IBJJF changes rules for 2027, limits lapel guards
The IBJJF has released its rulebook changes for 2027, and they take effect on January 1. The document, posted on the CBJJ website, lists 12 updates, including a new rule on lapel guards, more freedom on the straight ankle lock for blue and purple belts, and a new Master 8 age division.
Some of the changes were already used at The Crown last Sunday (Nov. 8) in Long Beach, California, where Mica Galvão, Sarah Galvão, Fellipe Andrew, Gabi Pessanha, Erich Munis and João “Bisnaga” Mendes took home titles. The European Championship, Jan. 13 to 23 near Lisbon, will be the first major event under the new rules.
Lapel guards on a clock
If an athlete grips the opponent’s lapel or belt and wraps it around their own leg in a controlling position, they now have 20 seconds to advance. If they don’t, they’re penalized for stalling, no matter the intent. That hits worm guard and squid guard directly. Lapel and belt grips in 50/50 have had the same 20-second limit since 2024.
Double guard pull, no exceptions
When both athletes pull guard at the same time, there’s still a 20-second count. The difference is that, starting in 2027, if nobody gets on top or scores, the match is stopped, both athletes are penalized and they restart standing, even if a submission is locked in or a score is about to happen.
Straight ankle lock
Blue and purple belts (adult through Master 8) can now turn toward the leg that isn’t being attacked. Brown and black belts could already do that. At the same time, the straight ankle lock is now illegal for 16 and 17 year olds (all belts) and for white belts from adult to Master 8.
Jumping guard
For divisions up to age 15 and for white belts of any age, jumping to closed guard on a standing opponent, including flying triangles and flying armbars, is now a serious foul with an immediate disqualification. Before, the referee just restarted the match standing.
Other changes
- Takedown when the opponent pulls closed guard and hangs: putting them on their back, side or seat now scores right away, with no 3-second wait.
- If a match is stopped with a submission locked in, for a reason that’s nobody’s fault, it restarts standing and the athlete with the submission gets 2 points.
- The IBJJF can turn a serious foul into a disciplinary DQ if it was intentional or reckless, and can DQ any action meant to injure an opponent.
- Referees get a new “calm down” signal.
- The progression concept used for sweeps now also applies to guard passes.
- New Master 8 division (66 and older, 4-minute matches). Master 7 is now 61 to 65.
- No-gi uniform: white belts need a mostly white rashguard (black is the only secondary color), black belts a mostly black one (white is the only secondary color), and colored belts need at least 10% of their belt color visible from front and back. Shorts can’t go past the knee. Men can wear compression pants or shorts underneath.
The full side-by-side comparison, example videos and the updated 2027 illegal techniques chart are on the CBJJ page.
Which of these changes will affect your game the most?
Read also:
Mica Galvão Beats Murasaki to Win the 2026 IBJJF Crown
