ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials 2026: Allsopp, Rutherford & Tabak Lead Australia's Charge

The 2026 ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials once again showcased why the region continues to produce some of the world's best no-gi grapplers. Held on the Gold Coast, the event attracted elite competitors from across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Kazakhstan and beyond, with only the division winners earning the coveted invitation to the 2026 ADCC World Championships.

Among the standout Australian performances were Josh Allsopp, Jayden Rutherford and Mia Tabak, who each demonstrated the high level of talent emerging from Australia's no-gi grappling scene in one of the toughest qualification events in the sport.

Josh Allsopp Battles to Silver

Representing Kumite Jiu Jitsu, Josh Allsopp put together an outstanding run through the stacked 77kg division, displaying the aggressive wrestling, relentless pace and composure that have made him one of Australia's most respected competitors.

After navigating a difficult bracket filled with experienced opponents, Allsopp advanced all the way to the championship match, eventually finishing with an impressive silver medal behind New Zealand's Kaya Rudolph. His performance reinforced his place amongst the very best grapplers in the Asia-Pacific region and showed he is capable of competing with anyone in the division.

Jayden Rutherford Continues His Rise

Jayden Rutherford continued his rapid development with another strong showing at the highest level of competition.

Competing against some of the toughest athletes in the region, Rutherford demonstrated the technical grappling and determination that have become trademarks of his game. While the ADCC Trials are notoriously unforgiving—with a single loss ending an athlete's campaign—Rutherford once again proved he belongs amongst Australia's emerging elite and remains a name to watch in future major events.

The experience gained against world-class opposition will undoubtedly fuel the next stage of his competitive journey.

The Toughest Tournament Outside ADCC Worlds

Many competitors consider the ADCC Trials to be almost as difficult as the World Championships themselves. Large brackets, multiple matches in a single day and an incredibly high standard of competition mean athletes must perform at their absolute best from the opening round through to the finals.

The 2026 Asia & Oceania Trials once again proved just how deep the talent pool has become, with several divisions featuring athletes capable of competing on the world stage. Only eight champions earned qualification to the ADCC World Championships, underlining just how difficult it is to reach the pinnacle of submission grappling.

Australian Grappling Continues to Grow

The performances of Josh Allsopp, Jayden Rutherford and Mia Tabak are another reminder of the incredible depth within Australian jiu-jitsu. Whether standing on the podium or gaining invaluable experience against elite opposition, these athletes continue to raise the standard of grappling across the region.

As the road to the ADCC World Championships continues, the future looks incredibly bright for Australian no-gi jiu-jitsu, with a new generation of competitors pushing the limits every time they step onto the mats.