Cameron Allen
Making sure you have squared away for competition season is key! Part of the process is ensuring you comply with all the rules that IBJJF throws at you since *most* tournaments you will be competing in will follow their ruleset. In this article, we will answer the question ‘what is an IBJJF certified Gi’ and provide you some options to choose from!
What is IBJJF-CERTIFIED Gi?
An IBJJF Certified Gi is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uniform that meets the standards and requirements set by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) for use in competition. As we have covered before, the IBJJF is the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community’s largest and most prestigious governing body. Their job is to keep BJJ regulated and set standards for competition Gi’s, promotions, and even substance abuse policies (source).
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi that is certified as a competition gi is made with the correct materials and is constructed properly. The measurements of how the Gi fits on the athlete are proper for fair play.
An IBJJF-certified Gi must meet these criteria:
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- Fabric Weight: The gi must weight no more than 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) for adults and 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) for kids.
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- Weave: Juvenile, adult, and master division competitions require a gi with a pearl weave
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- Design: The color of the gi must be completely white, black, or royal blue. Any other colors are not allowed. In IBJJF tournaments competitors are not allowed to wear undershirts under their Gi, except for women. Females can wear any color undershirt.
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- Fit: The gi top can extend to the thigh of the competitor and the sleeves are allowed to be at max, 5 cm from the competitor’s wrist when the arm is parallel to the ground and extended straight out. Gi pants are allowed to be at max 5 cm above the ankle bone. Spats are not allowed under gi pants for male competitors.
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- Material: Gi’s must be tailored using cotton or a similar fabric. The fabric cannot be too thick or too hard that it prevents an opponent from gripping it.
Just What You Need. We designed the Sanabul Essential Jiu-Jitsu Gi to set a high bar for what you can expect from a BJJ gi whether this is your first Jiu Jitsu gi or an addition to your current line up. Quality construction, clean design, and incredible value make this Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi the #1 Best Seller in the industry
Weighing In Before A Tournament (IBJJF)
A couple of IBJJF rules must be followed during a weigh-in. Whether it is a No Gi or Gi competition, the athlete must be in proper uniform while on the scale. If they fail to make the required weight, they’ll be disqualified.
There are no second chances offered and the competitor won’t be able to switch weight classes. They won’t be given a refund either.
How much does a Gi weigh?
A Gi can weigh as much as 0.9 kg or 5 lbs and as low as 2.26 kg or 2 lbs. This is why Gi competitions have slightly higher weight limits as compared to No Gi contests – to compensate for the added weight.
How to determine if your Gi is IBJJF Certified
You Gi will be determined a certified Gi by the IBJJF in competition if you follow the above criteria for what the Gi needs to possess. Most the time when you are buying a Gi it will tell you if it is certified for IBJJF tournaments. Most companies will make Gis that people can compete in.
It is always safe to bring an extra uniform to a competition just in case your Gi is classified to being noncompliant with the rules. The last thing you want to do is go through all the training for a tournament and then be told you have to turn around before you can even compete because your Gi wasn’t correct.
IBJJF-CERTIFIED Gi in Competitions
As I stated earlier most companies will sell you a Gi and in the cart, it will tell you if it is certified or not. To save you some time here are some companies that sell IBJJF-certified Gi’s!
Just What You Need. We designed the Sanabul Essential Jiu-Jitsu Gi to set a high bar for what you can expect from a BJJ gi whether this is your first Jiu Jitsu gi or an addition to your current line up. Quality construction, clean design, and incredible value make this Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi the #1 Best Seller in the industry
Clean, minimalist, and ultralight. The perfect lightweight gear for men, women and kids.
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