BJJ Gi Patches and Customisation Rules

Patches and embroidery are permitted in the following areas:

• Shoulders: Small patches (typically country flags, team logos, or academy crests) are allowed on each shoulder.
• Upper Chest: The area on the left and right chest, typically used for brand logos, sponsor patches, or small academy crests.
• Upper Back: The large area below the collar, often reserved for academy names or team logos. This is one of the most prominent patch locations.
• Upper Arms: Patches may be placed on the upper arms, provided they are at least 4cm from the elbow joint.
• Upper Thighs: The outer and front thigh areas above the knee. Patches must be at least 15cm from the bottom hem of the pant legs.
• Back of Pants: Since the 2024 rule update, patches on the back of the pants can exceed 10cm in width, providing more space for large team or sponsor logos.
• Sides of Pants: Patches along the outer seam of the pants, above the knee and within the allowed zones.

For the most up-to-date visual diagram, consult the official IBJJF uniform page at ibjjf.com/uniform.

The following areas are strictly off-limits for patches:

• Collar: No patches are permitted on the gi collar, as this would interfere with grip fighting and collar chokes.
• Inside of the Gi: Patches on the interior of the jacket can cause discomfort, injury, or grip interference.
• Sleeves Below the Shoulder: Patches must be at least 4cm from the elbow joint and are generally restricted to the upper arm area.
• Lower Back: The lower back area is considered a high-grip zone and is prohibited.
• Within 15cm of Pant Leg Openings: This rule applies to both the front and back of the pant legs, keeping patches away from ankle-gripping areas.
• Around the Knees: No patches are permitted near the knee area, as this is frequently gripped during guard passes and sweeps.
• Belt: Belts must not be modified or patched.

Violating these placement rules will result in gi inspection failure. If a patch is in a prohibited zone, you may be required to remove it or change gis before competing.

In 2024, the IBJJF introduced a significant update to patch regulations: patches on the back of the pants may now exceed 10cm in width. Previously, patches along the sides of the pants were limited to 10cm wide, but this restriction no longer applies to the back-of-pants area.

This change provides teams and sponsors with more prominent placement options for large logos, making the back of the pants a highly desirable location for branding.

Based on industry standards and common practice, the following sizes are widely accepted:

• Chest: 4" x 4" (approximately 10cm x 10cm)
• Shoulders: 6" x 2.5" (approximately 15cm x 6cm)
• Upper Back: 12" x 4" (approximately 30cm x 10cm)
• Upper Thighs (Front): 6" x 6" (approximately 15cm x 15cm)
• Upper Thighs (Side): 12" x 3" (approximately 30cm x 8cm)
• Back of Pants: No width restriction as of 2024 (previously limited to 10cm)

These dimensions are recommendations, not hard limits. Patches that are significantly larger may be rejected at inspection, whilst smaller patches are almost always acceptable. When in doubt, consult the official IBJJF uniform guidelines or ask the event organiser before the competition.

Patches must not overlap into adjacent zones or extend into prohibited areas. For example, a large back patch must remain below the collar and must not extend onto the shoulders or lower back. Similarly, thigh patches must not extend below the 15cm exclusion zone near the pant leg openings.

Many academies require students to wear the academy patch, typically on the upper back or shoulder. Some gyms mandate specific branded gis with pre-applied patches, whilst others allow students to purchase any gi and add the academy patch separately.

If you train at a gym with patch requirements, clarify the placement and size specifications with your instructor. Some academies are flexible, whilst others have strict uniform policies, particularly within large organisations like Gracie Barra, which maintains standardised gi designs across all affiliates.

If your academy is part of a larger team or association (such as Alliance, Atos, or Checkmat), you may be required to display both your academy patch and the team's affiliation patch. These are usually placed on the upper back and shoulder respectively, though placement varies by team policy.

When changing gyms, you will typically need to remove old academy patches and apply new ones. Handle this transition respectfully — some practitioners prefer to retire their old gi entirely rather than remove patches, viewing the gi as a memento of their time at the previous academy.

Removing sewn patches can leave stitch holes or visible outlines, particularly on white gis. If you plan to reuse the gi, consider placing the new patch in the same location to cover the old marks.

Sponsor logos are most commonly placed on the chest, shoulders, or upper thighs. The upper back is typically reserved for academy or team logos, though some competitors use this space for primary sponsors if their academy permits it.

The IBJJF permits commercial logos provided they comply with size and placement regulations. There is no distinction between professional and amateur events — the same rules apply to all IBJJF competitions, from local opens to the World Championships.

Offensive, political, or inappropriate logos are prohibited. If you are unsure whether a sponsor logo is acceptable, consult the IBJJF rulebook or contact the event organiser before the competition.

Your name can be embroidered or patched onto the gi, typically on the belt line area, chest, or upper back. Name patches are popular for competitions, making it easier for referees, commentators, and spectators to identify competitors.

Direct embroidery (stitched directly into the gi fabric) is more permanent and professional-looking than patches, though it is also more expensive and cannot be removed if you change academies or teams.

Country flag patches are widely used and are typically placed on the shoulder. The UK flag (Union Jack) is commonly seen on British competitors' gis. Flags are almost always accepted in IBJJF competition, provided they are in an allowed zone and comply with size restrictions.

Some competitors add nickname patches or personal branding elements to their gis. These are generally acceptable for training and competition, provided they comply with placement and size rules and do not contain offensive content.

Sewing is the most secure method for attaching patches and is strongly recommended for competition gis. Sewn patches will not peel, come loose, or fail during training or matches.

Materials needed: Heavy-duty polyester thread (matching the patch border colour), a curved needle (size 10 "Betweens" needles work well), scissors, pins, and optionally a thimble for pushing the needle through thick gi fabric.

Stitch type: Use a tight whip stitch around the entire edge of the patch. The whip stitch is simple, secure, and provides a clean finish. Some practitioners also sew an "X" through the centre of the patch for added security, particularly for large patches that may be grabbed during training.

Thread length: For a typical 7cm round patch, use approximately 48" (120cm) of thread, doubled for extra strength.

Professional services: If you prefer not to sew the patches yourself, most local tailors and alteration shops can sew patches onto gis for approximately £5-£15 per patch. Specialist martial arts shops and online services also offer patch sewing, often with mail-in options.

Iron-on patches are faster and easier to apply but are less secure than sewn patches. The adhesive can peel or fail due to heat from washing, physical stress during training, or prolonged use.

Application: Follow the patch manufacturer's instructions, typically involving placing the patch on the gi, covering it with a cloth, and pressing with a hot iron for 30-60 seconds. Apply firm, even pressure to ensure good adhesion.

Reinforcement: Even with iron-on patches, it is advisable to reinforce the edges with a few stitches to prevent peeling. This hybrid approach combines the speed of iron-on application with the security of sewing.

Not recommended for competition: Whilst iron-on patches are acceptable for training gis, they are not ideal for competition due to the risk of failure during matches.

If you prefer professional application, several UK-based services specialise in gi patching and embroidery:

• Most local tailors and alteration shops can sew patches onto gis. Typical cost: £5-£15 per patch.
• Specialist martial arts retailers often offer patch sewing services, either in-store or by post.
• Online embroidery services such as JB Embroidery and CustomPatches.co.uk accept gis by mail for patching and custom embroidery.

When using a professional service, verify that they have experience with gi fabric, as it is thicker and more durable than standard clothing and requires heavy-duty needles and thread.

Competition gis should comply with all IBJJF or relevant federation rules. Keep patches minimal and in regulation positions. Avoid anything that could fail inspection, such as oversized patches, patches in prohibited zones, or iron-on patches that may peel.

Many competitors maintain a dedicated competition gi that is kept clean, well-maintained, and compliant, reserving it exclusively for tournaments.

Training gis offer more freedom for customisation. You can add fun patches, extra team patches, personal designs, or patches in non-regulation locations, provided your gym permits them. Since training gis are not subject to competition inspection, you have significantly more creative freedom.

However, if you plan to compete, it is wise to own at least one competition-legal gi in addition to your customised training gis.

Use a seam ripper (available at fabric and craft shops) to carefully cut the stitches holding the patch in place. Work slowly to avoid damaging the gi fabric. Once all stitches are removed, gently peel the patch away.

Some residue, stitch holes, or fabric discolouration may remain, particularly on white gis. These marks are usually subtle but may be visible upon close inspection.

Apply heat to the patch with an iron to soften the adhesive, then peel slowly. Use rubbing alcohol or adhesive remover to clean any residue left on the fabric. Iron-on patches often leave a visible outline or discolouration on the gi.

Remove patches when changing academies, removing non-compliant patches before competition, or replacing damaged patches. Work slowly and use the proper tools to minimise damage to the gi fabric. Accept that some marks may remain, particularly on well-worn gis or white gis.

Academy patches are typically available directly from your gym or team. Some academies sell patches at the front desk, whilst others order them in bulk and distribute them to students.

Country flag patches, motivational patches, and generic BJJ designs are widely available from online retailers such as Amazon UK, eBay UK, and specialist patch shops.

For custom patches featuring your academy logo, team name, or personal design, several UK-based suppliers offer embroidered and woven patches:

• Osss Patch UK (ossspatch.com): Custom embroidered and woven patches from £2.75, no minimum order.
• Tatami Fightwear (tatamifightwear.com): Custom patch service for teams and academies.
• UK Custom Patches (ukcustompatches.com): Embroidered and woven patches with online ordering.
• CustomPatches.co.uk (custompatches.co.uk): Martial arts patches with free design and free UK shipping.
• JB Embroidery (jbembroidery.co.uk): Custom embroidered patches with no minimum order, iron-on or sew-on options.

Most suppliers offer online design tools or will work with you to create a custom design based on your logo or artwork.

For direct embroidery onto your gi (rather than applying separate patches), contact local embroidery shops or online services. Direct embroidery is more permanent and professional-looking but cannot be removed or transferred to another gi.