A rash guard is a close-fitting stretch top worn for no-gi grappling and, in training, under the gi, with nothing loose for a partner to grab. In no-gi it is the whole top half of the uniform.
- In BJJ: the standard top for no-gi training and competition.
- IBJJF no-gi colours: black, white, or black and white with at least 10% of the belt colour.
- Under the gi in competition: banned for IBJJF men, a stretch shirt required for IBJJF women.
What does a rash guard do?
The name comes from surfing, where the top prevents board rash. In grappling the fabric sits between your skin and the mat, the gi and your partner, the stretch moves with you and dries quickly, and there is nothing loose to grab. Under a gi in training it stops the jacket rubbing and soaks up sweat before it reaches the cotton.
No-gi grappling made the rash guard essential. Bjjheroes.com's profile of Eddie Bravo describes a whole school built on a no-gi system, and the IBJJF runs a World No-Gi Championship, where a rash guard is the required top.
What are the IBJJF rash guard rules?
For no-gi, the IBJJF Rules Book requires a skin-tight elastic top long enough to cover the torso down to the waistband of the shorts. It must be black, white, or black and white with at least 10% of your belt colour, or entirely your belt colour; black belts may show a small area of red.
Can you wear a rash guard under the gi in competition?
Not in IBJJF men's gi divisions, where shirts under the gi are banned. Women must wear a stretchy shirt under the gi, short or long sleeved, in any colour. In IJF judo, women wear a short-sleeved white T-shirt and men may wear one only in specific cases.
What should you look for in a rash guard?
- Fit: snug everywhere with no loose fabric at the waist or armpit, and long enough to tuck into spats or shorts.
- Fabric: a polyester or nylon blend with spandex; flat seams that will not chafe under a gi.
- Sleeve length: long sleeves for more skin coverage and warmth, short sleeves for hot gyms; many competitors own both.
- Print quality: sublimated prints last; screen prints crack and peel after a season of washing.
- Care: wash after every session and hang to dry; a rash guard that goes in the bag wet is finished within weeks.
Where can I get a rash guard?
Our rash guards are cut for grappling, which means a longer body and a higher neck than a running top.
Sources
- Profile of Eddie Bravo, BJJ Heroes
- IBJJF Rules Book, IBJJF