BJJ Mouthguard Rules: IBJJF, ADCC, NAGA and UWW Grappling

Brazilian jiu-jitsu mouthguard rules are not the same everywhere. The biggest gi and no-gi rulebooks do not require a mouthguard at all, while some open grappling tournaments list one as minimum gear. This article covers what the published rules say. For fit, model picks and how to order, see our BJJ mouthguards and the MMA and BJJ mouthguard guide.

Rules change and events add their own. Always check your tournament's current rules page, your registration confirmation and your academy before you compete.

Do you have to wear a mouthguard in BJJ?

Under IBJJF rules, no. The IBJJF Rule Book (version 6.1 PDF, June 2024, linked from the IBJJF Books and Videos page) does not mention mouthguards at all. It does not require one, and it does not list one among forbidden items. In practice that makes a mouthguard optional at IBJJF events, and it is up to the athlete.

The rule book's equipment ban (item 8.3.7) covers foot gear, headgear, hair pins, jewelry, cups (genital protectors) and "any other protector fashioned of hard material that may cause harm to an opponent or the athlete," plus eye protectors. Item 8.3.9 also bans joint braces bulky enough to make the gi harder to grip. If you are unsure about any piece of gear, ask the event staff before you compete.

ADCC: not in the rules

ADCC is no-gi submission grappling. The 2026 ADCC rules document on the ADCC Official rules page covers match format, time limits, scoring, negative points and conduct, but it does not mention a mouthguard. So a guard is your choice at ADCC events unless the event tells you otherwise.

NAGA: a mouthpiece is minimum gear

Some open tournaments are stricter on paper. The NAGA rules PDF (North American Grappling Association) lists minimum equipment in both of its rulesets:

• NAGA no-gi: "At a minimum, a groin protector (male competitors), mouthpiece, and shorts with a drawstring must be worn."
• NAGA gi: "At a minimum, a groin protector (male competitors) and a mouth piece must be worn."

The same PDF allows ear guards in no-gi but not in gi, and says knee, elbow, ankle and shoulder braces cannot have a metal portion that could injure other competitors. If you compete at NAGA, bring a mouthguard and wear it.

UWW grappling: mouthguard allowed

United World Wrestling (UWW) runs international grappling in gi and no-gi. Its 2026 Grappling Uniform Regulations say "The use of mouthguard is allowed," and also allow ear protectors without metal or hard shells. UWW permits a mouthguard but does not make one compulsory.

Why many grapplers wear one anyway

A rule that does not require a mouthguard is not a reason to skip one. The American Dental Association recommends a properly fitted mouthguard for sports with significant risk of dental or orofacial injury, and lists martial arts, combat sports and wrestling among them. On the mat, elbows and knees in scrambles and contact with the mat on takedowns can still find your teeth.

Fit matters in grappling. You are breathing hard with your mouth closed for long rounds, so a bulky stock guard often ends up in your hand or on the mat. A guard that falls out usually doesn't fit. See why does my mouthguard fall out? and can you breathe and talk with a mouthguard?

BJJ with braces

None of the BJJ and grappling rulebooks above has a braces mouthguard rule. School wrestling does: NFHS requires wrestlers with braces to wear a tooth and mouth protector (see wrestling mouthguard rules).

Athletes with braces can get AlienGuards. Do not use our at-home impression kit over braces, because it can damage them. Have your dentist take an impression or 3D scan, then ship it to us or email it to impressions@alienguards.com. More in mouthguards for orthodontic patients.

Which AlienGuard for BJJ?

Our pick for jiu-jitsu, gi or no-gi, is NanoBite. At 4 mm it is our thinnest, lowest-profile guard and the best of our models for breathing and talking. It is the same guard we recommend for wrestling, basketball, rugby, field hockey and other team contact sports. We put jiu-jitsu, wrestling and grappling in our 4 mm group because hits are less direct than in boxing or MMA. More in how thick should a mouthguard be?

Also fight MMA or train striking? Origin and Origin Pro are our 5 mm combat guards for boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, karate and taekwondo. Some athletes keep a combat guard for striking days and a NanoBite for the mats. See MMA mouthguard rules for commission fights. PowerBite is for powerlifting and weightlifting, not BJJ.

Not sure which model fits your sport? Start with how to choose a mouthguard for your sport.

Ordering and academy orders

Every AlienGuard is made from your own impression. We ship an at-home kit, and after a good impression arrives, your custom mouthguard is crafted within 10–14 business days and shipped with tracking. Accessory-only orders (case, kit, putty) ship in a couple of business days.

Academies and teams of 5 or more get 20% off through team orders, including NanoBite, with your logo plus athlete names or numbers. Metallic, satin and holographic text colors are free.

Related rules and guides: mouthguard rules by sport (all sports), wrestling mouthguard rules, MMA mouthguard rules, wrestling mouthguards, boxing vs. MMA mouthguards, mouthguards for contact sports and how thick should a mouthguard be?

BJJ mouthguard rules FAQ

Does IBJJF require a mouthguard?

No. The IBJJF Rule Book (v6.1, June 2024) does not mention mouthguards. It neither requires one nor lists one among forbidden equipment, so wearing one is your choice.

Do you need a mouthguard for ADCC?

The 2026 ADCC rules document does not mention a mouthguard, so it is not required by the ADCC rules. Check your event page in case an event adds its own gear rules.

Does NAGA require a mouthguard?

Yes, on paper. NAGA's rules PDF says a mouthpiece must be worn at a minimum in both no-gi and gi competition, along with a groin protector for male competitors.

Can I get a custom BJJ mouthguard with braces?

Yes. Have your dentist take the impression or 3D scan instead of using our at-home kit, then ship it to us or email it to impressions@alienguards.com.

Which AlienGuard is best for BJJ?

NanoBite, our thinnest guard at 4 mm and the best of our models for breathing and talking through long rolls. If you also do MMA or striking, use Origin or Origin Pro for those sessions.