IBJJF No-Gi Uniform Requirements

The jiu jitsu season is often referred to as a two sided schedule, the first semester (January to June) belonging to the gi, and the second (July to December) being owned by no-gi. The reason why the sport is looked at this way is down to the IBJJF and UAEJJF calendars, where the top gi tournaments (European Open, Pan Ams, Abu Dhabi World Pro, Brazilian Nationals and World Championship happen in those first 6 months, while the No-Gi Pan American, Brasileiro Sem Quimono (No-Gi Brazilian Nationals) and No-Gi Worlds all take place during the second. Granted that there are plenty of tournaments happening throughout the year emphasising both elements of the game, but the most important ones for the average competitor and fan, are presented in this format every passing year.

In the past we went through the top kimonos, for training and competing (read the BJJ Gi Almanaque for details). This time around we wrote a guide to the jiu jitsu no-gi uniform, for those who are planing to compete in IBJJF style grappling events without the gi. What you can and cannot wear to a no-gi tournament, as well as a comprehensive list of legal rashguards and shorts from which to buy approved gear.

NO-GI JIU-JITSU UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

PLEASE NOTE: It is mandatory that all athletes wear undergarments (underwear) – this is valid for both Gi and No-Gi events. The undergarment should be “brief-type” only (boxer briefs also allowed). Failure to adhere of this rule will be considered a foul according to item 6.3.2, of the IBJJF rule book, which will lead to a disqualification (DQ).

Men:

TORSO – Men should wear a shirt of elastic fabric (clings to body), often referred to as a rash-guard. It should be at a length that covers the shorts’ waistband, of black, white or black and white color, and displaying at least 10% of the color of the rank (belt) to which the athlete belongs.

Shirts that are 100% the color of the rank (belt) the athlete belongs to are also acceptable.

BOTTOM – athletes should wear board shorts, though shorts, trunks or pants of elastic fabric (spats) are also allowed as long as they are the color black and worn under the regulation shorts.

The board shorts should be primarily black, white or black with white and with up to 50% of their rank color (belt).

– NO pockets or with pockets entirely stitched shut.
– NO metal or plastic of any kind that may hurt the opponent.
– MUST reach at least halfway down the thigh (no more than 15 cm/6in from the knee).

Women:

Like in the men’s division, board shorts or Lycra elastic shorts or pants, are allowed for women.

These should be primarily black, white or black with white and with up to 50% of their rank color (belt), without pockets or with pockets entirely stitched shut, and must reach at least halfway down the thigh (no more than 15 cm/6in from the knee).

Attached metal or plastic of any kind that may hurt the opponent is expressly forbidden on the board shorts.

Shirt of elastic fabric (rashguard) at a length that covers the shorts’ waistband, of black, white or black with white color, and displaying at least 10% of the color of the rank (belt) to which the athlete belongs. Shirts that are 100% the color of the rank (belt) the athlete belongs to are also acceptable.

PLEASE NOTE: In the female divisions it is permitted the use of full black pants in elastic fabric (clings to body), also known as spats without the use of board shorts on top.

Cover photo by William Burkhardt of BJJPix.