In a surprising turn of events at the IBJJF Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championship, a finalist was disqualified just moments into the match—not for an illegal technique or unsportsmanlike behavior, but for a wardrobe violation: failing to wear appropriate underwear beneath his gi.
The incident unfolded during what was expected to be a thrilling finals match. As the referee shouted the familiar call of “Trabalho!” to initiate action, he caught an unexpected sight through the side slit of the competitor’s gi pants—clear evidence that the athlete was either not wearing underwear at all or had chosen a type (such as a thong) that violates IBJJF regulations.
This seemingly minor oversight triggered an immediate disqualification, leaving spectators stunned and the competitor unable to contest for gold. The moment reignited discussions around what’s colloquially known in the grappling world as the “Bill Cooper rule,” named after a similar high-profile incident.
Years ago, grappling icon Bill Cooper found himself in the same situation during a Pan Ams final against Otavio Sousa. After a grueling run through earlier matches left his boxers drenched in sweat, Cooper opted to remove them for the final. That practical decision backfired when officials spotted bare skin through his gi—prompting a disqualification and, eventually, the creation of the rule that tripped up this year’s finalist.
A tournament official elaborated on the rationale behind the rule: “The side slits in gi pants might be small, but they can reveal more than intended. With how much grip fighting and scrambling occurs, there’s always a risk of exposure if athletes aren’t properly dressed underneath. This rule is in place to preserve professionalism and protect both athletes and spectators from awkward situations.”
The IBJJF mandates that male competitors wear undergarments such as briefs or compression shorts beneath their gi pants. Thongs or going commando are both considered grounds for disqualification if noticed by officials. And while some might argue the rule is obscure or overly strict, it’s clearly enforced—especially at events of this caliber.
Reactions were mixed. Some fans lamented the anticlimactic end to what could’ve been a thrilling match, while others pointed out the importance of following even the smallest details of the rulebook at high-level tournaments. As one coach commented after the incident: “These are the moments that remind us championships aren’t just won on the mats—they’re also won in preparation. Knowing the rules is part of the game.”
In a sport as detail-oriented as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this incident serves as a stark reminder: mastery isn’t just about armbars and sweeps. Sometimes, it’s also about what you’re wearing under your gi.
Guy gets DQed in finals of Pans for the Bill Cooper rule!byu/TrumpetDan inbjj
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
