So IBJJF put out some new rules this week that have some people thrilled, others enraged, and a lot of us just scratching out heads.
You can check out the rules page on their site, but one of the updates includes “When one or both of the athlete’s disregard the seriousness of the competition by performing actions simulating or faking combat.”
So, no intimidating your opponent with your sick Karate Kid moves during the match. Fair enough.
Also a new development, advantages (for those who aren’t familiar with the term, it’s an “almost” point) will no longer be awarded for the 50/50 guard. And no suplexes.
Two of the more head scratching updates include white belts no longer being allowed to jump guard, which is odd, and the requirement for women to now wear a rashguard, singlet or leotard set up under the gi. Personally, I’m a little confused by the former, and not really phased by the latter. In regards to the guard jumping, maybe one too many white belts got slammed on their backs? Missed the hips and fell on their opponent’s knees? Again, I’m not really sure about the method behind the madness here.
In regards to the rash guard- I typically wear a tank top under my gi in competition, so it really doesn’t make much of a difference to me. There are some women out there that really have a problem with this- from what little chatter I’ve read on Facebook, some have a problem with the idea of overheating, and someone suggested there be an increase in the weight cut off to account for the additional garment. I don’t particularly agree with either statement, but everyone is entitled to their opinion and welcome to voice their concerns. Some also mentioned a double standard, which I can see, and maybe the solution is to require all competitors to wear rashguards under their gis. I don’t think it would be a popular solution, but it’s something to consider.
What do you guys think about these updates? Let me know- otherwise, have a great day everyone!
A Skirt on the Mat 