Competition BJJ Gi Checklist: Be Fully Prepared

Gi inspection failures happen more often than they should. A competitor trains for months, travels to the venue, makes weight, and then gets disqualified because their sleeves are 3cm too short or a patch is in the wrong spot. These problems are entirely preventable with proper preparation.

This checklist covers everything you need to know: measuring your gi correctly, what to bring on competition day, emergency repairs, and what to do if your gi fails inspection. Whether you're competing at an IBJJF event or a local UK competition, these guidelines will help you pass inspection first time.

The most important rule? Always bring a backup gi. Even if your primary gi has passed inspection a dozen times, things can go wrong on the day. Your backup gi must also be measured and inspected before you pack it.

One week before your competition, conduct a full gi inspection. This gives you time to fix any issues or source a replacement gi if necessary.

Measure Sleeves

The IBJJF changed their sleeve measurement rules after the 2024 Gi World Championships. The sleeve tolerance is now 2cm from the wrist bone when your arm is extended straight forward, parallel to the ground. This is significantly stricter than the previous 5cm rule.

Have a training partner help with this measurement. Extend your arms straight forward, and measure from the edge of the sleeve cuff to your wrist bone. If the gap exceeds 2cm, your gi will fail inspection.

For a quick check without a measuring tape, use the four-finger test: place your index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers horizontally against your wrist bone. If your sleeve reaches your knuckles when your arm is extended to the side, you're compliant.

Measure Pants

Stand straight with your legs together. The pants cuff must be no more than 5cm above your ankle bone. This measurement has not changed, but it's still strictly enforced.

Check Collar Thickness

Use a ruler or caliper to measure your collar thickness when compressed. It must be between 1.3cm and 1.5cm. Collars that are too thick or too thin will fail inspection.

Verify Colour

Ensure your jacket and pants are the same competition-legal colour: white, royal blue, or black for IBJJF events. Mismatched colours are an instant disqualification.

Inspect Patches

Check all patches are in approved placement zones and within size limits. Ensure no patches are in prohibited areas such as the collar or inside the gi. See our patches compliance guide for full details.

Check for Damage

Look for rips, tears, loose stitching, fraying, and fabric thinning. Any damage must be repaired before competition day. Referees can reject a gi that appears worn or damaged, even if it meets measurement requirements.

Test the Drawstring

Ensure your drawstring is secure, not fraying, and the waistband holds properly. A broken drawstring during a match can result in a penalty or disqualification if you cannot fix it quickly.

Check the Belt

Your belt must be the correct colour for your registered rank, with no tears. Ensure any tape or stripes are secure. Some events require belts to be a specific width and length.

Try It On

Wear the full gi with your belt and move around. Check that the fit is comfortable and competition-legal in all positions: standing, sitting, pulling guard, and sprawling. A gi that fits when standing might be too short in the sleeves when you reach forward.

Pack your competition bag the night before. Do not rush in the morning — you will forget something critical.

• Primary competition gi: Freshly washed, measured, and inspected
• Backup gi: A second competition-legal gi that has also been measured and inspected. This is essential, not optional.
• Backup belt: Same rank colour, in case your primary belt is damaged or lost
• Safety pins: For temporary emergency fixes — a torn drawstring loop, a loose hem
• Athletic tape: White tape for minor repairs and for taping fingers and toes
• Measuring tape: To confirm measurements one final time before entering the inspection line
• Needle and heavy-duty thread: For emergency seam repairs (white, blue, and black thread to match gi colours)
• Scissors: For trimming loose threads
• Spare drawstring: In case of drawstring failure
• Plastic bag: For storing wet or used gis separately from clean items

If you're competing at an IBJJF event, note that you weigh in with your gi on. Your gi weight is part of your total weight on the scale. A pearl weave gi typically weighs 1.5-2.5kg, which can be significant if you're cutting weight. Some competitors keep a lighter single weave gi specifically for weight-sensitive divisions.

The day before your competition is critical for final preparation.

• Wash your competition gi in cold water only. Do not use hot water, as this can cause last-minute shrinkage that pushes your sleeves out of compliance.
• Air dry completely. Do not tumble dry the day before competition, as heat can cause unpredictable shrinkage.
• Lay out everything you need to bring and check against the packing list above.
• Pack your competition bag the night before.
• Confirm event details: venue address, check-in time, weigh-in time, and match schedule.
• Set an alarm with plenty of time for travel, parking, and check-in. UK venues can have limited parking and traffic delays.

If you're travelling by air to an international competition, carry your competition gis in hand luggage. Do not risk checked luggage being lost. For overnight stays, hang your gis immediately upon arrival to prevent wrinkles and must.

Understanding weigh-in procedures helps you plan your weight cut and gi selection.

IBJJF weigh-in procedure: You must weigh in with your gi on, approximately 30 minutes before your first match. Your gi weight is included in the total — there is no gi weight allowance subtracted. The published weight limits already account for wearing the gi during weigh-in.

If you're cutting weight, factor in your gi weight. Here are typical gi weights by weave type:

• Single weave: 1.0-1.8kg (lightest option)
• Pearl weave: 1.5-2.3kg (most common; 350gsm pearl is lightest, 550gsm is heaviest)
• Gold weave: 1.8-2.5kg (medium weight)
• Double weave: 2.3-3.2kg (heaviest option)

Some competitors keep a lighter gi specifically for weight-sensitive divisions. If you're borderline on weight, a 350gsm pearl weave gi can save you 500-800g compared to a 550gsm pearl weave.

After weighing in, you cannot change out of the gi you weighed in with before your first match. Plan accordingly.

Even with perfect preparation, things can go wrong. A well-stocked emergency repairs kit can save your competition day.

What to Include

• Heavy-duty polyester thread in white, blue, and black to match gi colours
• Curved needles and straight needles
• Small sharp scissors
• Safety pins in various sizes
• White athletic tape
• Spare drawstring
• Super glue (for very minor fabric edge repairs — emergency only)

Common Emergency Repairs

Loose seam: Quick hand stitch with heavy-duty thread. Use a backstitch for strength.

Drawstring pulled out: Thread the spare drawstring through the waistband channel using a safety pin as a threading tool.

Loose patch: Safety pin temporarily if you're about to compete. Hand stitch if you have time before inspection.

Hem unravelling: Tuck the loose fabric in and secure with safety pins, or do a quick running stitch if time allows.

The IBJJF allows competitors three uniform inspections. If your gi fails the first time, you typically have 5-10 minutes to resolve the issue and re-inspect. The referee determines the exact time allowed.

Travelling to competitions requires extra planning to ensure your gi arrives in perfect condition.

• Packing: Pack competition gis in a separate compartment or bag to keep them clean and prevent wrinkles.
• Air travel: Carry competition gis in hand luggage. Checked luggage can be lost or delayed, and missing your gi means missing your competition.
• Overnight stays: Hang gis up immediately upon arrival to prevent wrinkles and musty odours.
• Long-distance travel: Bring an extra gi beyond the backup (three total if possible) for added insurance.
• UK competitions: Allow extra time for traffic and parking at UK venues. Many venues have limited parking or are in congested areas. Arrive at least 60-90 minutes before your scheduled check-in time.

Stay calm. You typically have 5-10 minutes to resolve the issue, and you're allowed up to three uniform inspections.

If sleeves are too short: Unfortunately, you cannot fix this on the spot. Switch to your backup gi immediately and have it inspected.

If a patch is in the wrong place: Remove it if possible (use a seam ripper if you have one), or switch to your backup gi.

If the gi is damaged: Attempt a quick repair with your emergency kit, or switch to your backup gi.

If both gis fail: Ask nearby competitors if they have a spare gi available to borrow or buy. Some larger competitions have vendor booths selling gis, though this is more common at major IBJJF events than smaller UK competitions. Do not rely on this — always bring two compliant gis.

Ultimate backup: Know the event's disqualification policy. Some competitions allow a brief grace period or the option to withdraw and receive a partial refund. Others enforce strict time limits.

The importance of always having a backup gi cannot be overstated. It is the single most important item on this checklist.

1 Week Before

• ☐ Measure sleeves (max 2cm from wrist for IBJJF)
• ☐ Measure pants (max 5cm above ankle)
• ☐ Check collar thickness (1.3-1.5cm)
• ☐ Verify colour (jacket and pants match)
• ☐ Inspect all patches for compliance
• ☐ Check for any damage (rips, tears, loose stitching)
• ☐ Test drawstring and belt
• ☐ Try on full gi and check fit in all positions

Day Before

• ☐ Wash gi in cold water
• ☐ Air dry completely
• ☐ Pack competition bag (see packing list)
• ☐ Confirm event details and travel plan

Pack List

• ☐ Primary competition gi
• ☐ Backup competition gi
• ☐ Belt (primary)
• ☐ Backup belt
• ☐ Safety pins
• ☐ Athletic tape
• ☐ Measuring tape
• ☐ Needle and thread (white, blue, black)
• ☐ Scissors
• ☐ Spare drawstring
• ☐ Plastic bag for wet gi

Competition Day

• ☐ Final measurement check before inspection
• ☐ Present gi for inspection
• ☐ If fail: switch to backup and re-inspect
• ☐ After competing: bag used gi separately