Brown belt rashguard regulations in no-gi competition
You are a brown belt, the penultimate step before black. At this level, your technique speaks for itself on the mat. But to step onto the mat on competition day, you first have to pass the weigh-in – and the weigh-in is also a matter of attire. The 2024 CFJJB regulations are strict about the brown belt rashguard: here's everything you need to know to avoid being disqualified and to focus on what matters.
The rashguard, official marker of your no-gi rank
In no-gi, you no longer have the kimono to indicate your belt. Your rashguard takes over. For adult colored belts – blue, purple, and brown – the CFJJB and IBJJF require that the belt color clearly appears on the attire. This logic allows referees and opponents to identify you at a glance, and guarantees the integrity of the grade categories.
As a brown belt, you already know the system, but competitors who have just moved up from purple belt sometimes get caught out: they keep their purple rashguard for the next competition. The result – disqualification at weigh-in.
Authorized colors for brown belt
The 2024 CFJJB no-gi regulations give you two options for your brown belt rashguard:
• Black, white, or combined black and white, with a minimum of 10% brown (the color of your belt)
• OR 100% brown (the color of your belt)
What is allowed:
• A black rashguard with brown stripes, sleeves or inserts (at least 10% of the visible surface)
• A white rashguard with brown details (same logic)
• A combined black/white rashguard with a sufficiently visible brown section
• A 100% brown rashguard, with no other color (excluding logos)
What is prohibited:
• Any other color (red, blue, green, grey, yellow, etc.)
• A black/white rashguard without brown (the 10% is mandatory)
• A brown rashguard with inserts of another color
• Camouflage, tie-dye or multi-colored patterns
Small tip: brown is a less common color for rashguards than blue or purple, so some brands don't offer it at all. Anticipate and order in advance rather than frantically searching 48 hours before the competition. You can find available models in the Hustle Fightwear rashguard collection.
Cut, material and length
The technical criteria are identical for all belts, and checked at weigh-in:
• Compressive elastic material: specific stretch fabric for combat sports
• Close-fitting cut: adheres to the skin to offer no grip
• Sufficient length: must cover the waistband of the shorts even with arms raised
The regulations do not require choosing between long or short sleeves. If you're still hesitating, we've written a detailed guide on long or short sleeve rashguards.
Brown belt shorts
Shorts rules apply to all belts without distinction. You can wear all black shorts, all white, combined black/white, or the color of your belt (brown). No pockets, no zippers, no plastic or metal parts. Mid-thigh length (max 15 cm above the knee) without exceeding the knee.
Spats allowed under the shorts, same color palette.
The safe solution: a regulated set
At your level, you don't want to waste your mental energy on attire issues before a fight. The Competitor V2 from Hustle Fightwear is CFJJB and IBJJF approved, and was designed with and for competitors. Hundreds of athletes – including some high-level Hustle athletes – have competed with it in official championships. Premium compressive fabric, athletic cut, reinforced finishes: it's the benchmark for serious competitors.
Common brown belt errors
Here are the most common pitfalls:
• Keeping the purple belt rashguard after a grade change: non-compliant, even with a hand-added stripe.
• Choosing a brown that is too discreet: less than 10% visible = refusal.
• Confusing brown with beige or burgundy: the regulations expect the color of your belt, not an approximate shade.
• Buying at the last minute: brown is rarer, anticipate delivery times.
To prepare for your next evolution, check out our article on black belt rashguard regulations – you're not far off now.
In summary
For your brown belt rashguard in no-gi competition, two options: black/white with a minimum of 10% brown, or 100% brown. Elastic material, close-fitting cut, length that covers the shorts. To never doubt at weigh-in again, opt for a regulated set like the Competitor V2. Now, focus on performance – you already know the work.
