ADCC Gear Rules: What You Need to Compete
Want to crush it at ADCC? Your gear matters just as much as your skills! The Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) is the biggest stage for grappling, and showing up with the wrong outfit can stop you before you even start. I’ve seen fighters train for months, only to get disqualified over a tiny gear mistake.
That’s why I’m here to help. This guide breaks down the ADCC gear rules in simple steps so you’re ready to compete. We’ll cover what to wear, what’s banned, and some pro tips to avoid slip-ups.
Let’s get started!
The Basics of ADCC Gear
First things first—what is ADCC? It’s the world’s toughest grappling event, where the best fighters battle it out with submissions and takedowns. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, the rules apply to everyone. Gear rules exist for a reason: they keep the competition fair and safe. No one wants an unfair advantage or an injury from bad equipment.
| The main rule is simple. You either wear a gi or go no-gi. There’s no in-between. Pick one and stick to it. Fun fact: even top champs have been pulled aside for gear checks. It’s that serious! So, let’s break it down by category—starting with no-gi. | 
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Approved Clothing for No-Gi
If you’re competing in no-gi, your outfit is straightforward. You need to know what works to stay in the game.
What You Need: You need a rash guard and shorts. That’s it. The rashguard should be tight, not loose or floppy. Same goes for the shorts—they need to fit snug and stay above your knee. Baggy clothes? Nope. They can get caught during a match, and refs won’t allow it.
Colors and Details: Colors matter too. You should stick to black, white, or a mix of both, and avoid crazy patterns or bright neon designs because ADCC keeps it simple and clean. For shorts, board shorts are fine as long as there are no pockets, zippers, or anything loose.
Why? Loose stuff can snag or hurt your opponent. Here’s a quick tip: try your gear at home. Roll around, stretch, and move. Does it feel good? Does it stay in place? If yes, you’re golden.
Here’s a quick tip: try your gear at home. Roll around, stretch, and move. Does it feel good? Does it stay in place? If yes, you’re golden. Comfort is key when you’re fighting for a win.
Gi Rules Made Easy
Going the gi route? You’ll need to follow some clear rules to pass inspection. You’ll need three things: a jacket, pants, and a belt. All of them must be clean and free of rips. A torn gi isn’t just sloppy—it’s against the rules.
Colors and Fit: The colors are strict too. You can wear white, blue, or black, but there’s no room for red, green, or funky tie-dye gis—they’re not allowed. Fit is super important. Your gi shouldn’t be too tight or too loose, with sleeves that reach your wrists when your arms are straight and pants that stop at your ankles, not higher or lower. Refs check this stuff.
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Belt Rules: Your belt has rules too. It has to match your rank—like white for beginners or black for masters—and you can’t sneak in a higher rank belt to look cool. Refs will spot it, and you’ll be out. Keep it honest and simple. |
Here’s a quick tip: check your gi size early. Put it on, squat, and lift your arms. Does it fit right? Does it hold up? If yes, you’re set. A good fit means no surprises on the mat.
Nail these basics, and your gi game will be worry-free.
What’s Not Allowed
Now, let’s talk about the stuff that’ll get you in trouble. ADCC has a strict “no” list. First up: anything with metal, zippers, or pockets. That means no cargo shorts or jackets with buttons. Why? It’s dangerous. Metal can cut, and pockets can trap fingers. Safety comes first.
Jewelry is another big no. Rings, earrings, necklaces—take them all off. Even a tiny stud can cause problems in a grapple. Same goes for shoes and socks. You fight barefoot. No exceptions. I’ve seen people try to sneak in socks for grip, but refs shut that down fast.
Break these rules, and you’re done. Disqualification happens quick if your gear doesn’t pass inspection. Don’t risk it—strip your outfit down to the basics and double-check everything.
Extra Gear You Might Need
Okay, so you’ve got the main stuff covered. But what about extras? Some gear isn’t required but can make a difference. A mouthguard is one. ADCC doesn’t force you to wear one, but trust me—it’s smart. One stray elbow, and you’ll wish you had it. Pick a simple one that fits well.
Groin protection is another option. It’s not mandatory, but it’s a lifesaver for guys (and some women too). A good cup keeps you comfortable and confident. Just make sure it’s not bulky or hard-edged—soft cups only.
Knee pads? Yep, they’re allowed. But keep them soft and plain—no logos or stiff padding. They’re great if your knees take a beating on the mat. My advice? Less is more. The less gear you fuss with, the more you can focus on your game.
How to Check Your Gear Before Competing
Getting your gear right isn’t hard—it just takes a little prep.
Step one: read the official ADCC rules. They’re online, and I’ll link them at the end. Skim the gear section so you know exactly what’s expected. Don’t skip this—it’s your playbook.
Step two: try everything on. Put on your rash guard, shorts, or gi. Move around. Do some sprawls, roll on the floor, stretch your arms and legs. Does it fit? Does it stay put? If it’s sliding or pinching, fix it now—not at the event.
Step three: get a second opinion. Ask a friend or teammate to look you over. They might spot something you missed, like a loose seam or a sneaky logo. And here’s a bonus tip: pack a backup outfit. If something rips or fails inspection, you’ve got a Plan B. Better safe than sorry!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the rules laid out, people mess up. Let’s avoid that.
Mistake #1: showing up in a dirty gi. Sweat stains or funky smells? That’s a no-go. Refs will send you packing, and it’s embarrassing. Wash your gear before you compete.
Mistake #2: wearing a mismatched belt. If you’re a white belt, don’t rock a brown one to flex. It’s not just dishonest—refs check ranks. You’ll get caught and disqualified. Stick to your real level.
Mistake #3: long nails. Yep, it’s a rule! Trim your fingernails and toenails. Long ones can scratch or stab your opponent, and refs won’t let it slide. I heard about a guy who lost his ADCC shot over a logo on his shorts. Tiny details matter—don’t let them trip you up.
Final Words: ADCC Gear Rules
There you have it—everything you need to nail the ADCC gear rules. The right outfit means no stress and all focus on winning. Mess it up, and you’re out before you start. It’s that simple. So, double-check your gear now—don’t wait until the last minute. Wash it, try it on, and pack it up.
Ready to dominate ADCC? Your perfect outfit is the first step. Get this right, and you’re already ahead of the game. Got questions? Drop them below—I’ll help you out. Now go train, gear up, and show the mat who’s boss!
FAQs About ADCC Gear Rules
Got questions about ADCC gear? You’re not alone! Here are answers to the most common ones to help you prep like a pro.
Can I wear a gi in a no-gi match?
No way, it’s not allowed! ADCC is super strict—gi matches require a full gi outfit, and no-gi matches mean just a rashguard and shorts. Mixing them up will get you disqualified fast before you even roll. Stick to the right outfit for your division.
Are logos okay on my gear?
Not really, they’re frowned upon. ADCC doesn’t allow big, flashy logos or bold designs that stand out too much. Keep it plain—black, white, or a mix for no-gi, and white, blue, or black for gi. A small, subtle logo might sneak by, but don’t risk it.
What happens if my gi rips during a match?
If it rips mid-match, you’re usually okay to finish unless it becomes a safety issue for you or your opponent. But if you show up with a torn gi before starting? Refs won’t let you compete at all. Pack a clean, rip-free backup just in case something goes wrong.
Do I need a mouthguard or cup?
You don’t have to, but you really should consider it. ADCC doesn’t require them, but a mouthguard saves your teeth from a stray hit, and a soft cup keeps you comfy during tough scrambles. Better to have them than wish you did after a hard match!
Can I wear socks or grips for extra traction?
Nope, it’s barefoot only, no exceptions! Socks or grips might feel nice for extra traction, but they’re totally banned in ADCC rules. Refs will make you ditch them quick, so don’t even try sneaking them in.
How strict are refs about belt ranks?
Super strict, no joking around. Your belt must match your actual rank—no faking it to look tough or impress anyone. Refs always check closely, and a mismatch means you’re out before stepping on the mat. Be honest, and you’re good to go.