If you are planning to compete in an IBJJF tournament, your gi is not just something you wear for training.
It needs to meet competition requirements.
Many athletes only check their gi on the day of the event, but by then it may be too late to change the size, colour, patch placement, or overall condition. That is why it is always better to check your gi before competition day.
IBJJF rules can also be updated, so athletes should always check the official IBJJF uniform rules before competing.
Gi Material
According to IBJJF uniform requirements, gis should be made from cotton or cotton-like fabric. For gi competition, woven fabric is required.
The fabric should also not be too thick or too hard, because the opponent must still be able to grip the gi properly.
This means a competition gi needs to balance durability, comfort, and gripability.
Gi Colour
For IBJJF gi competition, the permitted gi colours are:
White
Royal blue
Black
The jacket and pants must be the same colour. The collar must also match the rest of the jacket.
This is important because some custom gis or special edition gis may use contrast collars, mixed colour panels, or different jacket and pant colours. These may look good for training, but they may not be accepted in IBJJF competition.
Gi Fit and Measurements
Gi size is one of the most common things athletes need to check before competition.
A gi that is too short, too tight, too loose, or too worn may not pass inspection.
IBJJF rules include specific requirements for jacket length, sleeve length, pant length, collar thickness, collar width, and sleeve opening.
For example, the gi top should reach the athlete’s thigh, and the sleeves and pants must stay within the allowed measurement range.
Because gis can shrink after washing, it is better to check the fit after the gi has been washed and dried, not only when it is brand new.
We also talked more about shrinkage control in our blog on why pre-shrinking matters in a BJJ gi.
Logo and Patch Placement
Logos and patches are allowed only in approved areas of the gi.
This is especially important for academy gis, sponsor patches, and custom BJJ gis.
A patch that looks fine for training may still be a problem in competition if it is placed in the wrong area or not properly sewn.
Before competing, check that all patches are in the correct positions and securely attached.
For clubs and brands creating custom gis, logo placement should be planned before production, not after the gi is finished.
Gi Condition
Your gi should also be clean and in good condition.
A gi with tears, heavy damage, bad odour, or excessive wear may cause problems during inspection.
High-friction areas such as the collar, sleeve cuffs, knees, and pants should be checked regularly, especially if the gi has been used for a long time.
If you are not sure how to maintain your gi properly, you can also read our blog on how to wash and care for your BJJ gi.
Custom Gis and IBJJF Competition
Custom BJJ gis can be used for training, club identity, and team uniforms, but competition requirements should always be considered if the gi will be used in IBJJF events.
When designing a custom club gi, it is important to think about:
Gi colour
Logo and patch placement
Size and fit
Fabric choice
Shrinkage after washing
Overall condition after regular training
A good custom gi should not only look right. It should also be practical for training and, when required, suitable for competition checks.
At BLITZFIGHT, we pay attention to these details during custom BJJ gi production, including fabric, sizing, logo placement, patches, pre-shrinking, and production consistency.
Final Thoughts
Before entering an IBJJF competition, do not leave your gi check until the last minute.
Make sure the colour, fit, patch placement, fabric, and condition meet the current requirements.
Rules may change, so always check the official IBJJF uniform rules before the event.
A good competition gi should be comfortable, durable, clean, properly fitted, and suitable for the rules of the tournament you are entering.
If you are planning a custom BJJ gi for your club, academy, or brand, BLITZFIGHT can help with custom gi production, sample approval, logo placement, and bulk orders.