Shakia has a great point on her blog: some brands that claim to be IBJJF approved may have at one point had products that fell in line with the Federation’s regulations, but if you go to a tournament say, tomorrow, they will not pass the uniform check. I tend to treat the IBJJF uniform check a little like going through the TSA at the airport- I obey begrudgingly, a little anxious they will keep me from getting to my final destination. The usual standards are still there: make sure your collar and belt aren’t frayed, your sleeves and pant legs are the proper length, and all your patches are fastened to your gi, and finally your gi has to be primarily a solid white, blue or black. A little trim of color shouldn’t be a problem- a collar a completely different color will not work however. For no-gi, your rash guard can be black or white with at least 10% of your belt color, and then any academy logos and the logo of the company, I think within the lines of the text of the company’s logo…let me know if that didn’t make sense.
Or better yet, check out the rules site: IBJJF No-Gi uniform rules. Also, boys can wear black board shorts, girls can wear black board shorts or black lycra shorts/pants.
Here’s what’s interesting: when I was waiting to get my gi checked, a number of girls had to cut off the tags from the gi company sewn into the bottom of the pants. Not that I’m set to cause a fuss about it, because I figure that’s a pretty good way to get you on the IBJJF “No Fly” list, but I’m reading through the rule book and it states that the gi company’s tag is permitted at the bottom of the pants- section 8 if anyone wants to follow along. Is this a new edit to the IBJJF rule book? Is so, can there be an update to the site, like how there is a link to the no-gi requirements in the left hand side bar? Please and thank you.
So if you are looking to compete in an IBJJF tournament and are not entirely sure if your gi makes the cut, check the rules, but don’t be surprised if someone hands you a pair of scissors to snip off the tag on the bottom of your gi pants.
PS: I just looked through the rulebook- interesting fact, the guy in the white gi should always be on the ref’s left. The guy in the blue or black gi should always be in the ref’s right. Huh. I just follow the arm band, but didn’t think about what wrist they were keeping it on. Also, competitors are required to wear underwear, just the plain kind: no thongs. Don’t worry, I’m looking at both genders on this one.
A Skirt on the Mat 