How a fair match gets made

Sort athletes by age and belt alone and you get mismatches. LVL places every athlete around who they actually are today using an LVL Score built from competition experience, training time, and belt and skill.

The four LVL divisions

Every athlete lands in one of four LVL divisions: LVL 1 (beginner), LVL 2 (developing), LVL 3 (competitive), and LVL 4 (advanced). A displayed score such as LVL 2.07 competes in LVL 2.

Questions and answers

What is an LVL Score?

It's a single placement number that reflects where an athlete stands today, built from competition experience, training time, and belt and skill together. It reads like “LVL 2.07” and sits inside one of the four LVL divisions.

Why is an athlete placed in a specific division?

An athlete's LVL Score places them with others at the same real level, not only the same belt. Combined with age group, gender, and weight class, that's how a bracket stays fair before anyone steps on the mat.

Can an LVL Score change?

Yes. The score reflects where an athlete is today and rises as they compete and improve. That's the point: compete, improve, level up.

What if the division placement seems wrong?

Placement is built from details provided and confirmed at registration. Honest mistakes happen, and they can be corrected before Athlete Correction Day. The process is laid out on the rules and scoring page.

Will an athlete be matched against someone much older or larger?

No. Every division combines age group, gender, and weight class alongside the LVL division. Athletes compete against others in their own age and size, at their own level.

What happens if a division doesn't fill?

The refund is automatic. No emails, no chasing, no forms. If the division doesn't fill, the entry fee is already back in the account.

What if an athlete has never competed before?

Not a problem. Roaming staff guide first-timers through every step of the day, and placement means the athlete competes against others at their actual level, not seasoned competitors who don't belong in the bracket.

Do you offer Gi and No-Gi divisions?

Yes. Both Gi and No-Gi divisions are available. Specifics for each event are confirmed and shared before registration opens, so you'll know exactly what's offered before you sign up.

What can parents expect on event day?

Reliable match times, proper viewing, and a parent conduct policy that's enforced in real time. The day is designed so you can be a parent, not the person managing the chaos.

Read the rules and scoring