Two new FISU endorsed events planned for sambo and ju-jitsu

At the end of the summer, two competitions of these combat sports which aren’t part of any FISU properties programmes will take place in Serbia and in Thailand.

Two combat sports with a strong tradition and which are popular amongst the university student community will host FISU endorsed events in August and September.

Sambo

After its appearance in the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan, Sambo was recognised by FISU in 2016. The first World University Championship was held in Larnaca, Cyprus, the same year. In 2022, Sambo became part of the FISU University World Cup Combat Sports in Samsun, Türkiye. Combat Sports returned to the Championship format in 2024, but will not be part of the Brasilia 2026 FISU World Championship Combat Sports in 2026.

The event is open to university athletes who meet the eligibility criteria established by FISU – participants must be enrolled in a recognised university and meet the age requirements specified by FISU for the year 2025.

No more than 4 athletes in each weight category are allowed to take part in the competitions. The weight categories are the following:

• Sports Sambo (M) – 58 kg, 64 kg, 71 kg, 79 kg, 88 kg, 98 kg, over 98 kg;
• Sports Sambo (W)– 50 kg, 54 kg, 59 kg, 65 kg, 72 kg, 80 kg, over 80 kg;
• Combat Sambo (M)– 58 kg, 64 kg, 71 kg, 79 kg, 88 kg, 98 kg, over 98 kg

Ju-Jitsu

Ju-Jitsu has been a FISU Recognised Sport since 2020.

The event, which will be histed by Rangsit University in Pathum Thani, will adhere to the official rules and regulations set forth by Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF). The competition will include 7 weight categories for women and 7 weight categories for men, ensuring a comprehensive and competitive environment for all participants in the following specialities:

• Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ, Ne-Waza…)
• Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi (Grappling, Submission Wrestling, …)
• Contact Ju-Jitsu (HIF) Head Impact Free

The event is open to university athletes who meet the eligibility criteria established by FISU – participants must be enrolled in a recognised university and meet the age requirements specified by FISU for the year 2025.

What is a FISU endorsed event?

FISU confers endorsement status to recognised sports not part of any of the FISU sport properties programmes. This recognition is granted upon request from the relevant International Federation and after the evaluation of a detailed request submitted to FISU for assessment.

FISU will only endorse events of sports on its recognised sports list and in the following conditions:

• Comply with the FISU eligibility rules;
• Report to FISU before and after the event with the main participation figures and key facts.

While FISU is not responsible to organising these events, by endorsing them FISU strengthens the cooperation with the international federations and encourages the NUSFs to participate in such competitions that enrich the international university sports movement.