Are you looking to purchase a Gi and want to know if they are expensive or not? Maybe you have started BJJ and want to take your training to the next level with a Gi?
Whatever the reason might be that brought you here today, we have the answer for you!
Gi’s are an integral part of BJJ, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with many people taking the plunge and purchasing them once they become serious about their training.
But buying a Gi can be a daunting process.
Many people worry that the cost will be too high and that without one, their training will not progress in the way that they want.
So, they search and search to find out how much they should be paying, but just can’t find the answers! Soon, overwhelmed and frustrated, BJJ seems like a distant dream.
Well, no more! Today we are here with the answers you need to get your Gi and continue with your BJJ training! Keep reading to find out if a Gi is expensive and everything else you need to know about them!
What Is A Gi?
Before we dive into today’s article, let’s have a quick recap for those in the room who need it! A Gi is a uniform used for training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
The uniform was adapted from the keikogi which is used in modern Japanese martial arts.
Meaning clothes or dress, a Gi is usually made up of reinforced drawstring trousers, a heavy cotton jacket, and a belt.
The color of the belt or any stripes on the belt will indicate the rank of BJJ, ranging from white belts to black belts.
Gi’s are worn in BJJ to help you increase your knowledge of martial art and help you defend yourself in the best possible way.
You will use the uniform in your training not only to learn how to defend yourself but also to attack your opponent effectively.
These are skills that you will want to hone and develop, so make sure you are wearing a Gi during your training!
Now that we have established what a Gi is, let’s move on and find out if a Gi is expensive or not!
Are Gi’s Expensive?
Gi’s can be expensive, but how much you spend on them will all depend on the brand you choose! For those on a budget, you can pick up a Gi for between $50 and $200, making it fairly affordable.
But for those who have a larger budget, you could spend anywhere up to $1,000 and even more depending on the brand you choose!
The wide range of prices does mean you can find a Gi that fits your budget, but you also need to consider the brand and quality of the Gi.
There is no point in purchasing a cheap Gi if you are going to need to repurchase it in a few months!
When looking for a new Gi, you should look at the weave, durability, thickness, and style of the Gi along with the brand itself!
Brands that have a good reputation tend to have that reputation for a reason, so you know you can trust them! Ask at your BJJ training sessions for recommendations, or head online to see what others are wearing and enjoying!
The wide price range does mean that most people can purchase a Gi to continue their training. You can find Gi’s that fit into the following categories: Ultra Light, Hybrid Light, Premium Light, and Premium Heavy.
These Gi’s will increase in thickness, with Premium Heavy Gi’s being the thickest and most durable.
You can expect the price to rise as you work up from Ultra Light Gi’s to the thicker Gi’s. That doesn’t mean that an Ultra Light Gi won’t be thick enough or suitable for your training, though!
You can usually find these affordable Gi’s with a durable weave that will be stiff and flexible with sleeves that shouldn’t tear.
Of course, to find the right Gi for you and your budget, you should first consider the thickness that you want.
Not only will this help you decide how much you will be spending, but if you train in hotter climates or rooms, you can narrow your search and find the right thickness that will keep you cool in your environment.
If you’ve never purchased a Gi before, we suggest heading into a store and trying on Gi’s with different thicknesses.
This will help you find a Gi thickness that is suitable and comfortable for you to wear, without having to part with any of your cash!
Once you have the thickness, you can look at your budget and see which Gi is the right one for you.
What Are Gi’s Made Of?
Now that we have looked at the cost of Gi’s, you might be wondering what material they are made from!
Well, typically Gi’s are made from a cotton canvas or denim with reinforced seams and knees. As technology has advanced, we are now seeing lightweight and durable materials used in Gi’s too.
The ideal material will keep you cooler in warm weather. It’s normal to get quite sweaty during training or any fights, so you will want a breathable material but one that won’t rip when someone grabs you!
Check the material used before purchasing your Gi, paying attention to the percentages if the Gi uses a mix of materials.
For example, if the cotton percentage is only 20%, then you are better off purchasing one with a higher percentage that offers you breathability and durability too!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, some Gi’s are expensive, but you don’t need to spend a fortune on them! There are plenty of affordable options you can choose from, especially if you are after a thin and breathable Gi to train in!
Comments