Is it cheating?

[joker26]

take off your stripes it's not the only tactic that you can use:
tie your belt on the wrong way, wear a gi too large, start to fight against the referee instead of your opponent

 

[FinBJJ]

It doesn't matter. Most people know that not every team uses stripes so it's pointless. It's also common knowledge that people often have their training belt and a comp belt because your comp belt needs to be in good condition. I don't see why someone would go through the trouble of striping up their comp belt.

 

[yetanother]

In our gym they are given both to mark white belts who completed the introductory course and on a time based basis to people so that even people who suck at bjj get something at promotion time.

 

[Ved]

I had to buy a new belt for the Euros last week, no point in putting the stripes on. You have to assume that anyone with a fresh belt has put in the time and wouldn't go light on anyone at a comp.

The only exception being when you see the opponent is a Gracie Jiu Jitsu blue belt

 

[robby241]

it wont change how you roll so dont waste your time