IBJJF No-Gi Rules: What Your Rash Guard and Shorts Must Look Like
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If you plan to compete under IBJJF rules, your no-gi clothing has to meet a short list of requirements. This guide summarizes the rules on the IBJJF's uniform page so you can check a rash guard or pair of shorts before you buy it.
Rash guards and shirts
- The shirt must be elastic and skin-tight, and long enough to cover the torso down to the shorts' waistband.
- The colors must be black, white, or black and white, with at least 10% of the athlete's rank (belt) color.
- A shirt that is entirely the athlete's rank color is also permitted.
- Black belts may wear a small red area, as long as it does not change the character of their rank color.
Men's shorts
- Colors: black, white, black and white, or the rank color.
- No pockets, or pockets stitched completely shut.
- No buttons, exposed drawstrings, zippers or any plastic or metal hardware that could endanger an opponent.
- Long enough to cover at least halfway down the thigh, and no longer than the knee.
- Elastic compression shorts may be worn underneath in black, white, black and white, or the rank color.
Women's shorts and spats
Women may wear shorts, compression pants (spats) or compression shorts. The color, pocket, hardware and length limits are the same as for men's shorts.
What this means when you shop
Rash guards with camo, flags or full-color artwork are popular for training, open mats and many local events. They do not match the IBJJF color list above, so check before wearing one to an IBJJF competition. Our rash guard collection is made for training and gym use, and our King Mashiach fight shorts are black with white Hebrew lettering. Always read your event's current rules, because they can change.
Check the source
The IBJJF says its current uniform rules took effect after the 2024 Gi World Championships. Read the official IBJJF uniform page and the current rulebook before you compete.