IBJJF Uniform Rules: Gi
In the official IBJJF Rules Book, there are over 40 pages of rules, competition guidelines, and competition formats. Within these pages are the official IBJJF uniform regulations, which explains the mandatory guidelines that an athlete and their gi must follow.
Linked below are Sanabul gis that are IBJJF approved (white, black, and royal blue ONLY):
Essential Gi (gray on black, silver on white, and light blue on royal blue)
So what exactly makes a gi IBJJF approved?
8.1.1 – Materials and Weaving
Gis must be tailored using cotton or a similar fabric. The fabric used cannot be too thick or too hard that it prevents an opponent from gripping it. Juvenile, adult, and master division competitions require a gi with a pearl weave.
8.1.2 – Kimonos
Kimonos are allowed to be worn, as long as the materials inside the collar follow the size and rigidity regulations.
8.1.3 – Color and Undershirt
The color of the gi must be completely white, black, or royal blue – any other colored jackets, pants, or collars are not allowed. Competitors are not allowed to wear shirts under their gi, except for women (see 8.1.4).
8.1.4 – Undershirt Exception for Women
Female competitors must wear either a stretchy or elastic shirt under their gi. Both short sleeved and long sleeved shirts are allowed, as well as any color. A one piece bathing suit or gymnastics top is also permitted.
8.1.5 – Different Color Gis
In adult black belt divisions, athletes may be required to have different colored gis to visually differentiate themself from their opponent. One will wear white and the other will wear royal blue.
This rule varies depending on the event organizer - remember to check your event’s rules before competing and bring multiple gis of different color if necessary.
8.1.6 – Prohibited Gis
Gis are prohibited from being worn if they show signs of tearing or mending repairs (from previous tearing by sewing). In addition, any gi that is wet, dirty, or unpleasantly smelling will also be prohibited.
8.1.7 – Gi Top Regulations
The gi top can extend to the competitor’s thigh. The sleeves are allowed to be, at maximum, 5cm from the competitor’s wrist when their arm is parallel to the ground and extended straight out.
8.1.8 – Gi Pant Regulations
The gi pants are allowed to be, at maximum, 5cm above the ankle bone (tibial malleolus). Male competitors are prohibited from wearing any kind of pants under their gi pants. Female competitors can only wear elastic fabric pants under their gi pants. These elastic pants must be shorter than the competitor’s gi pants.
8.1.9 – Belt Regulations
Competitors must wear a belt with a black tip that corresponds with their rank and is 4-5cm wide. Black belts must wear a 4-5cm wide belt with either a white or red tip. The belt must be worn over the top of the gi, wrapped around the competitor’s waist twice, and be double knotted tight enough to keep the top of the gi closed. The ends of the belt can be anywhere from 20-30cm in length.
8.1.10 – Paint and Patch Regulations
Gis containing paint are prohibited, unless the paint displays an academy or sponsor logo in the section of the gi where patches are allowed. If the paint spreads and marks the opponent’s gi, the competitor must change gis. Any patches on the gi must be in approved regions, made of cotton fabric, and properly seamed on to the gi.
8.1.11 – Weigh-In Procedures and Inspection Regulations
Before weighing in, an inspector will verify that a competitor’s gi meets the competition’s uniform requirements. Every competitor is allowed three uniform inspections. Belts are also inspected.
Final inspection covers: length of sleeves, length of pant legs, thickness of gi collar (maximum allowed is 1.3cm), width of gi collar (maximum allowed is 5cm), and slack in Gi sleeves through full extension (maximum is 7cm).
8.1.12 – Measurement Regulations
Uniform measuring tool requirements:
Total length: 15cm
Total width: 3.5cm
Athlete gi requirements:
Lapel width: 5cm
Lapel thickness: 1.3cm
Sleeve opening at full extension: 7cm
8.1.13 – First Match Gi
After weighing in, competitors are prohibited from changing out of the gi they weighed in with before for their first match. Violating this rule may result in a disqualification penalty.
8.1.14 – Changing Gis (after first match)
After their first match, competitors can request permission to change gis with the Ring Coordinator. The new gi will be inspected to ensure that it meets all measurement regulations.
8.1.15 – Inspection Procedure for New Gi
If a competitor fails to follow inspection procedure for their new gi after requesting a change from their gi in their first match, they may be disqualified.
Updated Rules (for 2024)
The new rules go into effect following the 2024 Gi World Championships via IBJJF’s website
- Fabric
1.1 - Kimono Jacket
The jacket must be made with embossed fabric, to allow the fabric to provide the necessary grip.
1.1.1 - Jacket Composition
The kimono jacket must be composed of at least 90% cellulose fiber (cotton, hemp, etc), with an allowance of up to 10% synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester, etc).
1.1.2 - GSM
The GSM of the jacket must be between 380 GSM and 650 GSM.
1.1.3 - Construction
Fabrics with embossed braided constructions are mandatory. Jackets with canvas or twill constructions are prohibited.
1.2 - Kimono Pants
The pants must be made of a single fabric, but the crotch area can be made with an embossed braided fabric.
1.2.1 - Composition
The kimono pants must be composed of at least 55% cellulose fiber (cotton, hemp, etc), with an allowance of up to 45% synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester, etc).
1.2.2 - GSM
The GSM of the pants must be between 220 GSM and 300 GSM.
1.2.3 - Construction
Fabrics with twill or rip-stop constructions are mandatory.
2 - Measurements
Images with examples can be found on the official IBJJF rulebook (linked at the end of article)
2.1 - Kimono Jacket
The jacket must go to the competitor’s thighs. Sleeves should come up no more than 2cm (0.8inch) from the competitor’s wrist, when arm is straight out and fully extended
Kimono collar thickness: 1cm - 1.3cm
Kimono collar width: 4.5cm - 5cm
Space of kimono sleeve over the entire length: at least 7cm
2.2 - Kimono Pants
Pants should be no more than 2cm (0.8inch) about the tibial malleolus (ankle bone)
The looseness of the pants bust be at least 7cm wide, measured from the knee down
3 - Reinforcement and Lining
3.1 - Kimono Jacket
Double reinforcement (within fabrication of gi) is allowed on the shoulders, underarms, and bottom of the jacket’s skirt. Double reinforcement anywhere else (ex. forearms) is prohibited.
The reinforcement finishing of the sleeves and the skirt can be up to 2.5cm.
Linings that are not embossed can only be printed or used on the inside of the neck and shoulder area of the kimono.
3.2 - Kimono Pants
Double lining reinforcement is allowed in the knee area, starting from 10cm above the pant cuff to the hook (crotch area).
Reinforcement of the finish of the bottom hem of the pants must have a maximum of 2.5 cm, while the reinforcement of the waistband must have a maximum of 5cm
4 - Finishing
4.1 - Kimono Jacket
Jackets with EVA or similar material inside the collar are allowed, as long as they follow the other rules and regulations in the rulebooks.
A stripe lacing around the collar of the gi (both inside and out) is prohibited
4.2 - Kimono Pants
Pants that have any rigid material within the fabric are prohibited.
5 - Labeling
5.1.1 - Composition Label on Kimono Jacket
The composition label of the jacket must be located on the inside, at the height of the neck OR on the side of the kimono (see rulebook for image example).
5.1.2 - Composition Label on Kimono Pants
The composition label of the pants must be on the inside of the waistband of the pants
5.2.1 - External Label on Kimono Jacket
A brand label at the bottom of the lapel will be allowed, with a maximum length of 8cm. No other label(s) will be allowed on the inside, outside, or side of the lapel
5.2.2 - External Label on Kimono Pants
A brand label on the front of one pant leg (near the ankle) will be allowed. This leg tag must be made from a fine fabric (ex. satin) with a maximum area of 36 square cm – it cannot be embroidered.
Another brand label below the waistband on the front of the pants will also be allowed.
6 - Patches, Embroidery, Prints
Patches and/or embroidery are allowed on the jacket and pants, but only in specified areas. Both must follow the same location rules. Patches must be properly sewn if displayed. No embroidery or print is allowed on the inside or outside of the kimono’s collar.
Before your competition, see the official IBJJF rulebook for visual details and to confirm that your uniform meets the requirements.
The official IBJJF uniform rules can be found here:
https://ibjjf.com/books-videos
Thank you for reading - we hope this article clarifies the official IBJJF Gi uniform rules and requirements!
If you are in need of a competition approved gi, under IBJJF rules, head to the top of this article for links to our approved gis!
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