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Article: What is the JBBF Competition? A Comprehensive Guide to Rules, Entry Methods, and Choosing Physique Trunks

What is the JBBF Competition? A Comprehensive Guide to Rules, Entry Methods, and Choosing Physique Trunks

JBBF大会とは?ルールや出場方法、フィジークパンツの選び方まで徹底解説
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The JBBF (Japan Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation) is the oldest fitness competition organization in Japan.

It has multiple categories such as bodybuilding and men's physique, and competitions are held all over the country. However, some people who are considering participating in JBBF competitions might have questions such as:

  • What kind of competitions are JBBF competitions?
  • When and where are the competitions held?
  • How do I participate?
  • How much does it cost to enter a competition?
  • Which men's physique trunks should I choose?

This article will explain the characteristics of JBBF competitions, types of competitions, schedule, how to participate, necessary expenses, preparation for competitions, and how to choose physique trunks in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners.

Additionally, this article will thoroughly delve into JBBF competitions and introduce men's physique trunks from various brands by the "ALL OUT" editorial team. Please refer to this for choosing trunks for your competition.

What is a JBBF Competition? Japan's Largest Bodybuilding and Fitness Organization

JBBF is an abbreviation for "Japan Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation," and it is the most historic and largest fitness competition organization in Japan. 

Here, we will explain the characteristics of JBBF competitions, how they differ from other fitness competitions, and men's physique competition in detail.

What is JBBF (Japan Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation)?

The JBBF is the official organization that oversees bodybuilding and fitness competitions in Japan.

It works in conjunction with the international organization IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness), and Japanese representatives sometimes participate in Asian and world championships.

Therefore, JBBF competitions are known as competitions with a strong element of competitive sport, not just fitness events.

Another characteristic is that doping tests and athlete registration systems are also in place, maintaining a fair competitive environment.

Characteristics of JBBF Competitions

The biggest characteristic of JBBF competitions is their emphasis on fairness as a sport and judging criteria that value physical perfection.

 Especially in bodybuilding and physique competitions, not only muscle mass but also the following elements are comprehensively evaluated:

  • Muscle mass
  • Condition (low body fat, muscle definition)
  • Body balance
  • Posing

While some competition organizations emphasize elaborate staging and entertainment, JBBF can be considered a "classic bodybuilding competition" that prioritizes competitiveness.

As a result, many athletes who have trained for many years participate, and it is known as a very high-level competition in Japan.

Differences from Other Fitness Competition Organizations

There are multiple organizations for fitness competitions, and each has different judging criteria and competition atmosphere. The differences from representative competition organizations in Japan are summarized in the table below.

Organization Characteristics Judging Tendency
JBBF Japan Bodybuilding Federation Emphasis on muscle mass and athleticism
APF Entertainment-oriented competitions Emphasis on style and appearance
FWJ Collaborates with overseas organizations Muscle mass and conditioning
SSA Popular Japanese-originated organization Well-balanced physique

As such, JBBF tends to emphasize the perfection of the competition and the physique's finish compared to other organizations. Therefore, many athletes who seriously pursue bodybuilding and physique competitions participate in these events.

JBBF Competition Categories

The JBBF hosts competitions in the following categories:

Category Characteristics
Bodybuilding A competition of muscle mass and conditioning
Men's Physique Competitors wear board shorts and compete on style
Classic Physique Emphasizes beautiful muscle balance
Bikini Fitness Evaluates well-balanced female physiques

Among these, Men's Physique is highly popular, and in recent years, it has become a category where many athletes, from beginners to advanced, participate.

Overwhelmingly Popular with Beginners! What is "JBBF Men's Physique"?

Overwhelmingly Popular with Beginners! What is

JBBF Men's Physique is a competition category where athletes wear board shorts and compete on the balance and beauty of their physique's silhouette. Instead of extreme muscle mass like in bodybuilding, a balanced physique with the following characteristics is evaluated:

  • Broad shoulders
  • Narrow waist
  • V-tapered silhouette
  • Overall balance

Specifically, the V-taper (a V-shaped physique) is a crucial judging point in men's physique competitions.

JBBF Competition Types and Level Overview

From Local to Japan's Best! The JBBF Competition Pyramid Structure (by Level)

JBBF competitions have a clear pyramid-shaped hierarchical structure, from local tournaments that serve as a gateway for beginners to championship battles that determine Japan's best.

Essentially, the system allows athletes to advance to higher stages by placing high in lower-level competitions and earning "qualification" (the right to participate in higher-level competitions).

Competition Level Competition Type (Example) Characteristics and Participant Level
Level 1
(Gateway/Local Open)
・〇〇 Prefecture Open Competition
・〇〇 Prefecture Novice Championship
[For Beginners to Intermediate]
These are optimal for debuts, including "Open" competitions where participation is allowed regardless of residence or athlete registration, and "Novice" competitions limited to athletes with no prior competition experience or awards.
Level 2
(Prefectural Peak)
・Tokyo Championship
・Osaka Championship, etc.
[For Intermediate to Advanced]
Competitions to decide the No. 1 in each prefecture. Participants are those registered in that prefecture, and often, high placement here grants a ticket to national competitions.
Level 3
(Regional/Block)
・Kanto Championship
・Kansai Championship, etc.
[For Advanced]
High-level competitions to decide champions for regional blocks spanning multiple prefectures. These are packed with formidable national-level competitors.
Level 4
(National/Japan's Best)
・All Japan
・Japan Championship
[Japan's Top Class]
The ultimate stage reserved for top athletes who have earned strict qualification. Winning here opens the path to international and world championships like the IFBB.

Which one should I enter? How JBBF classes (categories) are divided

Once you've decided on the level of competition to enter, the next step is to choose "which class (category) to enter" within that competition.

Unlike bodybuilding, which is divided by "weight class," men's physique is primarily subdivided based on the following criteria, allowing for fair judging among athletes with similar conditions.

Class Division Details and Characteristics
Newcomer/Beginner Class
(Novice/Newcomer)
A beginner-level competition class exclusively for those who have no prior awards in championships or are completely new to competitions.
Height-based Class
(e.g., Under 168cm)
The most basic division in men's physique. Classes are divided by height, such as "Under 168cm," "Under 172cm," "Under 176cm," and "Over 176cm."
Age-based Class
(Junior/Masters)
Classes divided by age, such as "Junior" (e.g., under 23) and "Masters" (e.g., 40 and over, 50 and over).
Overall
(Open Class)
A final showdown where the champions from each height-based and age-based class gather to determine the "overall champion across all classes."

Which JBBF competition should beginners enter?

If you are entering a JBBF competition for the first time, instead of immediately participating in a championship that determines the NO.1 in each prefecture, it is recommended to start with a local "open competition" or "novice category."

The reasons are as follows:

  • There are categories specifically for beginners (e.g., classes for those with no prior competition experience).

  • Open competitions are easy to enter regardless of your place of residence.

  • You can stand on stage with athletes of a similar level and experience.

Men's physique has become extremely popular in recent years, and even local open competitions are bustling with many enthusiastic athletes.

The general process is to first experience the atmosphere of the stage at a competition level suitable for you, and then aim for block and national competitions.

JBBF Annual Competition Schedule

JBBF competitions are primarily held from spring to autumn. The general schedule for competitions is as follows:

Period Competition
May to July Local Competitions
July to September Block Competitions
September to October National Competitions

Since the competition dates change every year, you need to check the official website of each prefectural federation for the latest information.

Local Competition Season

Local competitions begin to be held all over the country from around May. There are many competitions, and they are the ones with the most participating athletes throughout the year.

Especially for Men's Physique, which is a popular category, dozens to over 100 athletes may participate.

National Competition Season

National competitions are often held from September to October. Representative competitions include:

  • Japan Men's Physique Championship
  • All Japan Fitness Championship
  • Japan Bodybuilding Championship

At these competitions, you can see the physiques of top-level athletes in Japan.

How to Enter JBBF Competitions

To participate in JBBF competitions, "athlete registration" and "anti-doping seminar attendance" are mandatory in advance.

The general procedure consists of the following 3 steps:

  1. Choose the type of athlete registration that suits you

  2. Attend an anti-doping seminar

  3. Enter the competition you wish to participate in

Here, we will explain the details of each step and tips for saving money for those entering a competition for the first time.

STEP1 Choose the "Athlete Registration" that suits you

There are broadly three types of JBBF athlete registration. Choose the one that suits your situation and competition plans.

  • Affiliated Club Registration: This method involves registering as a member of a JBBF-certified gym. Procedures are carried out through the gym.

  • Individual Registration (General Registration): This is for individuals not affiliated with a certified gym, registering personally through the JBBF official website. General athlete registration fees cost approximately 6,000 to 8,000 yen annually.

  • Limited Registration (Recommended for beginners): This system is for those who "just want to participate in one local open competition for now." The registration fee is around 2,000 yen. Many beginners use this "limited registration" to make their debut.

STEP2 Anti-Doping Seminar (e-learning also available)

The JBBF is very strict about anti-doping to maintain a clean sports environment. Therefore, all athletes participating in competitions are required to attend an anti-doping seminar.

You might think it's troublesome to go to a venue for the seminar, but currently, online (on-demand streaming or e-learning) attendance is possible.

  • First-time participants: You can fulfill the requirement by taking e-learning courses provided by JADA (Japan Anti-Doping Agency), among others. You can learn at your own pace using a computer or smartphone.

  • Validity period: Once you complete a prescribed seminar, it is generally "valid for 3 years," including the year of attendance.

※Completion of the seminar is a mandatory requirement for competition entry, so make sure to complete it early, in parallel with the athlete registration process.

STEP3 Competition Entry

Once athlete registration and anti-doping training are complete, it's time to enter the competition.

Currently, in the JBBF, it is common practice to enter competitions and pay participation fees online through the "Athlete's Dedicated My Page" on the official website.

  • Entry Period: Entries often close about 1-2 months before the competition date, so regularly check the event guidelines and schedule on each prefectural federation's homepage.

  • Entry Fee: Varies depending on the scale of the competition, but for local open competitions, it's typically around 5,000 to 8,000 yen. Additional fees are required if entering multiple categories simultaneously.

[Caution] Is it true that registering with JBBF prevents you from competing in other organizations' competitions?

There is an important rule that beginners considering JBBF competitions must know.

That is, if you register for "annual registration" with the JBBF, you will generally be unable to participate in other organizations' (such as FWJ, APF, SSA) competitions within that year.

If you unknowingly participate in another organization's competition, you could face severe penalties, such as suspension from JBBF competitions (a multi-year penalty), so caution is advised.

Eligibility to compete in other organizations varies by registration category

JBBF athlete registration (annual registration) broadly offers two methods: "affiliated organization athlete registration (through gyms, etc.)" and "individual athlete registration (via website)." Eligibility to compete in other organizations' competitions changes depending on the category chosen.

Category Participation in other organizations' competitions Eligible JBBF competitions
JBBF Affiliated Organization Athlete Registration × Open competitions, local/block championships*, JBBF-sponsored competitions
Bodybuilding Individual Athlete Registration × Open competitions, local/block championships*, JBBF-sponsored competitions
Fitness Individual Athlete Registration × Open competitions, local/block championships*, JBBF-sponsored competitions
Open Individual Athlete Registration Conditional ○ Open competitions, block open competitions only

As the table shows, participation in other organizations is generally prohibited (×), but "Open Individual Athlete Registration" is the only category that allows conditional participation in other organizations' competitions. However, this registration limits participation to open competitions and excludes JBBF local championships and JBBF-sponsored national competitions.

【Reference】Athlete registration fees

  • Registration through an affiliated organization: New application 6,000 yen / Renewal application 4,000 yen

  • Annual individual registration: Open athlete registration 5,000 yen / Fitness athlete registration 12,000 yen / Bodybuilding athlete registration 20,000 yen

  • ※The basic procedure is online, but postal procedures are also available (an additional 1,000 yen is required for postal registration).

Why can't I compete in other organizations?

The biggest reason is to maintain a strict anti-doping system.

The JBBF is the only fitness organization in Japan that conducts strict testing based on JADA (Japan Anti-Doping Agency) standards.

This rule is in place due to a strong stance to "prevent athletes from mixing with other organizations that have different doping test standards and to protect a completely clean competitive environment."

Competitions that can be entered as an exception (e.g., Muscle Gate)

However, not all other competitions are strictly forbidden.

For example, Muscle Gate, organized by Gold's Gym, adheres to JBBF rules and anti-doping regulations, so JBBF registered athletes can participate.

Muscle Gate is also very popular as a gateway for beginners.

How should beginners choose?

For those who are torn between "JBBF's classic judging" and "experiencing the entertainment aspect of FWJ or APF," it's recommended not to immediately opt for JBBF's annual registration (a category that prohibits participation in other organizations). Instead, consider the following methods first:

  • Challenge "Muscle Gate," which does not require registration.

  • Participate in open competitions with "Open Individual Athlete Registration," which conditionally allows participation in other organizations.

The atmosphere of the stage and the required physique standards vary greatly among organizations. Taking time to determine which organization suits you best is also a key to a successful competition debut.

Estimated Cost of JBBF Competition Participation

Participating in a JBBF competition incurs several costs. The main expenses are as follows:

Item Estimated Cost
Athlete Registration Fee 5,000 yen to 20,000 yen
Competition Entry Fee 5,000 yen to 8,000 yen
Coloring Around 10,000 yen
Physique Trunks 7,000 yen to 15,000 yen

Especially for Men's Physique, the choice of competition board shorts is also crucial. This is because the length and design of the shorts can significantly change the body's silhouette.

The next chapter will detail preparations for JBBF Men's Physique competitions and how to choose physique trunks.

Preparation for JBBF Physique Competitions

List of preparations for JBBF competitions

To achieve good results in JBBF Men's Physique competitions, not only training but also preparation for the competition is extremely important.

In particular, the following three points are what many athletes focus on preparing before a competition:

  • Weight loss and conditioning adjustment
  • Posing practice
  • Preparation of competition board shorts

In Men's Physique, body silhouette and stage presence are also evaluation criteria, so what kind of shorts you wear is surprisingly an important factor.

Here, we will briefly explain the key points for competition preparation.

Weight Loss Schedule Until Competition

In men's physique, it is important to reduce body fat to clearly show muscle definition and conditioning.

 Generally, many athletes start cutting 3 to 4 months before a competition.

 To maintain muscle mass while reducing body fat, it is necessary to balance training, diet, and aerobic exercise.

Physique Posing Practice

In Men's Physique, athletes emphasize their physique with basic poses such as front and back poses.

 Practicing poses that emphasize broad shoulders and a narrow waist can significantly change the impression of the same physique.

 Therefore, many athletes practice posing in front of a mirror or by recording videos before a competition.

Items Needed for the Stage

The main items needed on competition day are as follows:

  • Competition board shorts
  • Tubes for pump-up
  • Competition registration card

Especially, physique shorts are a crucial item that affects the appearance on stage, so it is necessary to choose them carefully in advance.

JBBF Physique Board Shorts Regulations

For men's physique competitions, competitors bring board shorts, but there are regulations for each competition.

Below are the shorts regulations extracted from the JBBF official website:

  • Board shorts that are too tight, revealing the shape of the thigh, are not allowed (there must be at least two fingers' width of space between the shorts and the thigh, perpendicular to the thigh, near the knee).
  • No aftermarket attachments such as rhinestones.
  • The shorts must cover the entire upper leg from above the knee.
  • Fabrics or designs with reflective or glossy finishes are undesirable.

Cited from: JBBF Official Website

How to Choose JBBF Competition Physique Board Shorts

In men's physique, the choice of shorts can change how the body is perceived. Most experienced athletes consider the following points when choosing shorts:

A length of about 5-10cm above the knee is generally safe.

Shorts that are too long can make your legs appear shorter. On the other hand, shorts that are too short may not meet the JBBF competition regulations.

Therefore, most athletes wear shorts with a length of about 5-10cm above the knee.

Designs that make the waist look narrower

In men's physique, a "V-shape," which is a large difference between shoulder width and waist, is important.

Therefore, by choosing shorts with a design that makes the waist area appear narrower, you can make your body balance look better.

Brands designed for competitions are reassuring.

For physique board shorts, it is essential to choose brands specifically designed for competition, rather than regular beach shorts.

They are made with special cutting tailored to the unique physique of bodybuilders, with "narrow waists and developed legs," which dramatically enhances the beauty of the V-taper when worn.

Furthermore, the JBBF has very strict regulations regarding logo size and other details compared to other organizations, so caution is needed. While famous international brands are appealing, there is a risk of violating regulations depending on the design.

Therefore, one recommended option for JBBF competitors is the ALL OUT board shorts from the Japanese fitness brand.

  • Beautiful silhouette tailored to the Japanese physique

  • High stretchability that doesn't hinder posing

  • Design mindful of strict JBBF regulations

If you are new to competitions and struggling with outfit choices, please check out the lineup below.

5 Popular Board Short Brands for JBBF Competitions

Popular Board Short Brand for JBBF Competitions ①: ALL OUT

ALL OUT board shorts feature a design meticulously calculated to enhance an athlete's physique to the utmost on the competition stage.

Currently, two models are available, allowing athletes to choose based on their body structure and posing style.

APF Certified/Recommended Model

ALL OUT Physique Board Shorts APF Certified/Recommended Model

The first is the standard model, which emphasizes the classic V-shape and creates a traditional silhouette.

It includes a 24-inch model rarely seen in other brands, which can highlight the "overwhelming V-tapered silhouette," the most highly evaluated aspect in physique, to an unparalleled degree.

Item ① APF Certified/Recommended Model
Price ¥12,000 (tax included)
Main Target Organizations APF, FWJ, JBBF, etc.
Supervision/Recommendation Supervised by CEO Adachi
Sizes Available 24 / 26 / 28 / 30 inches
Colors Available 10 colors
Shape Characteristics Standard model. Calculated silhouette emphasizing the V-shape.
Recommended Athletes Balanced athletes

Design List

Here is a list of ALL OUT shorts designs.

ALL OUT Physique Board Shorts APF Model Design List

User Experiences and Reviews

Yuyu Aikawa

APF ALL OUT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 Street Model 1st Place, Physique Model Class 20 4th Place

Yuyu Aikawa

When I first wore them, what I noticed most was the great fit and ease of movement!

Even when posing on stage, the fabric didn't pull, allowing me to naturally show off my body lines. In particular, the design of the waist visually cinches the waist, which really emphasizes the V-shape.

Also, this model is designed with competitions in mind, so the length and silhouette balance were exquisite! The clean line above the knee made it easy to balance with the upper body, significantly enhancing my stage presence.

The level of completion, with supervision from IFBB PRO athletes and international judges, is truly convincing, and it's also great that it can be worn without issues in JBBF competitions!

View details on ALL OUT

PRO Specification Model (ZeniX Recommended)

ALL OUT Physique Board Shorts ZeniX Certified/Recommended PRO Model

The second is a high-performance model featuring cutting designed to highlight a more extreme taper and thigh separation.

Both boast overwhelming stretchability and comfort, which do not interfere with intense posing.

Item ② PRO Specification Model (ZeniX Recommended)
Price ¥12,500 (tax included)
Main Target Organizations ZeniX, FWJ, JBBF, Muscle Gate, etc.
Supervision/Recommendation Recommended by IFBB PRO Athlete / Sally Sasaki
Sizes Available 26 / 28 / 30 / 32 inches
Colors Available 10 colors
Shape Characteristics Uses highly elastic fabric. Highlights well-developed quadriceps and emphasizes the V-shape to the extreme. Suitable for athletes with a large muscle mass.
Recommended Athletes Athletes who want to showcase their leg muscle mass and separation

Design List

The designs are consistent with the APF model.

ALL OUT Physique Board Shorts Pro Model Design List

User Experiences and Reviews

Yuyu Aikawa

APF ALL OUT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 Street Model 1st Place, Physique Model Class 20 4th Place

Yuyu Aikawa

With the PRO model, I was amazed by the high stretchability of the fabric the moment I put it on!

Even with twists and side poses, typical movements in physique, there was absolutely no stress, and the major advantage was being able to concentrate on posing!

What was particularly impressive was the cutting, which beautifully highlights the lines of the quadriceps. Since leg separation is naturally emphasized, it would be a great fit for athletes who diligently train their legs!

Furthermore, as a model supervised by IFBB PRO athletes and international judges, the silhouette and design are truly competition-oriented. It can be worn without issues in JBBF competitions!

Also, the colors really stand out under the stage lighting, so I felt it was easy to make a strong presence. This model is highly recommended for athletes with large muscle mass or those who want to fully showcase the completeness of their legs!


Athletes wearing ALL OUT

Faroukh Ishimoto (IFBB PRO)
A top pro who has competed in Olympia. ALL OUT is cherished as gear that strongly supports his overwhelming bulk and proportion, and his beautiful outline on stage.

Faroukh Ishimoto (IFBB PRO)

Yuki Kamiyama (IFBB PRO)
A pro bodybuilder with world-class perfection. He wears ALL OUT as a symbol demonstrating "overwhelming stage presence" that stands out even amidst strict judging criteria.

Yuki Kamiyama (IFBB PRO) wearing ALL OUT

Ryohei Okada (IFBB PRO)
Known for his precise muscle separation and stylish posing. He embodies the PRO-spec functionality that perfectly follows intense movements on his own stage.

Ryohei Okada (IFBB PRO) wearing ALL OUT

Tsukaken (Kenta Tsukamoto)
A popular and talented muscle influencer known as "the man with Japan's best pectorals." Having worn countless types of apparel, he relies on ALL OUT as "the one piece that won't fail" for competitions, proving its solid trustworthiness.

Tsukaken (Kenta Tsukamoto) wearing ALL OUT

Takumi Ishikawa (Natural IFBB PRO)
A professional boasting a naturally and extremely well-trained physique. The excellent cutting is favored as it enhances the intricate muscle definition without any hindrance.

Takumi Ishikawa (Natural IFBB PRO) wearing ALL OUT

Popular Board Short Brand for JBBF Competitions ②: VEATM

Recommended physique board shorts brand ②: VEATM

VEATM is a brand that has gained explosive popularity in the Japanese fitness scene in recent years.

It features trending color block designs and gradients that create an optical illusion to make the waist appear narrower, with physique competition-specific innovations evident throughout.

Item VEATM Stage Shorts (Board Shorts)
Main Target Organizations FWJ, APF, JBBF, etc.
Supervision/Recommendation Many top domestic athletes, including Ryo Terashima (IFBB PRO), use and recommend it.
Sizes Available S / M / L / XL
Colors Available Abundant (colors calculated for Japanese stage lighting and Protana's dark skin tone)
Shape Characteristics 4-way super stretch material that smoothly follows intense posing. The knee area is designed to be tight, creating a beautiful tapered silhouette without the need for alterations.
Recommended Athletes Athletes who prioritize range of motion in posing and want to display a refined V-shape without stress.

Athletes wearing VEATM

Ryo Terashima (IFBB PRO)
He also wore VEATM board shorts when he earned his pro card at Olympia Amateur Japan.

He also wore VEATM model board shorts at the FWJ TOKYO PRO in 2024.

Na-suke
A popular fitness influencer. His meticulously designed custom model is also available.

User Experiences and Reviews

Yuyu Aikawa APF ALL OUT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 Street Model 1st Place, Physique Model Class 20 4th Place

APF ALL OUT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 Street Model 1st Place, Physique Model Class 20 4th Place

Yuyu Aikawa

This model boasts a high level of completion with trendy color design and 4-way stretch material, which doesn't hinder the range of motion during posing.

The knee area is designed to be tight, so the leg line naturally shapes itself, making it an excellent choice for creating a refined, physique-like silhouette.

Popular Board Short Brand for JBBF Competitions ③: FIED

Recommended physique board shorts brand ③: FIED
FIED is a highly popular board short brand for physique competitions worldwide.

It features a minimalist and sophisticated design, with subtle coloring and a calculated silhouette that beautifully accentuates the body's lines on stage.

Its simple yet impactful style is supported by many physique athletes.
Item FIED Competition Shorts
Main Target Organizations FWJ, JBBF, NABBA, etc.
Supervision/Recommendation Loved by IFBB PRO athletes in Korea and top amateur competitors in Japan.
Sizes Available 26 / 28 / 30 / 32 inches
Colors Available Abundant (ranging from dark tones to gradients)
Shape Characteristics The "intense taper" from waist to hem is its greatest feature. The fabric has a firm texture, preventing sagging around the glutes during back poses and fitting snugly against the quadriceps.
Recommended Athletes Athletes who want to make their waist appear extremely narrow and emphasize the volume of their legs (quadriceps) by several folds.

Athletes wearing FIED

Joe Uesato
A top-class physique athlete in Japan, known for wearing FIED board shorts.

User Experiences and Reviews

Yuyu Aikawa

APF ALL OUT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 Street Model 1st Place, Physique Model Class 20 4th Place

Yuyu Aikawa

The strong tapered design is a major feature, emphasizing both a narrow waist and quadriceps volume simultaneously. The fabric has just the right amount of stiffness, preventing the silhouette from collapsing even during back poses, making it suitable for athletes who want to clearly showcase their leg development.

Popular Board Short Brand for JBBF Competitions ④: LYFT

Recommended physique board shorts brand ④: LYFT

LYFT is a very popular brand produced by Edward Kato.

It features stylish designs that blend fitness and lifestyle, and its sophisticated graphics, which look great not only on stage but also for casual wear at the beach or pool, are a major appeal.

Item LÝFT Stage Shorts
Main Target Organizations FWJ, APF, JBBF, etc.
Supervision/Recommendation Produced and supervised by Edward Kato (IFBB PRO)
Sizes Available XS / S / M / L 
Colors Available Limited edition colorsに合わせて (国旗モチーフやオリジナル柄など / 即完売多数)
Shape Characteristics Maintains the stiffness typical of board shorts while adding appropriate stretchability. Features a heavyweight fabric that best highlights muscle definition and an exquisite length a few centimeters above the knee.
Recommended Athletes Athletes who want to exude overwhelming charisma and design, presenting a stylish look on stage.

Athletes wearing LYFT

Edward Kato (IFBB PRO)

Founder of LYFT and an IFBB PRO Men's Physique athlete. He wears LYFT board shorts in his own competitions and training.

User Experiences and Reviews

Yuyu Aikawa

APF ALL OUT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 Street Model 1st Place, Physique Model Class 20 4th Place

Yuyu Aikawa

Features a heavyweight fabric characteristic of board shorts and a sophisticated design. With appropriate stretchability and an exquisite length above the knee, it can elegantly showcase muscle definition and create a stylish impression. This model is also popular among athletes who prioritize design.

Popular Board Short Brand for JBBF Competitions ⑤: CHULA WEAR

Recommended physique board shorts brand ⑤: CHULA WEAR

CHULA WEAR is an incredibly popular brand from the USA that is currently sweeping the global physique scene. Its biggest feature is the use of a "stiff, firm fabric" that intentionally minimizes stretchability.

This ensures that the fabric doesn't bunch or wrinkle during intense posing, maintaining a perfect, beautiful V-tapered silhouette that flares from the waist to the hem. It's truly a world-standard board short, with overwhelmingly high usage rates even on the Olympia stage.

Item CHULA WEAR Stage Shorts
Main Target Organizations FWJ, IFBB PRO League (Olympia, etc.) world standard
Supervision/Recommendation Used by Olympians worldwide and international IFBB PRO athletes.
Sizes Available 26 / 28 / 30 / 32 / 34 inches
Colors Available Extremely abundant (bold color schemes unique to international brands, such as asymmetrical designs and neon colors).
Shape Characteristics Stiff, firm fabric. Adopts the trend of "slightly shorter length (equivalent to 16-17 inches)," forming a rugged, hardcore outline like international pros.
Recommended Athletes Athletes who want to incorporate world-standard trends and emphasize their overwhelming bulk (muscle mass) and muscle density.

Athletes wearing CHULA WEAR

The top of the top, the champions who shine at Olympia, all favor it, giving it an overwhelming brand power that makes competitors think, "Someday, I want to stand on stage wearing CHULA WEAR."

Ryan Terry (IFBB PRO)
A perennial top competitor in Men's Physique Olympia. He wears CHULA WEAR as gear that highlights his world-class vacuum pose and artistic abdominal definition.

Erin Banks (IFBB PRO)
2022 Men's Physique Olympia champion. It contributes to creating a perfect silhouette that emphasizes his overwhelming back width and extremely narrow waist.

Other top IFBB PRO athletes, domestic and international
Not only top professionals worldwide but also a very high percentage of top competitors in Japan's Pro Qualifier (pro card issuing competition) wear it, establishing its solid position as "board shorts for winners."

User Experiences and Reviews

Yuyu Aikawa

APF ALL OUT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 Street Model 1st Place, Physique Model Class 20 4th Place

Yuyu Aikawa

The firm, stiff fabric is a key feature, and its greatest appeal is that the silhouette doesn't lose its shape during posing. The trendy short design creates a rugged, three-dimensional outline like international pros. This is an ideal pair for athletes who want to strongly emphasize their muscle mass and density.

[Competition Judge's Commentary] What is a JBBF competition? Summary of rules, how to participate, and board shorts.

This time, we thoroughly explained "JBBF," Japan's largest fitness competition organization, from its pyramid structure to specific entry rules, and even how to choose physique board shorts that can determine victory or defeat.

Let's review the important points of this article:

  • JBBF is a competition-oriented, classic organization: A strict anti-doping system is in place, and annual registration generally prohibits participation in other organizations, so caution is required.
  • Hierarchical structure that beginners can easily challenge: Instead of competing directly at the top level, you can safely step up from "local open competitions" or "novice classes" (rookie competitions).
  • Early preparation is essential for participation: Complete "athlete registration" and "anti-doping seminar attendance (online available)" before competition entry.
  • Board shorts are a "weapon" that influences victory or defeat: Uncompromising selection of apparel is essential to maximize the "V-taper" and "leg balance," which judges also pay close attention to.

The JBBF stage is the hottest arena to showcase the results of your strenuous training and weight loss that you've diligently accumulated day after day.

If you're interested in physique, get the meticulously crafted apparel recommended by pros and judges, such as "ALL OUT," "VEATM," and "FIED," introduced in this article, and confidently challenge the JBBF stage! We're rooting for you.

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APF大会とは?フィジークのルール・出場方法・サーフパンツまで解説

What is the APF Tournament? An explanation of physique rules, how to enter, and even surf shorts

APF (Asia Physique Federation) is a fitness competition organization that is rapidly gaining popularity in Japan. It features various categories such as Men's Physique and Bodybuilding, with compet...

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FWJ大会とは?出場方法からフィジークのルール・サーフパンツの選び方まで徹底解説

What Is the FWJ Competition? From How to Enter to Physique Rules and How to Choose Surf Shorts: A Thorough Explanation

FWJ (Fitness World Japan) is the largest fitness competition organization in Japan, boasting overwhelming popularity and a rapidly growing number of participants. It features various categories suc...

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