2026 Guide to BJJ & Submission Grappling Competitions in Thailand
[Image: A dynamic shot of a BJJ tournament in Bangkok]
The grappling scene in Southeast Asia is reaching new heights, and Thailand is currently the heart of that explosion. Whether you are a local practitioner or an international traveler planning a “BJJ vacation,” knowing the competition landscape is vital for your training cycle.
At Marcelo Silva Martial Arts, we advocate for competition as a tool for personal growth. It reveals the “holes” in your game like nothing else can. To help you prepare your 2026 season, we’ve compiled the most anticipated events happening across the Kingdom.
Photo: Richard Presley
2026 Thailand Competition Schedule
| Date | Event Name | สถานที่ตั้ง | Type |
| Jan 31 | Siam Cup BJJ | Bangkok | Gi & No-Gi |
| Feb – Mar | AJP Tour Thailand National Pro | Bangkok | Gi & No-Gi |
| Mar 8 – 14 | BJJ Escapes (Camp/Open) | Phuket | Training & Open |
| Mar 14 | ADCC Thailand Open | Bangkok | No-Gi |
| Mar 28 | Grappling Industries | Bangkok | Round Robin |
| May 30 – 31 | AFG Open International | Bangkok | Gi & No-Gi |
| Jun 25 – 29 | Amazing MuayThai World Festival | Bangkok | Jiu-Jitsu Division |
Featured Events Break-down
The “Big Three” for 2026
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ADCC Thailand Open: Following the world-famous ADCC Ruleset (Wikipedia), this is the ultimate test for No-Gi grapplers. Expect heavy wrestling and tactical leg lock exchanges.
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AJP Tour National Pro: This is where the “technical” players shine. The Abu Dhabi professional circuit brings a world-class standard to Bangkok, with points going toward the AJP world rankings.
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Siam Cup: A local favorite that has grown into a major regional event. It is highly recommended for white and blue belts due to its excellent organization and fair matchmaking.
Special Events
If you are looking for a different experience, Grappling Industries offers a “Round Robin” format where you get multiple matches even if you lose your first one. Meanwhile, the Amazing MuayThai World Festival in late June offers a unique chance to compete in a Muay Thai (Wikipedia) atmosphere, highlighting the synergy between different martial arts.
Prepare for the Podium in Bangkok
Competing in a foreign country or even your home city requires a solid support system. Our team at BJJ Bangkok specializes in getting students ready for the specific pressures of tournament day.
Under the Marcelo Silva Martial Arts curriculum, we focus on:
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Weight Management: Safe strategies to make weight without losing strength.
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The First 2 Minutes: Dominating the initial exchange to set the pace.
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Mental Toughness: Breathing techniques to manage the “adrenaline dump” common in first-time competitors.
A match between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelts Gabriel Vella and Romulo Barral at the 2009 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships (attempting a triangle choke).
Tournament FAQ
Is it safe for beginners to compete in Thailand? Yes. All major tournaments listed (Siam Cup, AJP, etc.) have specific divisions for beginners (White Belts) where safety is the priority.
Do I need an IBJJF membership? For AJP events, you will need an AJP membership. For most local opens like Siam Cup or AFG, you simply register through their platforms (usually Smoothcomp).
How can I join the competition team? Visit us at BJJ Bangkok. We offer competition-focused classes that go beyond basic techniques, focusing on the points system and high-intensity sparring.
Don't Just Watch—Participate!
2026 is your year to shine. Pick a date, clear your schedule, and let’s get to work. We look forward to seeing you represent our community on the podium!
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