Top-ranked IBJJF Masters 3 black belt Michael Kingrey has officially qualified for IBJJF Adult Black Belt Worlds after a strong run this weekend at the Orlando Open, taking gold in his division and silver in the open weight division.
After winning his second consecutive IBJJF American National Championship in June 2025, Masters 3 black belt Michael Kingrey set a goal that very few athletes in his position would even attempt: qualify for IBJJF Adult Black Belt Worlds.
Unlike IBJJF Masters Worlds, qualification for Adult Worlds is earned strictly through IBJJF season ranking points accumulated through podium finishes at major events. Athletes must reach a minimum of 80 ranking points to qualify.
At 43 years old, and after only receiving his black belt at age 40, Kingrey began pursuing that goal while continuing to compete successfully at the highest levels of Masters competition.
Since setting that goal, Kingrey’s major results have included a third-place finish at IBJJF Masters Worlds and a silver medal at the IBJJF European Championship.
Heading into the Orlando Open this weekend, Kingrey sat at 54 ranking points and needed a major performance to secure qualification.
He delivered.
Competing in the adult division, Kingrey earned gold in his weight class and silver in the open class, adding 40.5 points to his season total. The result brought him to 94.5 ranking points, officially securing qualification for IBJJF Adult Black Belt Worlds 2026.
IBJJF Adult Season Results
Division
- Gold — Orlando Open
- Silver — Portland Open
- Silver — Phoenix Open
- Silver — Nashville Open
Open Class
- Silver — Orlando Open
- Silver — Phoenix Open
- Bronze — Nashville Open
Kingrey is scheduled to compete at Adult Worlds on May 30, just 10 days after turning 44 years old.
What makes the accomplishment especially notable is the timeline behind it. Most athletes competing at the adult black belt level have spent years competing in adult divisions and earned their black belts much earlier in life. Kingrey entered his first adult black belt season in his 40s and earned qualification through consistent podium finishes against elite competition.
For Kingrey, the accomplishment represents more than rankings and medals. It reflects years of discipline, consistency, and the willingness to continue pursuing ambitious goals regardless of age or conventional expectations.
Next stop: IBJJF Adult Black Belt Worlds.
