Choose a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi can be a complex task, especially for novice athletes. If you have inquired online, you may have heard of weighting, weaving, weight, you will have evaluated the colors, sizes, and other features of a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu kimono. In this guide we will try to provide some clarity to help you choose the BJJ Gi right one for you.

Can I use a karategi or judogi to practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a discipline that involves techniques that are very different from more traditional and well-known martial arts: projections and ground fighting put a lot of stress on the fabric from which the kimono is made, so using a traditional kimono such as a karategi or judogi, the risk is that you will have to change or repair it very often. We therefore recommend purchasing a Gi specifically for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu..

What factors to consider when purchasing a BJJ Gi?

Gi size

The sizes of the BJJ Gi generally range from A0 to A6. The sizes correspond to the weight and height of the athlete. There are no absolute values: a size A5 for one brand may correspond to a size A4 for another brand. Each manufacturer issues a table with the measurements associated with the size. Carefully evaluate these charts to find your size. Before choosing your size consider that a Gi, over time, shrinks and can lose 5% to 7% of its volume.

Colors of the BJJ Gi

BJJ kimonos are generally produced in three colors: white, black e blue. Feel free to choose the color you prefer, unless your teacher gives you specific directions based on the colors chosen by the school.

Weaving: single, double, gold

Another factor to consider is the weaving of the brazilian jiu jitsu kimono, that is, the way the threads of the fabric are woven together. We generally distinguish three types: single, double e gold. Single weaving is lighter in that it is less "dense," so there is less material in a square meter of fabric. I bjj gi with this weave are particularly light, are cheaper, but will have less durability. These kimonos are suitable for children, beginners and those who want to have a bjj gi cheap. Double weaving is composed of 2 layers of single weaving. Double-weave bjj kimonos will be heavier and stronger, but will cost more. They are recommended for experienced athletes who seek the highest quality. Finally we have the gold weave, which combines the quality of double weave with the lightness of single weave. It is the highest quality, and is recommended especially in competitions, where high performance is required. You will be able to find other weave designations on the market, such as "Pearl Wave," "Honey Comb Wave," "Platinum Wave," "Ripstop Wave," etc. It is not always easy to understand the exact structure of these weavings, but they are generally similar weavings to Gold, therefore of high quality.

Grammage/weight of the BJJ Gi

La grammage of the fabric measures the weight (expressed in grams) per square meter (e.g. 400gr/sqm). Some manufacturers of BJJ kimonos indicate the weight in absolute terms, 1Kg, 2Kg, etc., but this does not take into account how the weight varies with size. Weight expressed in grams per square meter is the best way to compare different BJJ models. While a karate kimono can weigh from 200 (training and kumite karateges) to 400 grams/square meter (kata karateges), a good Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi has a weight of at least 400 grams/square meter. Gi of higher weights are stronger and of higher quality, and will last longer over time.

BJJ Gi by Child

All the characteristics indicated for the BJJ Gi as adults also apply to the children. On average, children's Gi are more inexpensive because smaller amounts of fabric are used. Keep in mind that the stresses a child's kimono may receive in competition and training are lower, so you can safely choose lower weight and weave.

Brands of Gi from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

There are numerous manufacturers of Gi. We argue that the brand of Gi is not that important, what really matters are the characteristics above. In fact, manufacturers often offer Gi for sale with very different features and prices, so it would not be correct to say that a BJJ Gi of a certain brand is of higher quality than another. Based on our experience and that of our customers, we recommend the BJJ Gi branded Venum, Tatami Fightwear, Hayabusa. From the cheapest to the most professional models i BJJ Gi of these brands have always offered top-notch performance. Furthermore, we have NEVER received warranty claims for these products!

BJJ Gi: prices

And we finally come to prices. Given the type of workmanship, the quality (and quantity) of fabric needed to produce a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi, a good gi is unlikely to cost less than 150-200 euros. If you are approaching the discipline and do not want to spend a lot, perhaps because you do not know if you will continue practicing it over the years, there are inexpensive lines of gi with price ranges from 70 to 80 euros. We can assure you that "investing" in a good gi will pay you back mainly on two fronts: performance and durability.

Washing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Kimonos

Once you have purchased your Gi, it is important to store it in the best possible way so that it will last as long as possible over time. We recommend. wash the kimono very often (at least once a week). Hand wash in cold water; temperatures above 40 degrees may shrink the Gi and fade the color (in case of black and blue kimonos). Before immersing the Gi in water, turn both the jacket and the Trousers, to prevent patches and any decorations on the outside from being damaged. Do not use the dryer, lay it out respecting the folds, this way you will also avoid having to iron it. If you really have to iron it, iron it on the inside, not the outside.

Conclusions

Carefully consider all the features mentioned in this guide. If you are on your first purchase of a BJJ kimono, choose a product of mid-range. Only by practicing the discipline, comparing yourself with your instructor and your training partners will you fully understand your needs and know what to choose in the future. If, on the other hand, you are on your second or third BJJ Gi aim high; quality always pays off over time. If you are competitive consider having two kimonos: one for mid-range training and one for high-end competition.