IBJJF Mandatory No-Gi Uniform Requirements

1.  What is No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a ground-based, self-defense-oriented martial art. It has two formats: Gi and No-Gi. Gi jiu-jitsu is a more traditional form of grappling and allows the combatants to grab their opponent’s uniform. No-Gi jiu-jitsu is grappling without a Gi. Practitioners and competitors wear shorts, spats, and rashguards. It is prohibited to grab your opponent’s clothing in No-Gi.

2.  The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation

There is a whole host of BJJ organizers that arrange competitions for every skill level. One can easily compete by signing up for a locally run tournament. But to expand horizons it is essential to compete on bigger platforms. One of the world’s most esteemed BJJ circuits is the International Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Federation. Since IBJJF is a for-profit company it is essential to buy a membership to compete.

Once you become a member; you must abide by all rules mentioned in the IBJJF rule book to compete in the competitions. Read on to find out which international jiu-jitsu competitions are arranged by IBJJF.

3.  IBJJF No-Gi Competitions & Rules

Over the years it has been established that the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lies with the No-Gi format. With MMA’s growing popularity the demand and viewership of No-Gi BJJ fights have seen a surge. The claim was cemented when the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation adapted to the No-Gi elements of jiu-jitsu. The organization then proceeded to reserve a specific schedule to host No-Gi tournaments. Each year, from July to December, the athletes are welcomed to showcase their No-Gi talents.

Some of the most significant IBJJF No-Gi tournaments are:

• The World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship
• Pan Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship
• European No-Gi Championship
• Brazilian National No-Gi Championship
• American National No-Gi Championship

All of the above-mentioned IBJJF Championships are subject to certain rules that must be complied with. One of these rules includes specific uniform criteria. Those who want to compete in the highest-level grappling event sans the Gi must fulfill the uniform standards. Failing to meet the requirements can result in disqualification.

Read on to find out what you can and cannot wear to an IBJJF No-Gi tournament.

4.  No-Gi Attire- IBJJF Rule Book

The IBJJF has enunciated its No-Gi rules in its “Rule Book.”  Article 8.1.14 contains all the No-Gi attire rules that an athlete should abide by. 

Important Instruction by IBJJF - All athletes are required to wear undergarments. No-gi events are not an exception to this rule. The undergarment should be a brief type. According to article 6.3.2 of the IBJJF rule book, non-compliance is considered a foul and will lead to disqualification.

4.1. Men & Women No-Gi Attire

No-Gi shirts or rash guards are made of spandex, polyester, or nylon. Rash Guards protect the wearer from rashes, abrasions, and mat burns.

4.1.1. Shirts/Rash Guard 

• Types - Sleeveless, Half-sleeves, full sleeves (most preferred)

• Color - The color of the shirts must be black, white, or black with white.
• Shirts should contain at least 10% of the athlete’s rank color. The color should
    be in consonance with the belt division.
• Shirts that are 100% of the athlete’s rank color are also acceptable.
• For black belts, a small red area is acceptable as long as it does not alter the
  athlete’s rank color.

• Material - Shirts must be made of elastic material and should hug the body.

• Length - Shirts should be long enough to cover the waistline of the shorts.

4.1.2. Board Shorts

Men should wear board shorts. Compression pants (spats) and trunks are also allowed as long as they are black in color and worn under the board shorts.

Compression Shorts: Men are permitted to wear skin-tight compression shorts worn beneath the shorts. Compression shorts should be in the same colors as board shorts.

• Material - Shorts should be made of an elastic material.

Shorts should be a snug fit but not skin-tight.

• Color - The color of the shorts must be black, white, or black with white.
• The shorts should also contain up to 50% of the athlete’s rank color. The color
  should be in consonance with the belt division.

• Length- Shorts should be longer than mid-thigh but should not be lower than the knee (it should be no more than 15cm/6 inches from the knee).

• Prohibited Accessories- The shorts should not contain any accessories, embellishments, or extensions.
• There should be no pockets or the pockets should be stitched completely shut.
• No buttons or zippers.
• No snaps or any other plastic or metal piece to prevent the risk of injury to the
• No exposed drawstrings.

4.2. Women’s No-Gi Attire

4.2.1. Shirts

• Types - Sleeveless, Half-sleeves, full sleeves (most preferred).

• Color - The color of the shirts must be black, white, or black with white.
• Shirts should contain at least 10% of the athlete’s rank color. The color should
    be in consonance with the belt division.
• Shirts that are 100% of the athlete’s rank color are also acceptable.

• Material - Shirts must be made of elastic material and should hug the body.

• Length - Shirts should be long enough to cover the waistline of shorts or pants.

4.2.2. Shorts/ Compression Pants (Spats)/ Compression Shorts

Unlike the men's division, females can wear full black compression pants (spats) without the use of board shorts on top.

• Color - The color of shorts, compression pants, or compression shorts must be black, white, or black with white.
• The shorts should also contain up to 50% of the athlete’s rank color. The color
  should be in consonance with the belt division.
• For black belts, a small red area is acceptable as long as it does not alter the 
   athlete’s rank color.

• Material - Shorts, compression pants (spats), or compression shorts should be made of elastic fabric.

• Length - Shorts should be longer than mid-thigh but should not be lower than the knee.
• Pants are an exception as they should cover the entire leg.

• Prohibited Accessories - The shorts should not contain any accessories, embellishments, or extensions.
• There should be no pockets or the pockets should be stitched completely shut.
• No buttons or zippers.
• No snaps or any other plastic or metal piece.
• No exposed drawstrings.

5.  Result of Non-Compliance

The federation will not allow you to compete in a No-Gi competition if you do not follow the above-mentioned attire rules of the sport. To avoid the risk of disqualification make sure you fulfill all the uniform requirements.

6.  Where to Buy IBJJF Approved No-Gi Uniform

6.1. Rash Guards (Men/Women)

Brand	Elite Sport
Style	Rashguard
Available Sizes	XS S M L XL 2XL
Types	Sleeveless Half Sleeve Full Sleeve
Available Colors	Black Black/Red Black/White Black/Gray Black/Purple Black/Blue Black/Brown
Material	Blend of 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex
Technical Features	IBJJF Approved Flatlock Seams Anti-Slip Design Anti-odor, Breathable, Light-weight Comfortable
Where to Buy	IBJJF Approved No-Gi Rash Guards

6.2. Shorts (Men/Women)

Brand	Elite Sport
Style	Board No-Gi  Shorts
Available Sizes	XS S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL
Available Colors	Black Black/Red Black/White Black/Gray Black/Purple Black/Blue Black/Brown
Material	Tear-resistant 150 gsm, Microfibre fabric
Technical Features	IBJJF Approved Leg Gusset Side-Split Leg Design Two-fold non-chafing, velcro closure
Where to Buy	IBJJF Approved No-Gi Shorts

6.3. Spat Pants (Men/Women)

Brand	Elite Sport
Style	No-Gi Spat Pants (Compression pants)
Available Sizes	XS S M L XL 2XL
Available Colors	Black Red White Grey Purple Blue
Material	Blend of 85% polyester, 15% spandex
Technical Features	IBJJF Approved Yoke Seam Side-Split Overlay Hem Flatlock Seams Comfortable and Durable
Where to Buy	IBJJF Approved No-Gi Spats

Photo Credit: @ibjjf