion for the sport.
• Fair and Professional Refereeing: The NABJJF ensures that its tournaments are conducted in a fair and professional manner, with experienced referees who are knowledgeable about the rules and regulations of the sport.
• Opportunity for Growth: Competing in NABJJF tournaments provides athletes with opportunities to test themselves against top-level competition, identify areas for improvement, and continue to grow and develop their skills.

Sources

• National American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation - About
• National American BrazilianJiu-Jitsu Federation - Events
• FloGrappling
• BJJ Heroes
• International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation

Conclusion

The NABJJF is a relatively new but rapidly-growing organization in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While it may not have the same level of name recognition as the IBJJF, the NABJJF has quickly established itself as a legitimate and respected organization within the BJJ community.

Competing in NABJJF tournaments offers a number of benefits, including high-quality competition, a safe and fair environment, community building opportunities, professional refereeing, and opportunities for growth and development as a BJJ practitioner.

As the NABJJF continues to expand and offer new opportunities for BJJ athletes of all skill levels, it is likely that the organization will continue to grow in popularity and recognition within the sport of BJJ.

Whether you are an experienced black belt or a white belt just starting out, competing in an NABJJF tournament can be a rewarding and exciting experience, and an opportunity to test yourself against some of the best BJJ practitioners in the United States.