Age and weight categories
IJF · 2026IJF competition separates athletes into the applicable weight and age categories. Cadets are ages 15–17, juniors 15–20, and seniors have a minimum age of 15, measured by calendar year. An athlete's eligibility for an event is therefore not determined only by the birthday that has already occurred.
The rule
IJF competition separates athletes into the applicable weight and age categories. Cadets are ages 15–17, juniors 15–20, and seniors have a minimum age of 15, measured by calendar year. An athlete's eligibility for an event is therefore not determined only by the birthday that has already occurred.
In practice
Official weigh-in procedures determine entry into a weight category. Team categories, cadet underwear allowances and random weight checks have their own rules; do not assume one tolerance applies everywhere. Competitions for younger children are governed by national arrangements and recommendations, not automatically by the adult international contest rules described here.
Sources & approach ↗