Starting in 2027, white belts of all ages and juvenile competitors aged 16 to 17 will be prohibited from using straight foot locks under updated IBJJF rules. The changes also revise guard-pulling penalties and other competition rules. Starting January 1, 2027, IBJJF competitors must progress within 20 seconds when wrapping an opponent’s lapel or belt around their own leg; failure to do so is a stalling offense, regardless of intent. Helena Crevar will face Kendall Reusing for the inaugural ONE Women’s Openweight Submission Grappling World Title at ONE Fight Night 51 on January 8.
IBJJF to Ban Straight Foot Locks for White Belts in 2027
Effective January 1, 2027, straight foot locks will be prohibited for adult and master white belts and all juvenile competitors aged 16 and 17. The IBJJF changes also add a Master 8 division and make jumping into closed guard a disqualifying foul for white belts.
Alagoas Jiu-Jitsu Federation President Condemns Incident Under Police Investigation
Diojônio Farias condemned footage showing a teenager losing consciousness during practice at a Maceió gym. Civil Police opened an inquiry after the boy’s father filed a complaint; investigators are examining the incident and the gym’s involvement.
Robert Drysdale Says Sandbagging Has No Portuguese Equivalent
Robert Drysdale argues that sandbagging is not a concept in Portuguese or Brazilian culture and says belt promotions depend on coaches’ individual standards. He cites a blue belt under Demian Maia who placed second at Worlds three times before earning gold and receiving a purple belt.
Helena Crevar and Kendall Reusing to Meet for ONE Openweight Title
Helena Crevar will face Kendall Reusing for the inaugural ONE Women’s Openweight Submission Grappling World Title at ONE Fight Night 51 on January 8. The 10-minute bout is scheduled for Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
IBJJF Bans Straight Foot Locks for White Belts and Juveniles in 2027
Starting in 2027, white belts of all ages and juvenile competitors aged 16 to 17 will be prohibited from using straight foot locks under updated IBJJF rules. The changes also revise guard-pulling penalties and other competition rules.
IBJJF Reportedly Weighs Rules That Could Restrict Lapel Guards
Reports say the IBJJF is considering rules modeled on Crown 2026 that could limit lapel-based guards and penalize double guard pulls after 20 seconds. The changes are unconfirmed, with possible implementation discussed for 2027.
IBJJF Sets 20-Second Limit for Specified Lapel and Belt Controls
Starting January 1, 2027, IBJJF competitors must progress within 20 seconds when wrapping an opponent’s lapel or belt around their own leg; failure to do so is a stalling offense, regardless of intent.
Police Investigate Teen’s Loss of Consciousness During BJJ Training in Maceió
Alagoas police opened an investigation after video showed a teenager losing consciousness during BJJ training in Maceió. The gym owner apologized and said an instructor had led the session without his direct supervision.
Robert Drysdale Says Social Media Overstates No-Gi’s Rise Over Gi
Robert Drysdale argues that a vocal online minority has created the impression that gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is losing relevance, while most practitioners still train in the gi. He says training in both formats remains important for developing a complete grappler.
Robert Drysdale Criticizes Commercial Pressures on BJJ Belt Promotions
Robert Drysdale argues that financial incentives can lead instructors to promote students too quickly, weakening belt standards. He says rank has become a status symbol and favors giving students more time to develop before promotion.
IBJJF The Crown 2026 Results: Six Champions Crowned in Long Beach
Mica Galvão, João Bisnaga Mendes, Sarah Galvão, Fellipe Andrew, Gabi Pessanha and Erich Munis won the six titles at the November 8 event. Munis and Pessanha each claimed their fourth Crown, while Galvão defeated two-time champion Andy Murasaki 4-2.
Mica Galvão Wins 2026 IBJJF Crown Middleweight Title
Mica Galvão defeated defending champion Andy Murasaki on points to win the middleweight title at the 2026 IBJJF Crown in Long Beach. Erich Munis and Gabi Pessanha each captured their fourth consecutive Crown titles.
Tye Ruotolo Discusses Mikey Musumeci’s Transition to MMA
Tye Ruotolo said he is unsure how Mikey Musumeci will fare in MMA, noting that he has not seen Musumeci strike. Ruotolo said an athlete’s comfort with brawling can affect the transition from jiu-jitsu to MMA.
Tye Ruotolo Says He Believed 90–97% of Some Teammates Used PEDs
On The Ariel Helwani Show, ONE Championship lightweight titleholder Tye Ruotolo said he believed 90–97% of teammates at some gyms used PEDs. He also said ONE conducts random testing and mentioned possible future opponents.
Robson Gracie Jr. Withdraws From ROMAN6 With Neck Injury
Robson Gracie Jr. is out of ROMAN6 with a neck injury. Thomas Mietz faces Ibuki Arimatsu, and ROMAN7 moves to April 24.
BJJ Brown Belt Says Training Helped Her Restrain Alleged Attacker in Dublin
Jana says her 12 years of Brazilian jiu-jitsu training helped her stay focused and restrain a man who allegedly attacked her while she cycled home in Dublin. She hopes to offer women’s self-defense classes and private instruction through Amano Jujitsu.