5 Essential Takeaways from the 2020 IBJJF Europeans for BJJ Fighters

Why the 2020 Europeans Set a New Standard in BJJ

The 2020 IBJJF European Jiu-Jitsu Championships were a landmark event, drawing unprecedented crowds and showcasing the sport's evolution. Held in Lisbon, Portugal, it featured record-breaking participation across all belt levels, pushing competitors to their limits. For fighters training in BJJ, MMA, or related disciplines like submission grappling, this tournament offered valuable lessons on preparation, technique adaptation, and equipment choices. Whether you're a white belt building fundamentals or a black belt chasing podiums, these insights can sharpen your game.

Let's break down the five biggest takeaways, with practical advice on how to apply them in your training and gear selection at premium retailers like Apollo MMA.

1. Unprecedented Participation Levels Raised the Bar

One of the most striking aspects was the sheer volume of athletes. Over 4,000 competitors from more than 50 countries flooded the mats, with black belt divisions seeing fields of 100+ in major classes. This wasn't just numbers—it meant hyper-competitive brackets where even top seeds faced surprises.

Problem: Large fields amplify pressure, leading to early fatigue and mental errors.
Solution: Build bracket endurance with high-volume drilling sessions mimicking tournament days. Train 6-8 matches in a row, focusing on guard retention and escapes under time constraints.
Outcome: Fighters like those who medaled adapted by pacing energy, saving gas for finals. For MMA crossover athletes, this translates to better round management in fights.

Pro tip: Invest in durable rash guards and spats for long tournament days. Brands like Hyperfly offer compressive fits that reduce chafing during extended rolling.

2. New Gi Rules Forced Quick Adaptations

IBJJF introduced stricter gi specifications, particularly around lapel grips and sleeve embroidery. The key change limited the grippable area on lapels to prevent overly thick or modified sections that allowed dominant holds. Sleeves couldn't have embroidery or patches beyond 5cm from the cuff, curbing 'super grips.'

Problem: Many athletes arrived with non-compliant gis, facing disqualification risks or grip limitations mid-match.
Solution: Pre-tournament, measure your gi against IBJJF standards—lapel width max 2cm thick, no extra fabric. Test grips in open mats to find new angles, like collarless sleeve control or belt grips.
Outcome: Veterans who adjusted thrived, using wrist wraps and standard grips effectively. This rule levels the playing field, emphasizing pure technique over gear exploits.

For Muay Thai or no-gi wrestlers transitioning to gi BJJ, understanding these specs ensures seamless gear swaps. Check Apollo MMA's BJJ gi selection, featuring compliant options from Tatami, Fuji, and Hyperfly.

3. Young Prodigies Dominated the Podiums

The Ruotolo brothers, Kade and Tye, stole the show in the lightweight and ultra-light divisions, submitting elite black belts with relentless leg lock attacks. Micael Galvao also shone, blending pressure passing with dynamic guards. These teens (under 18 in some cases) highlighted a youth surge.

Problem: Veteran reliance on experience falters against innovative, athletic youth.
Solution: Incorporate leg entanglements and ashi garami drills into your routine, even if gi-focused. Study footage from the Euros—focus on heel hook entries from 50/50.
Outcome: Adapting to modern attacks prevents tap-outs. In MMA, this means better defense against wrestlers shooting for legs.

Actionable tip: Pair training with quality mouthguards and headgear for safe, high-intensity sessions. Apollo MMA stocks protective gear for all levels.

4. Team Hyperfly's Strong Showing

Hyperfly athletes punched above their weight, with multiple medalists across colored belts and black belts reaching deep runs. Standouts included those medaling in roosterweight and middleweight, crediting the brand's lightweight, mobile gis for mobility in scrambles.

Problem: Brand loyalty can limit gear testing.
Solution: Experiment with gis like Hyperfly's during comp prep—pearl weave for breathability in humid venues like Lisbon. Focus on fit: snug but not restrictive for guard play.
Outcome: Proper gear boosts confidence, as seen in Hyperfly's roster navigating massive brackets.

This underscores selecting gis from trusted manufacturers. At Apollo MMA, explore Hyperfly alongside Scramble and Kingz for versatile options suiting BJJ, no-gi, and MMA.

5. Gear Trends: Hyperfly Gis Everywhere

A visual scan of the mats showed Hyperfly gis ubiquitous among top finishers, praised for durability and rule compliance. Other popular choices included Origin and Shoyoroll, but Hyperfly's clean designs and grip-friendly fabrics stood out in lapel-heavy games.

Problem: Ill-fitting or non-compliant gear derails performance.
Solution: Size up based on Euros feedback—go true-to-size for Hyperfly, ensuring lapels dry quickly post-wash. Maintain with proper care: cold wash, air dry to preserve weave.
Outcome: Competitors in fresh, compliant gis maintained grips longer, winning prolonged exchanges.

Gear Buying Guide:

• For Beginners: Fuji or Tatami for affordability and compliance.


• Competitors: Hyperfly or Origin for pro-level feel.


• MMA Hybrid: No-gi shorts with gi tops for versatility.

Applying These Takeaways to Your Training

The 2020 Europeans weren't just a tournament—they were a blueprint for BJJ's future. Massive fields demand stamina, rule changes require gear savvy, and young guns push innovation. Integrate these into your routine:

• Weekly Drills: 2x leg locks, 2x gi compliance tests.


• Gear Check: Inspect for IBJJF approval before travel.


• Mental Prep: Visualize deep brackets.

These lessons keep evolving, so revisit event footage and adapt. What's your biggest takeaway? Share in the comments!

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