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Brazilian jiu-jitsu Gi

Friday, 30 July 2010 11:46 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation rules
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General regulations

The only colors allowed for international championships are white, black or blue, though in some jurisdictions this is relaxed to allow any single solid colour. In some clubs it is customary for practitioners who are white belts to only wear a white gi, but once a blue belt is obtained they are free to wear any colour.

According to article 8 of International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) rules,[1] a competition gi must conform to these specifications:

  • The gi must be constructed of cotton or similar material and be in good condition. The material may not be excessively thick or hard to the point where it will obstruct the opponent.
  • Colours may be black, white or blue, no combined colors (white kimono with blue pants, etc.)
  • The jacket is to be of sufficient length down to the thighs, sleeves must reach the wrist with arms extended in front of the body. The sleeve should follow the official measurements according to IBJJF (this is measured from the shoulder to the wrist).
  • Belt width must be 4-5cm, with belt colour corresponding to the practitioners rank. The belt must be tied around the waist with a double knot, tight enough to secure the kimono closed.
  • Athletes are not permitted to compete with torn kimonos, sleeves or pants that are not of proper length, or with t-shirts underneath the kimono (except for females).
  • A BJJ practitioner is not allowed to paint his/her gi. Exceptions can be made for teams competition.

Patches

According to article 13 of IBJJF rules,[1] patches may be placed on the gi in one of thirteen different locations:

On the jacket:

  • Left upper arm
  • Left upper shoulder
  • Front right upper shoulder
  • Front right upper arm
  • Front below the belt
  • Back below the belt
  • Back below the collar and above the belt

On the pants:

  • Above the front left knee
  • Above the front right knee
  • Below the front left knee (with at least 15 cm of space to the floor without patch to allow for grabbing)
  • Below the front right knee (with at least 15 cm of space to the floor without patch to allow for grabbing)
  • Along the back of the left leg
  • Along the back of the right leg.

References

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 23:37
 

The Difference between a Judo Gi and a BJJ Gi

Friday, 30 July 2010 11:35 administrator
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Judo and BJJ Gi Basics

A gi is traditionally worn in the practice of martial arts. It is usually loose fitting, made from light weight fabric and designed to be true to the form of the martial art being practiced. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) developed from Judo making the gi for both sports very similar. Judo and BJJ gis may look alike but they are different and it is not recommended that you wear a BJJ Gi for Judo or vice versa, especially if you intend to participate in officially sanctioned competitions since the governing bodies have different regulations for the gi.

Judo & BJJ Gi: Differences and Purposes

Judo is predominantly concerned with throwing whereas BJJ is primarily concerned with grappling and groundwork. The BJJ Gi is constructed to address the needs of the BJJ fighter. A BJJ Gi will have a tighter fit on the cuffs of the pants and jackets than a Judo Gi, giving the opponent less material which they can hold onto. The International Judo federation has very strict guidelines for the Judo Gi style and length of sleeves. International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation regulations for a BJJ Gi are more relaxed.

BJJ Gi Types

A BJJ gi is categorized by the type of weave used in its construction. The gi can come in single, double, or gold weave. The basic BJJ gi is made using a single weave. It is cheaper and lighter than a double weave gi. It is also less durable and easier for your opponent to hold onto. The double weave gi is similar to the single weave but is heavier and more durable. The double weave gi is stiffer and more difficult for an opponent to hold onto. The gold weave gi is a hybrid of the single and double weaves. They are durable but lighter than a double weave.

Last Updated on Friday, 30 July 2010 11:41