New IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Gi Rules

As some of you might have already heard, the IBJJF has updated their jiu-jitsu gi regulations for competitors.

Don’t freak. Many of you won’t be affected. While the rules do increase the restrictions on fabrics, fit and placement of details, they aren’t terribly extreme. However, some of you may have to take care when selecting the gis you plan on bringing to your next competition. Additionally, the rules don’t go into effect until after the IBJJF World Championships (at the end of May).  

We took a look at the new rules and decided a quick cheat-sheet is necessary, especially for all of you who might be too lazy to look it up yourselves. (It’s okay, we’re not judging). 

Without further ado, here are the major changes:

Jacket Weight

This might be the most depressing for those who struggle to make weight at competitions. Under the new rules, the weight of the jacket must be between 380 GSM and 650 GSM.

Gone are the days in which you might be searching the internet trying to find the lightest BJJ gi you can possibly find. When there wasn’t a restriction on jacket weight, brands would compete with each other to produce an “ultralight” gi. Some of the lightest we’ve seem were as low as 325 GSM, with most within the 350-375 GSM. So, while 375 GSM is pretty darn close, it’s no cigar. 

How will this likely play out? It’s unlikely that the gi checkers will ask you to take off your gi and weigh it. What will probably happen is the gi manufacture will have to submit to the IBJJF the specs of each of their gi models, and the gi checkers will have to refer to their “approved” list when there is a question concerning the weight of your gi. Additionally, the IBJJF has asked that gi companies print the GSM on their labels going forward.

Reinforcements

As gi brands have played with design and fabric technology over the years, one component that has been the target of a lot of modifications are the sleeve, skirt, pant cuffs and lapels. Why? Because as the “most-grabbed” elements of the gi, modifications that make them more difficult to grab are really attractive to consumers.

The IBJJF has decided to put the cabash on that. The new rules state that the sleeve, cuff and jacket skirt reinforcements can be no longer than 2.5cm. This IS something that the gi checkers will be able to easily check. 

That means that all those gis you have with extra-wide stitching and reinforcements are no longer allowed. Additionally, lapels with that fancy contrasting-color stripe along the inside are not allowed. If you have a favorite gi (or full closet of gis) that violates these rules, and you hate the thought of having to replace them all, this could be an easy fit. Just pop by your local seamstress (or your favorite Granny) and explain the situation. It will cost you some dough, but less than a brand new gi would.

Brand Labels

Guidelines for placement of your fancy patches are pretty much the same. However, the guidelines for where companies put their branding has changed.

There are now only a few places where brands can put their labels: inside the jacket at the neck or the side of the skirt, outside the jacket at the bottom of the lapel (with a maximum length of 8cm), outside the front of the pants, slightly below the waistband, and a small (no more than 36 cm²) satin fabric logo on the bottom of one of the pant legs. Those little label tabs midway along the lapel are no longer allowed.   

Again, take a look at your gi, and see if any of those violations can be solved with a little snip-snip of your scissors. 

If you’re not an IBJJF competitor, don’t worry about these rules. Wear whatever gi your little heart desires (within the requirements of your gym or academy), and train on. However, if you ARE a competitor, make sure you plan accordingly by packing several gi options, or be super safe and purchase a new gi that you know fully aligns with the new guidelines.