Jiu-Jitsu Tournaments

Jiu-Jitsu tournaments are a measurement of a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner's mastery of techniques learned.

Typical tournaments pair competitors as closely as possible in gender, age, weight, and skill level. Jiu-jitsu tournaments usually have time limits, a points system, uniform requirements, a list of illegal moves, and other rules designed to create a safe and impartial environment.

Below is a featured Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament. Scroll down for BJJ Uniform Requirements.

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Featured Jiu-Jitsu Tournament

Jiu-Jitsu Tournament Uniform Regulations

Jiu-jitsu tournaments that require a gi or kimono may have many rules regarding the uniform. Showing up in a non-regulation uniform can result in disqualification. IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) seems to have the strictest rules. IBJJF rules include:

- Gi must be constructed of cotton or similar material and in good condition. EG: No torn kimonos allowed
- Gi color may be black, white, or blue, but no mismatched pant and top color combinations. EG: white jacket with black pants
- The jacket skirt must reach the thighs, and sleeves must reach the wrist with arms extended in front of the body
- Belt width 4-5 centimeters, in the color of the athlete's current rank, and tied around the waist in a double knot, tight enough to keep the jacket closed
- No clothing is allowed under the jacket top (rash guards, t-shirts, etc.), except for in the female divisions
- Patches are allowed on the gi only in the marked areas, below left
- Gi must comply with fit requirements per the CBJJ (Confederacao Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu) measuring tool, below right

IBJJF no-gi jiu-jitsu tournaments require that competitors wear A) black board shorts and B) a black or white rash guard with at least 10% of the fabric in the color according to the competitor's current belt rank. Examples: