The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community was recently caught off-guard by IBJJF’s latest blatant cash grab: a $36 plastic Gi checker tool. The purpose of the device is clear enough—ensure that your gi meets IBJJF competition standards—but the online community seems more than happy to roast the product, leading to an uproar that spread quickly across social media and forums alike.
It all started innocently with IBJJF’s promotion of their new tool, but what followed was an avalanche of witty comments and sharp criticisms, ranging from the ridiculous to the relatable.
Many practitioners questioned the necessity of such a tool, while others were more focused on the price tag. For some, $36 for a small plastic measuring tool seemed like a stretch, especially when the uniform specs are published and could easily be replicated with a ruler—or, as one commenter cheekily suggested, a 3D printer.
The ‘tool’ also wasn’t exactly invented by the IBJJF. The item was sold on amazon without IBJJF branding as far as 4 years ago under ‘Gi Checker’ brand.
Now the really startling part is – it used to be sold for $71 plus shipping across different markets.
Others went a step further, envisioning themselves at open mats, whipping out their shiny new Gi checker, prepared to disqualify anyone whose gi didn’t pass muster. Whether in jest or frustration, the community took the opportunity to point out the absurdity of needing a specific device to check compliance in a sport built on practicality and tradition. One user humorously noted that the tool could double as an ice scraper, while another suggested it looked more like a glorified backscratcher.
The narrative that has unfolded speaks volumes about how the BJJ community feels about this marketing move by IBJJF. It’s clear that while practitioners respect the rules of competition, many are skeptical of a device that seems more like an overpriced gadget than an essential tool.
IBJJF is famously a for profit Federation that’s more focussed on lining their own pockets than on growing the sport.
For the everyday BJJ enthusiast, the tool seems to be more of an unnecessary expense, likely to be lost in the bottom of a closet.
