Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art that doesn’t require much equipment. If you have a pair of bodies and a mat, you have almost everything you need. But unless you’re planning on only ever practicing no-gi jiu-jitsu, there’s one more item you’ll need: a jiu-jitsu gi.
Whether you’re brand new to jiu-jitsu, just dipping your toes into gi jiu-jitsu, or a seasoned practitioner looking for the best gi for your needs, you can quickly become overwhelmed by the variety of gis available on the market. First things first: not all jiu-jitsu gis are equal.
Gi is a uniform used by people who are training for Jiu-jitsu. It is an adaptation of keikogi, the uniform used in Japanese martial arts. A Gi is an essential part of the sport; in fact, there are a set of rules stipulated by IBJJF(International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) concerned with its proper usage in a competition.
Aside from having the proper training given by a professional in the sport, it is also vital that the person who is doing Jiu-Jitsu can move freely without any distractions, hence the importance of having a Gi that is perfect for the person's size. One example is charlesgracie.com. When shopping for the correct size to buy, you have to consider the height and the weight of the person. Having a Gi that fits perfectly with your body ensures that you will perform very well without any distraction, but it also gives the person the boost in confidence, and it signifies respect to the art.
Learning Jiu-jitsu can be both advantageous and beneficial. It can help both our mental and physical health. Just as necessary the training is, the uniform used in this sport is also an important part. It is vital to have the proper uniform because it maintains the integrity of the sport. Having the correct size and fit is also essential to ensure that the person can perform well.
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All gis derive from the traditional Japanese keikogi, but each is adapted to better suit the respective martial art they are used in. The most frequent comparison is with the judogi simply because judo is the other prominent martial art that is grappling based. At first glance, the judo and BJJ gi may look the same, but if you take a closer look you will find that the judo uniform is a lot looser and with wider sleeves. The differences are rather functional, not just mere aesthetics. The tighter fit of the BJJ gi makes it much more comfortable for extended rolling where the wide sleeves of the judogi tend to get in the way. The BJJ gi is designed for the intense action the sport is known for.
How a BJJ Gi Should Fit - Travis Stevens
Key Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Gi
Gis vary in weight, materials, fit, aesthetic and more. You should take each of these factors into account when purchasing a gi. Will I be using this gi in a sweltering hot training room?
Gi Fit and IBJJF Requirements
Before we dive into specific gis and the differences between them, let’s first take a look at the requirements of a properly fitting jiu-jitsu gi. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is the world’s largest competition organization and sets requirements for gi fit. The full IBJJF gi requirements can be found here.
When choosing a gi, proper fit might be the most important overall factor. It doesn’t matter how durable or beautiful your gi is, if it doesn’t fit your body type, it’s of no use. This is more than just fashion: a gi that is too short in the sleeves or pants give you an unfair advantage because your opponents will have a harder time gripping you. Conversely, if your gi is too big and baggy, you’ll be easier to grip.
Gi sizes range from “I” (infant) to “A” (adult) with a number between 0 and 6 following that letter (for example, “I4” or “A1”). Some gi companies also provide sizes for specific body types, such as “short,” “long,” “fitted,” or “heavy.” You will see these sizes listed as something like “A2L” for an adult sized 2, long. Pay careful attention to each company’s sizing chart to find the gi that most closely matches your body type and measurements.
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It’s worth noting that most jiu-jitsu gis come pre-shrunk, but you can expect to see your gi shrink ever-so-slightly with normal use and care.
If you have any previous knowledge and experience with gi size charts from other martial arts, don’t rely on it, or you’ll end up with a very inappropriate sized gi for BJJ. As we said each brand has its own size chart, but generally all of them consist of a letter and number. The letter shows who the gi is made for like A for adult males and F for females etc. The number is indicative of the size most often ranging from 0 to 6. Other brands use fewer numbers, but offer half sizes like 2.5 or 3.5. The main consideration in the size charts is the height and weight of the user. They serve as the main reference.
For a better understanding, we’ve included the Venum size chart.
It’s often the case that when you take your measures you will find that you fit in two different sizes and feel unsure which to choose. In this case, it’s almost always the right decision to go with the one that will fit your body tighter, even if you have to deal with slightly longer sleeves and trousers. If you choose length over width from the size chart the gi will be looser and baggy and this can become a nightmare when you start training.
Everybody has a different build and the chart cannot accommodate everybody perfectly.
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Gi Weight and Weave
With those requirements in mind, we can move forward to perhaps the biggest difference among gis: the weight of the gi. A jiu-jitsu beginner might assume that the best gis, no matter what, are lighter in weight. They are, after all, much more comfortable in hot temperatures, dry quicker and we are conditioned to believe that lighter is better. But don’t jump to this conclusion too quickly.
There are a couple of downsides to purchasing a lightweight gi. First, in order to save on weight, these gis are typically made with with thinner, less durable materials. Accordingly, these gis tend to wear out quicker than heavier gis made with more substantial materials. Additionally, because these gis are made with thinner and lighter materials, they are easier for opponents to grab and grip.
Of course, there are downsides to purchasing a heavier gi as well. For obvious reasons, these gis are hotter to train in. If your home gym is in South Florida and the air conditioner only works half of the time don’t choose a heavy gi for your day-to-day training.
The most important characteristic of a BJJ gi besides the size is its weave pattern. If you don’t know what does this means the easiest way to look at it is that weave equals appearance. The lightest one is made in a single weave. This is the simplest weave and the fabric looks smooth and flat. The Pearl weave is by far the most used fabric for BJJ gis. The gold weave is preferred by some practitioners because it’s lightweight, but also durable. A double weave gi is made like the single, but with twice the amount of threads used. This makes the fabric extremely strong, but also heavier, more restrictive, and more expensive.
Gi manufacturers often refer to the grams per square meter, or “GSM,” of a gi’s material. As the name suggests, this measurement indicates the weight of the gi material. The higher the number, the heavier the gi. In broad terms, the type of weave used for the gi determines the weight of the gi. Single weave gis tend to be lighter in weight but are less durable. Double weave gis, as you’d expect, are heavier and more durable. You’ll also run into other weaves, such as honeycomb, pearl, and gold weave. These weaves refer to differences in the look and feel of the material, but for our purposes, they are typically similar in weight and durability to a double weave.
Gi Color
Jiu-jitsu gis come in a variety of colors, but the three traditional options are white, blue, or black. Importantly, these are the only colors allowed for IBJJF competition. So, if you’re planning to compete make sure you get a gi in one of these three colors.
If you haven’t already, you should check to see if your academy has any restrictions on gi color. Many schools require their students to wear white gis to every class or on special occasions. If you’re a bit flashier or want a gi that will draw some attention, you might be interested in a more unique color option, like orange, pink, camouflage or even tie-dye. Again, check with your academy first to make sure non-traditional gis are permitted. Also, remember you won’t be able to wear these gis in any IBJJF competition.
Top Gi Recommendations
Finding the right gi presents some unique challenges. If you ask the more experienced guys in your gym you will get contradicting opinions that may confuse you even further. After all there is no “better” weight or weave. It’s all up to you to find the one you feel and perform the best in.
- Venum Power 2.0: The Venum Power 2.0 is the gi that gives you everything you need and want in a high-quality gi. With a 450 GSM pearl weave jacket and ripstop pants, this gi is made to hold up under the rigors of years of training. It’s simple aesthetic will look great in competition and give you plenty of space to add gym patches or sponsors. The gi is reinforced at the sleeves, pants, and inner knee. Moreover, Venum has long been a trusted name in jiu-jitsu. The Power 2.0 is expertly made.
- Tatami Classic BJJ Gi: The Tatami Classic BJJ Gi is our pick for best gi when considering value, durability, dependability, and aesthetics. The top half of the gi jacket is made with a heavy 550 GSM pearl weave fabric. The bottom half of the jacket is a lighter 350 GSM. This means the jacket will be lighter on your body while giving you extra durability where it is most needed. The pants provide a lighter feel with 250 GSM “anti-grip” grip fabric and 550 GSM pearl weave gussets to ensure your pants won’t rip where they stretch the most. Tatami has long been one of the most trusted names in jiu-jitsu. In terms of look, there’s nothing flashy about the Classic, and that’s exactly why we like it.
- Fuji Submit Everyone: In a crowded field of excellent gis, Fuji’s Submit Everyone comes out on top. The gi has the perfect amount of aesthetic touches. From the words “submit everyone” written around the stitching to the classic mountain logo on the pants the attention to detail is top-notch. The jacket is a lightweight 350 GSM pearl weave. The pants are made of lightweight ripstop fabric. This makes this gi perfect for hot training sessions. Unlike many other lightweight gis the Submit Everyone has a thicker collar to make gripping more difficult as well as numerous reinforcements in the jacket and pants to ensure this gi’s durability. Fuji is also a brand that we’ve grown to trust as one the most reliable in jiu-jitsu.
- Hayabusa Marvel Hero Elite: Whether you’re looking for a gi that’s a little more eye-catching or you’re simply a massive comic book fan, the Hayabusa Marvel Hero Elite is an excellent choice for grapplers looking to make a statement with their gi. While this gi comes in the traditional options of white, blue, and black, each color corresponds to a specific Marvel character (white for Venom, blue for Captain America, and black for Punisher). Each gi has a unique design on the outside, as well as unique artwork on the inside of the jacket.
- Sanabul NASA Gi: The Sanabul NASA gi is one of the most unique gi concepts out there, and just as the name suggests, this gi is an homage to space exploration. The gi comes in three options: orange, white and red, or white and black. These gis use iconic NASA logos and lettering on the jacket and pants, making this a must-have for “out-of-this-world” jiu-jitsu players.
- Gameness Air Pro 2.0: The Gameness Air Pro 2.0 is an ultra-light gi with a minimalist design. With a 350 GSM jacket and cotton pants, it is perfect for the jiu-jitsu player that puts a premium on a lightweight gi. The knees are reinforced to ensure durability, but the gi is otherwise short on additional features. To that end, the gi is extremely light in weight, but beware, you may be sacrificing durability for weight.
- Tatami Elements Ultralite 2.0: Tatami’s Elements Ultralite 2.0 is the lightest of lightweight gis. With a 250 GSM jacket and 7-ounce cotton pants, this gi will weigh just around three pounds total for an adult. Whether you’re training in a garage in the summer, in a gym with no air conditioning, or you simply can’t stand wearing a heavy gi, this gi is for the grappler that wants the lightest gi possible. They typical disclaimer on lightweight gis: they will simply not be as durable as heavier gis.
- Venum Contender 2.0: Venum’s Contender 2.0 is an excellent budget-friendly gi choice. It features a 350 GSM pearl weave jacket, 230 GSM cotton pants, as well as reinforcements on the inside leg and around the ankle to minimize wear and tear. A no-frills gi from a trusted brand, this would be an excellent starter gi that won’t break the bank.
- Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra Light: If budget is the most important factor for you, we recommend the Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra Light. This is a no-frills, lightweight gi featuring a 350 GSM jacket. The gi comes in a variety of color options, including grey and green. With its price tag, it may be hard to pass this gi up, but don’t count on it lasting for years to come; when shopping for gis you will generally get exactly what you pay for.
Proper Gi Care
Once you’ve purchased a gi, it’s important to protect your investment to get the most out of it. Do not wash your gi like all of your other clothes; this will break down your gi much quicker and cause colors to fade. Instead, always wash your gi on cold and hang it dry. You will also want to be cautious of your gi carrying the dreaded “funk” - nobody wants to be the stinky partner at the gym.
For the most part, you can avoid your gi carrying any unsavory smells simply by washing it (in cold water!) with a quality detergent immediately after every training session. Still, your gi will, over time, pick up smells. If simply washing with detergent is no longer working, add a cup of vinegar to the wash; the vinegar will kill the odor-causing bacteria. However, if you forget your, used, sweaty gi in the trunk of your car over a long holiday weekend and it has sprouted a bouquet of exotic mushrooms and smells like aged mozzarella cheese please douse it in gasoline and set it ablaze.