Athlete Rules & Guidelines

Gi tops must reach the athlete’s thigh and sleeves must come to no more than 5 cm from the athlete’s wrist (arms extended straight and parallel to the ground).

Gi pants must reach no more than 5 cm above the ankle bone.

A kimono with EVA or similar material inside the collar is permitted, only if the measurement regulations provided IBJJF Rules are followed.

Painted Gis are not permitted, unless the paint is designed in the form of an Academy or Sponsor Logo and only on regions of the Gi where patches are permitted. In cases where painted Gis are permitted, the athlete may be obliged to change Gis should the paint mark the Gi of an opponent.

Adult/Masters Male athletes are not permitted to wear t-shirts or rash guards beneath a Gi.

Adult/Masters Male athletes are not permitted to wear pants of any kind under a Gi pant.

Female athletes must wear a stretchy or elastic short- or long-sleeved shirt that hugs the body beneath a Gi. This includes a one piece swim garment, bathing suit or gymnastics top.

Female athletes are permitted to use compression tights (that cling to the body) under a Gi pant, as long as they are shorter than the Gi pant.

Athletes must use a durable, 4cm to 5cm wide below (coloured according to the athlete’s rank), with a black tip. Exception: Black belts, where the tip should be white or red.

Belts must be worn over the Gi top, wrapped around the waist twice and be tied using a double knot – tight enough to hold the Gi top closed. Once tied in a double knot, each end must hang 20cm to 30 cm in length.

Patches and embroidery may only be affixed in authorized regions of a Gi, as depicted in the IBJJF Rule Book (page 36).

Patches and embroidery must be of cotton fabric and properly seamed. All patches unseamed or in unauthorized regions of a Gi will be removed by a Gi inspector.

A Gi brand tag in the front lower part of a Gi pant must be made of thin fabric (not embroidered) and at most 36cm.

NO patches or text (embroidered or handwritten) are permitted that contain phrases, symbols or slogans found offensive to gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, culture, religion and/or political ideologies.

NO patches or text (embroidered or handwritten) are permitted that contain phrases, symbols or slogans that promote violence, vandalism, sexual acts, drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco.

An official Gi Inspector will check to make sure Gi measurements comply with the official measurements stipulated by IBJJF standards:

• Maximum Gi Collar Thickness (1.3cm)

• Maximum Gi Collar Width (5cm)

• Minimum Opening of Sleeve at Full Extension (7cm)

An official Gi Inspector will check to verify the overall state of an athlete’s belt.

Athletes may request up to two (2) follow-up Gi inspections should they fail the first inspection; however, they must weigh-in again, especially if a Gi change is made.

After weigh-in and inspection, athletes may not change their Gi for the first match. Failure to comply will result in penalty or disqualification.

Shorts must not contain pockets, buttons, snaps or any plastic or metal piece that presents risk of injury to the opponent.

Shorts should be longer than mid-thigh but no lower than the knee.

Athletes may wear compression tights (spats) instead of board shorts; however, the length must be to mid-thigh at least.

Compression tights may also be worn underneath board shorts.

Shirts must be elastic (should hug the body) and long enough to cover the waistline of the shorts.

Shirts can be long or short sleeve but must have some type of sleeve that covers the armpits.

Keep the face fully visible.

Be clear of any inscriptions or logos.

Made with no strings of any kind.

Made without any kind of plastic or hard materials.

Fixed and made with elastic fabric (or have elastics at the borders).

Be fully black in colour and cover the neck, ears and hair, like a wet-suit headpiece.

The use of eye protectors, even if made for sport practices.

The use of joint protectors (knee, elbow braces, etc.) that increases body volume to the point of making it harder for an opponent to grip the opponent’s Gi.

The use of any foot gear, head gear, hair pins, jewellery, cups (genital protectors) or any other body protectors fashioned of hard material which may cause harm to an opponent or the athlete him/herself.

Finger and toe nails must be trimmed short.

Long hair must be tied up/back so as not to cause opponents any discomfort.

Uniforms may not exhibit tears, be wet or dirty, or emanate an unpleasant odour.

Indoor footwear must be worn at all times, except for on the competition mat. This especially includes washrooms and change rooms.

All athletes must wear undergarments, regardless of Gi or No Gi matches. Undergarment must be “brief-type” only. Failure to adhere of this rule will be considered a foul according to item 6.2.3(E), and the athlete will be subject to the penalties provided at item 7.1. See IBJJF Rule Book (page 37).

Following weigh in, a Uniform Inspector will check competitors for any skin conditions. Athletes presenting skin lesions noticed by the Inspector shall be directed to the event’s medical area for evaluation.

Athletes must present a statement from a Doctor declaring the lesion not contagious and not harmful to other competitors.

All medical issues will be directed to the event’s medical personnel. Medical personnel will have the final say on whether or not to allow an athlete to compete.