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

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"?

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:
-
Choose the type of athlete registration that suits you
-
Attend an anti-doping seminar
-
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

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

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.

User Experiences and Reviews
APF ALL OUT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 Street Model 1st Place, Physique Model Class 20 4th Place
PRO Specification Model (ZeniX Recommended)

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 |
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Popular Board Short Brand for JBBF Competitions 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.
Popular Board Short Brand for JBBF Competitions ③: FIED

| 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.
[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.





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!