BJJ In The World Police and Fire Games Comes to Perth

In March 2027, Perth will host the World Police & Fire Games — bringing together thousands of active, volunteer and retired law enforcement and emergency services personnel from around the globe for ten days of competition across more than 60 sports. It's a rare chance for the people who spend their careers looking after the rest of us to step onto the mat, track, field or pool themselves and compete for a world medal, alongside colleagues who understand exactly what that day-to-day work demands.

At MASA, we're not experts in every one of those 60-odd sports. But martial arts is our world, and Jiu Jitsu — Submission Grappling is one of the standout combat disciplines on the WPFG program this time round. So if you're one of the officers or firefighters gearing up to compete in Perth, here's what you need to know — and where we come in.

Get Your Gi Right

Under the WPFG rules, your kimono needs to tick a specific set of boxes:

• Cotton or similar material in good condition, made from single weave, gold weave, double weave, or a similar weight fabric — not excessively thick or stiff, since that can stop your opponent from executing a submission
• White in colour only
• A jacket long enough to reach the pelvis, with sleeves reaching no more than 5cm back from the wrist when your arms are extended, and at least 7cm of slack along the sleeve when your arms are out to the side
• A belt 4-5cm wide, tied around the waist with a double knot, tight enough to keep the jacket closed, with the degree bar attached
• Pants tied securely at the waist above the buttocks, reaching no more than 5cm up from the ankle, with at least 5cm of slack along the leg when standing

Notice there's no specific gsm or ounce weight spec written into the rules — just "good condition" and "not excessively thick or stiff." That gives you some real flexibility in choosing a gi that suits your own style, whether that's something lighter for speed or a heavier weave for durability.

No-Gi Has Its Own Uniform Rules

If you're competing No-Gi, the requirements are just as specific:

• A rash guard that's fitted and hugs the body, with a round collar — no V-necks and no sleeveless designs
• Shorts that are mostly black, free of zippers and pockets, tied securely at the waist above the buttocks
• Board-style shorts are fine as long as they reach at least mid-thigh, and lycra pants can be worn underneath as long as they don't pass the ankle and aren't a loose fit

Both Gi and No-Gi competitors need to wear undergarments underneath their shorts or pants, and no shoes, socks, cups, or headgear are permitted on the mat (a mouthpiece is optional, not compulsory).

One thing worth flagging: the current WPFG abridged rules doesn't mention anything about rash guard colour. Under JJIF's own Jiu-Jitsu (Ne-Waza) rules, competitors are required to wear a red or blue rash guard for No-Gi matches (matching the identification colour drawn for that bout). Since it's not addressed in the WPFG document itself, we'd suggest contacting WPFG directly to confirm rash guard colour requirements before you compete, rather than assuming either way.

The Spare Gi Rule Applies Here Too

The WPFG rules are explicit: if your Gi is rendered unusable during a match and you're unable to exchange it for a new one within the time the referee gives you, that's grounds for disqualification. More generally, if you don't meet the equipment or uniform standards, you get five minutes to fix the problem — fail to sort it in that window and you're out. A second, competition-legal Gi sitting in your bag isn't optional insurance — it's what keeps a torn jacket or a damaged pair of pants from turning into an early exit from your own tournament.

Know Your Belt Division's Legal Moves

This is where Jiu Jitsu gets genuinely technical, and it's worth understanding well before you're on the mat. Under WPFG rules, some techniques are banned outright for everyone, regardless of belt or experience level:

• Spinal locks, cervical locks, and neck cranks
• Suplex takedowns that throw the opponent's head or neck to the ground
• Slamming, whether from guard or to escape a submission
• Bending fingers backwards
• Bent knee locks, lateral leg locks, and reaping the knee
• Outward toe holds that apply pressure to the knee
• Heel hooks
• Scissor takedowns

A second tier of techniques opens up once you move past White Belt / Beginner level, becoming legal from Blue/Purple Belt (Intermediate) upward — but are still illegal for anyone in the Beginner division:

• Bicep locks or slicers
• Calf locks or slicers
• Kneebars
• Toeholds
• Sock locks
• Straight foot locks that turn inward, forcing the knee

Slipping into a technique that's outside your division's legal list is one of the most common — and completely avoidable — ways competitors get disqualified. Know your bracket's rules cold before you step out.

Scoring at a Glance

For anyone newer to competition, WPFG Jiu Jitsu scores position on the mat, with control held for at least three seconds:

• Takedown or throw, sweep, or knee on stomach — 2 points
• Passing the opponent's guard — 3 points
• Mounted position, back mount, or back control with hooks in — 4 points

If there's no submission or other conclusion by the end of the match, the competitor with the most points wins. A tied score goes to a "Golden Score" overtime period with no fixed time limit and stricter enforcement of stalling penalties — the first competitor to score or force a submission wins outright.

Hygiene Matters

The WPFG rules are specific here: your uniform must be washed, dry, and free of unpleasant odour before you compete. Nails need to be kept short, clean, and free of sharp edges, and long hair has to be secured so it doesn't interfere with the match. Competitors can't use makeup, hair spray, or dye that could transfer onto the mat or an opponent's Gi, and anyone with an uncovered cut, sore, rash, or transmittable condition won't be allowed to compete. A fresh, clean Gi isn't just about compliance — it's part of showing up properly prepared.

Don't Guess on the Fine Print

We've covered the essentials for your gear bag, but there's plenty more detail in the official rulebook — full weigh-in procedures, bracketing and scoring criteria, medical timeout rules, and the complete breakdown of minor and serious fouls. Competitors should read the WPFG Jiu Jitsu guidelines in full before Perth — it's the definitive word on what will and won't fly on the mat.

Kitted Out and Ready

We've been helping grapplers get ready for major events for years — competition Gis, No-Gi rash guards and shorts, or a full head-to-toe kit, we've seen just about every last-minute gear panic there is, and we're always happy to help sort it out. Browse our full range of BJJ Gis and gear, come in and see us, get fitted properly, and walk out ready for Perth 2027.

Got questions about what you need for your division? Drop into the shop or get in touch — we're always happy to talk gear.