The IBJJF has a new big tournament in their calendar and it is quickly morphing into a new major event for the biggest Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition circuit in the world. The Asian Championship is currently underway and after its recent rebrand from the Asian Open and the increased focus from major gyms, it is clear that this tournament is evolving into one packed with elite athletes showcasing their skills. Even though this event is not streaming on FloGrappling, fans should absolutely be looking out for the results and matches from this weekend in Tokyo.

The IBJJF calendar is a predictable schedule that grapplers of all levels can navigate as a way to improve their jiu-jitsu through competition. This calendar is broken up primarily by the 'major' events, namely The Big 4 + The Crown. Those four are the European Championship, the Pan Championship, the Brazilian National Championship, and the World Championship. A few years ago, the IBJJF added The Crown as a premiere showcase of those black belts who have achieved at the highest levels throughout their season.

There have been a few other events that have risen up as sort-of mini-majors, with events like American Nationals and Jiu-Jitsu Con consistently bringing in great competitors at every belt level. The Asian Championship (formerly the Asian Open until a few years ago) is showing all the signs of joining them - and potentially even becoming a new major outright.

With the rebrand and the increased amount of quality content IBJJF has put out around the event, it's clear they are really motivated to grow this event and bring in athletes fans want to see. Looking at the rosters the past few years, it's safe to say that has worked. Super squads like Atos, CheckMat, and AOJ are regularly sending their best to hit the mats for the first time since Worlds - including many of their students debuting at their new rank.

After being off for several years through the covid pandemic, the event returned in 2022 and really turned a corner in 2023 when AOJ promoted a bunch of their most successful colored belts at the event, including Cole Abate to black belt. This really helped bring attention to the event and black belts like Tainan Dalpra, Mayssa Bastos, and Horlando Monteiro have all won gold there the last few years.

2025 Asian Championship

This year's event is probably the most stacked yet in terms of elite talent. The colored belts have been going all week with some fun standouts but the black belts always steal the show. The major story this year, especially after a few changes, is that Sarah Galvão will make her black belt debut. After an incredible run through colored belt in which she never lost a divisional match, Sarah now begins what many expect will be a fantastic career as a black belt. In fact, because no one is entered above her division at lightweight, Sarah is the likely favorite for double gold. What a better way to welcome an emerging star to the rank than at an emerging tournament where she can gracefully debut.

Adam Wardzinski of CheckMat is currently entered at heavyweight but after his retirement at Worlds it remains to be seen if he keeps the booking or not. He's in Tokyo vacationing with his family and doing seminars, but we will just need to wait and see if he steps out there. Speaking of CheckMat though, Sam Nagai will be in at lightweight and the 2023 World Champion always brings "The Samurai" energy to the mats. In Tokyo, we can only imagine the inspiration for his performance.

Speaking of debuts, Ashlee Funegra will make her own black belt debut alongside her sister as the two enter the feather division. Expect a closeout if they make the finals but some fun moments along the way. Their AOJ teammate Mayssa Bastos will also be in action in the light-feather field just a few weeks after she made history as a six-time roosterweight world champion.

One more major name to watch out for is Andy Murasaki, who over the past few years has established himself as one of the best in the world at any weight in the gi. I wouldn't be surprised if Andy won double gold here.

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