Proper uniform compliance is essential for successful competition in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling tournaments. Each major organization has specific requirements that must be met to avoid disqualification or delays. This comprehensive guide covers the uniform rules for the three most prominent competition organizations: the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), and the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC).

Understanding these regulations before competition day can save you from costly mistakes and ensure you can focus on your performance rather than equipment issues.

IBJJF Uniform Requirements

The IBJJF maintains the most detailed and strict uniform regulations among major BJJ organizations. Athletes must adhere to precise specifications for both gi and no-gi competitions.

IBJJF Uniform rules

Gi Requirements

Material Standards:

  • Cotton or cotton-like fabric only - synthetic blends are not permitted
  • Fabric thickness must allow proper gripping without being too rigid
  • Woven fabric is mandatory for all age divisions
  • EVA material in the collar is permitted within regulation specifications

Color Requirements:

  • Only three colors are permitted: white, royal blue, or black
  • The entire gi must be the same color, including the collar
  • Mixed colors or painted gis are forbidden (except for authorized logo areas)

Critical Measurements:

  • Gi top must reach the thigh when standing upright
  • Sleeves must be within 2cm of the wrist when arm is extended parallel to the ground
  • Pants must reach within 2cm of the ankle bone (tibial malleolus)
  • These measurements are strictly enforced at major tournaments

Belt Specifications:

  • Must be 4-5cm wide and match your current rank
  • Should wrap around the waist twice before tying
  • Ends should hang 20-30cm after the knot is tied

No-Gi Requirements

Rash Guard Standards:

  • Must be elastic, skin-tight material covering the torso to waistband
  • Approved colors: black, white, black and white combinations, or incorporating belt rank colors
  • At least 10% of the garment should display rank color (100% rank color is also permitted)
  • Black belts may include red accents while maintaining rank color dominance

Men's Shorts:

  • Board shorts only - regular athletic shorts are not permitted
  • No functional pockets - pockets must be completely stitched shut or non-existent
  • Prohibited elements: buttons, drawstrings, zippers, metal, or plastic components
  • Must cover at least halfway down the thigh, maximum length to the knee
  • Compression shorts underneath are permitted in matching colors

Women's Bottoms:

  • Options include shorts, compression pants (spats), or compression shorts
  • Same color and safety requirements apply as men's shorts
  • Must cover halfway down thigh with maximum knee length

Gender-Specific Rules:

  • Men: Shirts are prohibited under gi tops
  • Women: Elastic shirts under gi tops are mandatory (short or long sleeve options)

AJP Uniform Requirements

The Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro offers a balanced approach to uniform regulations, providing more measurement tolerance than the IBJJF while maintaining professional standards.

AJP Uniform rules

Gi Standards

Material and Construction:

  • Cotton or cotton-like fabric mandatory
  • Fabric must allow proper gripping (not excessively thick or rigid)
  • Woven fabric required for youth, adult, professional, and master divisions
  • EVA collar material permitted per AJP specifications

Color and Appearance:

  • Standard colors: white, royal blue, or black
  • Complete color uniformity required throughout the gi
  • Collar must match the gi top color
  • All patches must be cotton fabric and properly attached

Measurement Standards:

  • Gi top must reach the thigh
  • Sleeves within 5cm of wrist (when arm is extended)
  • Pants within 5cm above ankle bone
  • More lenient than IBJJF's 2cm tolerance

No-Gi Division

Top Requirements:

  • Elastic, skin-tight shirts covering torso to waistband
  • Colors: black, white, black and white, with at least 10% rank color
  • 100% rank color is also permitted

Bottom Requirements:

  • Men: Board shorts without functional pockets or with stitched-shut pockets
  • Women: Shorts, compression pants, or compression shorts
  • Same color and safety requirements apply to both genders
  • Must cover halfway down thigh with maximum knee length

Grappling Division (AJP Exclusive)

Color Dominance Rule:

  • Uniform must be at least 3/4 white OR 3/4 black
  • Remaining 1/4 may include logos and accent colors
  • No mixing of dominant colors (e.g., white top with black bottom)

High-Level Competition Requirements:

  • Athletes must provide two uniform sets: one black, one white
  • First athlete on bracket wears black, second wears white
  • Creates visual contrast for officials and spectators

ADCC Uniform Requirements

ADCC maintains the most flexible uniform policies among major grappling organizations, prioritizing athlete safety and competition fairness over strict appearance standards.

ADCC

General Requirements

Basic Standards:

  • Gi (kimono) is optional - athletes may choose traditional gi or no-gi attire
  • Wrestling shoes are optional
  • No slippery substances allowed on body or clothing
  • Uniforms must be clean and in good condition

Safety-First Approach:

  • No hard materials that could cause injury to either competitor
  • No jewelry or accessories of any kind
  • No substances that could make gripping difficult or unsafe
  • Primary focus on functionality rather than uniformity

Uniform Flexibility

Unlike IBJJF and AJP, ADCC allows considerable freedom in uniform choices:

  • Traditional gis are permitted but not required
  • No-gi attire is standard (rash guards and shorts/spats)
  • Minimal color restrictions compared to other organizations
  • Athletes have significant flexibility in gear selection

Practical Considerations: Most ADCC competitors choose professional-looking, simple gear despite the relaxed requirements. Black or white rash guards with plain shorts or spats remain the most common choice, reflecting the elite nature of the competition.

Key Organizational Differences

Understanding the distinctions between these organizations helps athletes prepare appropriately for different competitions.

Strictness Levels:

  1. IBJJF: Most stringent with precise specifications and 2cm measurement tolerances
  2. AJP: Moderate approach with 5cm measurement tolerances and unique grappling division rules
  3. ADCC: Most flexible with safety-focused requirements

Color Requirements:

  • IBJJF/AJP: Limited to white, royal blue, or black (plus rank colors for no-gi)
  • ADCC: Minimal color restrictions with emphasis on professional appearance

Measurement Tolerances:

  • IBJJF: 2cm precision required for sleeves and pants
  • AJP: 5cm tolerance provides more flexibility
  • ADCC: General fit requirements without specific measurements

Practical Implications:

Universal Strategy: White gis and black/white no-gi gear meet all organizational requirements. Athletes competing across multiple organizations should invest in equipment that satisfies the strictest standards (IBJJF) to ensure universal compliance.

Pre-Competition Preparation

Proper preparation prevents uniform-related issues that can derail competition performance.

Essential Pre-Competition Checklist:

  • Thoroughly inspect uniforms for tears, stains, or odors
  • Verify all measurements meet organization requirements
  • Prepare backup equipment - bring spare gi or no-gi attire
  • Check tournament-specific rules - some events have additional requirements

Universal Safety Requirements:

All organizations prohibit:

  • Jewelry, watches, or hard accessories
  • Long fingernails or toenails
  • Unsecured long hair (must use soft ties)
  • Hard materials or substances that could cause injury

Equipment Strategy:

For Multi-Organization Competitors:

  • Primary investment: Plain white gi that meets IBJJF standards
  • No-gi basics: Black and white rash guards with plain shorts/spats
  • Avoid: Flashy colors or designs that might violate specific rules
  • Emergency plan: Know where to purchase replacement gear at competition venues

Competition Day Protocol: Arrive early for equipment inspection. Uniform violations can result in disqualification or match delays, so allow sufficient time for any necessary adjustments or replacements.

Conclusion

Uniform compliance is a fundamental aspect of competitive success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling. Each organization's requirements reflect their specific competition philosophy and safety standards.

The IBJJF maintains precise standards that ensure consistency across their global tournament network. AJP provides balanced regulations with practical flexibility, particularly evident in their unique grappling division. ADCC prioritizes safety and functionality while allowing athletes significant equipment freedom.

Key takeaways for competitors:

  • Always verify current rules before competition, as regulations may change
  • When in doubt, choose conservative options - plain white gis and black/white no-gi attire meet all organizational requirements
  • Proper preparation and attention to uniform details ensure focus remains on athletic performance rather than equipment issues

Understanding and respecting these uniform requirements demonstrates professionalism and allows athletes to compete at their highest level without preventable distractions.