The Ju-Jitsu International Federation -JJIF- has rolled out its new official equipment programme alongside adidas Combat Sports and Ju-Sports at the 2026 Ju-Jitsu World Championships, being held from 1 to 9 August at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Athletes must compete in uniforms and protective equipment supplied by authorised partners and manufactured in accordance with the federation’s technical requirements.
The programme has been introduced at the leading event on the JJIF calendar, which was expected to attract around 2,500 athletes. The competition includes under-16, under-18, under-21, senior and masters categories, while the opening day featured the under-14 World Cup. The size of the event provides the first major test for a system intended to establish common standards for the safety, presentation and performance of equipment used by athletes from different countries.
From long-standing supplier to partner in the new system
Ju-Sports’ relationship with the federation predates the creation of the programme. The Germany-based martial arts equipment company had worked as an official JJIF supplier for several years before expanding its commitment at the beginning of 2025 through a five-year strategic sponsorship agreement. The partnership involved the brand in developing uniforms and protective equipment adapted to the different disciplines governed by the federation.
The transition began in 2025 with the introduction of the ‘JJIF Approved’ label and preparations for the progressive use of equipment manufactured by licensed brands. Ju-Sports places the introduction of the new rules at the World Championships held in Bangkok that year. However, statements published during Abu Dhabi 2026 describe the current edition as the first World Championships at which athletes are required to use approved equipment from official partners. The JJIF has not publicly explained the difference between the two descriptions. The certification covers gis, rashguards, gloves and other protective equipment tested for technical compliance, safety and performance.
Adidas enters through its combat sports specialist
The involvement of adidas is managed through Double D, its global combat sports licensee. The agreement, announced in September 2025, appointed the company as a premium partner and master supplier of the JJIF. Double D has worked with adidas Combat Sports since 2005 and distributes judo, taekwondo, boxing, mixed martial arts and ju-jitsu products in more than 100 countries. The federation intends to use this network to increase the availability of approved equipment and expand the sport’s international reach.
JJIF President Panagiotis Theodoropoulos said Double D and adidas Combat Sports were recognised worldwide for “quality and innovation”. “This alliance ensures our athletes have top-level gear to support their safety and performance,” he explained. Chief Executive Joachim Thumfart added that the partnership creates opportunities to work with a leader in the sports industry and introduce ju-jitsu to new audiences. Double D President Cédric Dermée said its products were developed in collaboration with athletes, keeping performance, safety and innovation at the centre of the process.
A model combining safety and international visibility
The programme is not limited to changing the visual presentation of the championships. The federation determines which manufacturers can provide equipment at its competitions and verifies that their products meet a common set of requirements. This procedure establishes shared conditions for equipment checks and gives National Federations identifiable references when preparing their teams for international events. According to the JJIF, the programme has received a positive response from both athletes and its National Federations.
The simultaneous presence of Ju-Sports and adidas Combat Sports shows that the system allows different suppliers to operate under the same certification, although the Double D–adidas Combat Sports partnership serves as master supplier. The JJIF has not disclosed the financial terms of the agreements, but has linked the programme to its objectives of professionalisation, safety and international growth. The experience gathered at the Abu Dhabi World Championships will provide a reference for applying ‘JJIF Approved’ standards across future competitions on its calendar.
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