This event is set to showcase a series of Elite Tournaments, featuring the highly anticipated Adult Elite Tournament, the Under 23 Elite Tournament, and the Youth Elite Tournament. Winners in these categories will secure their spot on the prestigious USA National Adult, Under 23, and Youth Teams.
- 2026 IFMA Senior World Championships: TBD
- 2026 IFMA Youth World Championships: TBD
Our commitment to supporting Muaythai athletes at every level continues with the inclusion of the Adult Intermediate & Adult Novice Tournaments. These divisions provide a crucial platform for athletes to refine their skills and gain valuable experience. The Youth Novice Tournament will also return, allowing young athletes to shine and grow within the sport. This year, we are also excited to introduce the Youth 8-9 Open Class; registration for this new division will open on November 1, 2025.
Register now for early bird pricing and secure your spot! Each division will be limited to 8-athlete brackets, and the event will be capped at 500 total athletes. Additionally, the Grand Nationals will feature educational seminars with surprise guests sharing expert insights on the unified international rule set.
Important
Please review all of the following details before registering.
Dates & Locations
- Check-In: March 26, 2026 - 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET at the Host Hotel.
- Competition Dates: March 27-29, 2026 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.
- Weigh-Ins & Doctor Pre-Bout Exams: Daily at 6:00 AM at the Host Hotel.
Event VenueChase Center | Host Hotel (Attached to Venue)The Westin Wilmington |
Airports
Recommended: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) - 30 min drive
Nearby: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) - Approx. 1.5 hour drive
Division Info
Please use the following criteria to determine your division. For exceptions in the elite class, please email memberships@usamuaythai.sport.
You must make weight each morning you are scheduled to fight, with no allowance.
Number of Bouts
The total number of bouts shall include any Muaythai contest conducted in the following formats: mat-style Muaythai (point or scrimmage), smoker, interclub, exhibition, or amateur bout in which an official winner and loser are declared.
Eligibility
Any athlete who has won a Novice division tournament is no longer eligible to compete in the Novice division.
| Class | Male # of Bouts | Female # of Bouts |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Open Class | No Restrictions | No Restrictions |
| Youth Novice | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Youth Elite | 6+ | 6+ |
| Senior Novice | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Senior Intermediate | 6-14 | 6-11 |
| Under 23 Elite | 10+ | 8+ |
| Senior Elite | 15+ | 12+ |
| (All rounds have a 1-minute rest period) | ||
National Team Qualifying Divisions
- Youth 10-11 Open Class
- Youth 12-13 Elite
- Youth 14-15 Elite
- Youth 16-17 Elite
- U23 Elite
- Senior Elite
Registration Info
ALL ATHLETES, COACHES, AND OFFICIALS MUST HAVE A CURRENT USA MUAYTHAI MEMBERSHIP.
Age Eligibility for National Team Qualifying Divisions
For athletes in National Team Qualifying Divisions (Elite Youth, U23, and Senior), age eligibility is determined by the **IFMA World Championships check-in date**, not the Grand Nationals check-in date.
You must register for the division that corresponds to your age on the official IFMA World Championships check-in date. For example, if you are currently 15 but will turn 16 *before* the official World Championships check-in date, you must compete in the 16-17 Youth Elite division at the Grand Nationals. The registration system will automatically populate the correct divisions for you based on your birthday.
Athletes must have at least one coach in their corner. A list of required certifications must be completed within your member profile.
Required Certifications:
- Ages 8-15: Birthdate Verification, Athlete Physical, & Parental Consent.
- Ages 16-17: Birthdate Verification, Athlete Physical, Combative Trio Bloodwork & Parental Consent.
- Ages 18-40: Birthdate Verification, Athlete Physical, & Combative Trio Bloodwork.
Deadlines & Forms:
- Physical and Bloodwork Due: March 20, 2026
- Bloodwork: Must be completed within 6 months of the event. Blood Work Request Form
- Physicals: Must be completed on our form (valid for 1 year). Athlete Preparticipation Physical Form
Registration Fees & Policy
| Date Period | Fee |
|---|---|
| Early Bird | $109 |
| Starts 12/15/2025 | $139 |
| Starts 02/15/2026 | $169 |
- Empty Bracket Closure & Consolidation: Begins 03/01/2026
- Registration Closes: 03/15/2026
- Coaches Registration: $25
- Officials Registration: Free
Refund Policy
The registration fee is non-refundable, with the following exceptions:
- Withdrawal up to 30 days prior to check-in (by 02/26/2026).
- Withdrawal after the 30-day period with a valid doctor's note.
- Athletes in an empty division after registration closes may change weight or receive a refund.
*All refunds will incur a $5 processing fee. Membership fees are non-refundable.*
Check-In & Equipment
Check-In
Check-in at the Host Hotel on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM ET is REQUIRED. Missing check-in will result in removal from the brackets with no refund. Contact us for late check-in arrangements.
Equipment and Attire
- Gear Provided: Athletes will receive a USA Muaythai Jersey at check-in to keep. Competition gear, including boxing gloves, headgear, elbow pads, shin guards, and youth chest protectors, will be provided for use during bouts.
- Athlete Must Bring: Muaythai shorts (cannot be opposing corner color), towel, mouthguard, groin cup (men/boys), and plastic water bottles.
- Shaving facial hair is NOT required.
Competition Rules
All events are single-elimination. Weigh-ins and doctor checks are each morning at 6:00 AM for that day's competitors.
| Division | Round Time | Allowed Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Youth 8-9 | 3 x 1 Min Rounds | All strikes to the head are prohibited. |
| Youth 10-11 | 3 x 1 Min Rounds | All strikes to the head are prohibited. |
| Youth 12-13 | 3 x 1.5 Min Rounds | Punches & kicks to the head permitted. No knees/elbows. |
| Youth 14-17 | 3 x 2 Min Rounds | Punches, kicks, & elbows to the head permitted. No knees. |
| Senior Novice | 3 x 2 Min Rounds | Punches, kicks, & elbows to the head permitted. No knees. |
| Senior Intermediate | 3 x 3 Min Rounds | Punches, kicks, & elbows to the head permitted. No knees. |
| Senior & U23 Elite | 3 x 3 Min Rounds | All strikes are permitted. |
| (All rounds have a 1-minute rest period) | ||
Unopposed Athletes
If you are alone in your division when registration closes, you will have the following options:
- Move to a different weight class.
- Attempt a matchup at a catchweight or different experience level.
- Have an exhibition match if the opponent's weight/experience is significantly different.
An in-person performance is required to qualify for the national team. If you decline all options, you will be refunded your registration fee.
