IBJJF Pan 2026 Kissimmee: Complete Guide to the Biggest BJJ Tournament in the Americas

Every March, the global Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community turns its attention to Kissimmee, Florida. The IBJJF Pan Championship — the largest and most prestigious BJJ tournament in the Americas — returns to the Silver Spurs Arena from March 24 to 29, 2026. And for those of us at Gracie Barra Celebration, it's happening right in our backyard.

Whether you're a competitor, a BJJ fan, or someone who has never seen a jiu-jitsu match, this guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 IBJJF Pan Championship.

What Is the IBJJF Pan Championship?

The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) Pan Championship is one of the four major tournaments on the global BJJ calendar, alongside the World Championship (Mundials), the European Championship, and the Brazilian National Championship. The Pan is considered the second most important tournament in the sport, and it's the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

Thousands of athletes from every continent compete across multiple divisions — separated by age, weight, and belt level. You'll see white belts in their first-ever tournament competing alongside black belt world champions. The Pan draws professional athletes, weekend warriors, and young rising stars all to the same venue over six days of nonstop competition.

When and Where: 2026 Details

The 2026 IBJJF Pan Championship takes place at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, FL — the same venue that has hosted the event for years. The tournament runs from March 24 through March 29, 2026, with different belt levels and age divisions spread across each day.

Silver Spurs Arena is located at 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744. That's less than 15 minutes from Gracie Barra Celebration at 1420 Celebration Blvd, Suite 108, Celebration, FL 34747. You can literally train with us in the morning and watch world-class matches in the afternoon.

Who Competes at the Pan?

The Pan features divisions for every belt level from white to black, and every age group from juvenile to master. Categories include:

• Gi divisions: The traditional kimono-based competition, which makes up the majority of matches
• No-Gi divisions: Submission grappling without the traditional uniform
• Juvenile divisions: For teens looking to compete at the highest level
• Master divisions: Age-based brackets for competitors 30 and older

Registration typically closes a few weeks before the event, but spectator tickets are available at the door. And here's a key detail: watching the Pan is free. You can walk into Silver Spurs Arena on any competition day and watch hundreds of matches at no cost. It's one of the best free sporting events in Central Florida.

How GB Celebration Athletes Are Preparing

Having a tournament of this magnitude in our backyard is something we take seriously at Gracie Barra Celebration. Under the guidance of Professor Rodrigo Frezza, our competition team has been ramping up training in preparation for the Pan. That means extra drilling sessions, competition-specific sparring, and mental preparation for the pressure of performing on one of the sport's biggest stages.

Coach Ryan and Coach Marcello have been instrumental in helping our competitors sharpen specific areas of their game — whether that's guard passing for our gi competitors or leg locks for the no-gi divisions. The preparation is intense, but the culture at GB Celebration keeps it focused and supportive. Our competitors know they have an entire academy behind them.

For students who aren't competing this year, the Pan is still an incredible learning opportunity. Watching high-level matches live, studying how top athletes approach different positions, and absorbing the energy of a major competition are all things that make you a better practitioner — even if you never step on the tournament mat yourself.

Why It Matters That the Pan Is in Kissimmee

Most major BJJ tournaments happen in cities like Long Beach, California, or Rio de Janeiro. Having the Pan Championship in Kissimmee means Central Florida is recognized as a legitimate hub for competitive jiu-jitsu. For our students, it eliminates the need for expensive flights and hotel stays — you can compete at the highest level and sleep in your own bed.

It also means our local community gets exposed to the sport in a way that wouldn't happen otherwise. Parents who drive past Silver Spurs Arena see the IBJJF banners. Coworkers ask what the Pan Championship is. And suddenly, the conversation about jiu-jitsu reaches people who might never have considered stepping onto the mat.

How to Attend as a Spectator

If you've never watched a BJJ tournament live, the Pan is the perfect introduction. Here's what to expect:

• Admission is free — just show up at Silver Spurs Arena during competition hours
• Arrive early for finals — the best matches happen in the afternoon and evening sessions, and the black belt finals draw the biggest crowds
• Bring earplugs for kids — the crowd noise during exciting matches can get loud
• Wear comfortable shoes — you'll be on your feet or in bleachers for hours
• Food and vendors — there are typically food trucks and BJJ gear vendors on site

We encourage all GB Celebration students and their families to come out and support our competitors. Even if you're brand new to jiu-jitsu, watching the Pan will give you a deeper appreciation for the techniques you're learning in class.

Want to Compete Next Year?

If watching the 2026 Pan lights a fire in you, there's no better time to start training. The path from spectator to competitor starts with a single class. Gracie Barra Celebration offers programs for adults, teens, and kids ages 3 and up — and our structured curriculum is designed to build the skills and confidence needed for competition at any level.

Whether your goal is to compete at the Pan, earn your next belt, or simply get in the best shape of your life, our team is here to guide you. Call us at (407) 739-4666 or visit our academy at 1420 Celebration Blvd, Suite 108, Celebration, FL 34747.