If you’re looking to buy a gi for martial arts, or more specifically, Brazilian Jiu Jitzu and you just have no idea where to start, then this is the perfect article for you!
Jiu Jitzu is a highly combative sport and requires a lot of equipment, one of the most important being a gi.
But, you don’t just want any old gi while you’re training long hours and sparring hard, you want the gi that will be the most comfortable, the one that fits you like a glove – that’s where this article comes in!
Let us take you on a journey of the best gi’s available on the market currently, with a list of the pros and cons of each one, to make the decision as easy as possible!
What Is Brazilian Jiu Jitzu?
Jiu Jitsu is an ancient form of martial arts that first originated in Japan. Later, it moved to South America via a Japanese diplomat Mitsyuo Maeda, where it became popular enough to form the modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
In the early 1900s, it took shape with the help of Maeda. He was classically trained in Judo which was also called Kano Jiu Jitsu, from where the Brazilians picked the name for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Technically, this form of the sport is actually a Judo form of martial art. Maeda established himself in Brazil and set up an academy to provide formal training in this format.
Maeda’s Jiu Jitsu involved a mix of classical Japanese jiu jitsu, kodokan Judo and some of his own separate and highly innovative techniques.
The main new addition to it was the heavy emphasis on ground grappling. These are unique to one world Jiu Jitsu and other ranks. Because of its additions, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes near me are popular searches today.
Before Buying A Gi
Before deciding on the exact type of that gi that you want to buy, it’s important to consider what type of gi you want and need (Find out how to make your own Gi here).
Nearly all high-quality gis are designed to be lightweight while remaining breathable and durable, this is important considering the various grappling situations one will find themselves in Jiu Jitsu.
The best BJJ gi for your training needs to be durable to withstand all types of punishment during sparring while remaining comfortable enough to keep your body temp low so that you can still perform at your best.
The more professional Jiu Jitsu schools will usually have air conditioning, however, it still gets hot and sweaty during those intense live sparring sessions.
In modern Jiu Jitsu gis are normally made from either a single weave or double weave, there are also different variations, such as a specialty pearl weave or gold weaves.
You should remember that most high-quality gis are generally tapered for more of a slim fit to help it feel as natural as possible. Although tight-fitting, most gis won’t restrict your movement.
It’s important to consider all of the factors below before spending the money when buying a gi.
The Colour Of Your Gi
Although you will tend to find that most traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi’s are white, many manufacturers have started to create Gi’s with other colour variations such as Blue and Black, but these are now not the only colours available.
If you plan on competing with IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) one day, then blue, black and white are all officially approved colours when sparring in professional competitions.
If you’re simply buying a gi to train in then it really doesn’t matter on colour, it’s up to personal preference.
You should always ask your professor before making a wild choice such as a rainbow-colored gi. Some, stricter professors won’t allow non-traditional colours.
The Cost Of A Gi
The typical cost of a gi can range widely from anywhere between $40 to $400 and up.
Brands such as Fuji and Sanabul sell gis that start around the $50 price point, while others such as Hayabusa are much more expensive and have a much higher price point, usually because their gi’s are made of a better quality weave.
The Collar Fill
Most BJJ gi collars are filled with either cotton or rubber, with rubber being the most popular to construct a collar typically.
However, if you are a more experienced practitioner, you might find that the cotton collar is the best option because it’s more comfortable and not as restrictive (Find out How To Fix A Stretched Collar here). Rubber collars can actually make you more susceptible to collar chokes.
This doesn’t mean all rubber collars are bad, but they do have different qualities when compared to their cotton counterpart. One advantage to rubber collars is that they don’t harbour as many bacteria or germs when compared to cotton collars.
The Perfect Gi Fit
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi sizes use something called the “A” size system. It may seem a bit daunting at first. However, it’s not all that hard to figure out what size should fit you the best depending on your body’s weight and weight.
It’s important to remember that specific brands may have a different size chart, so it’s always good to double check before purchasing a gi for Jiu Jitsu.
Keep in mind that if you’re on the heavier side of things and starting Jiu Jitsu for the first time be prepared to lose some weight while training BJJ.
Often people see a dramatic change in their bodies over a short period of time through martial arts training as sparring is just so physically intense.
The top part of your gi should hang right below your butt, and the length of the gi should leave a little space on your wrists and ankles when fully spread out. This ensures that you aren’t stepping on your gi and that it isn’t restricting the use of your hands and fingers.
The Different Types Of Weave
There are also many different styles of weave to choose from. It’s important to understand the differences in weave options because it can greatly affect how you roll.
Certain styles of weaves are better than others, especially depending on the type of training you do and the environment you live in.
Single Weave
The most basic and inexpensive Jiu Jitsu gis are single weave.single weave kit is usually reasonably priced and will not break the bank, however, they are much lighter and less resilient than other gis.
A single weave gi will keep you cool and less restricted than other versions.
Double Weave
A double-weave gi is much more durable than it’s single weave one. The extra thickness in a double weave Gi adds needed strength and durability for those gruelling roll and sparring sessions.
Not only are double weave gis more durable, but they are also much more comfortable because of the added quality.
Gold Weave
The gold weave’s goal is to take the best aspects of the single and double weave to make the ultimate Gi.
Gold weave is strong and reliable while still managing to have a low weight so that you don’t feel weighed down or uncomfortable when wearing your gi.
The gold weave is something that you usually want to think about buying once you’ve become more accustomed to BJJ, however, if you have the money to spend on the “top of the line” gi then go for it.
Gold weaves are specialty weaves that really stand the test of time.
Pearl Weave
Pearl weave combines the best of both worlds, with the lightweight advantage of a single weave while having the strength of a gold weave.
This type of combination allows for easier airflow and keeps you cool. Pearl weave is also excellent for someone who lives in a warmer climate.
This weave ,above any other weaves on this list, just feels high quality and cannot compare.
The Best BJJ Gi’s On The Market
Fuji Classic BJJ Gi
As one of the most renowned and best selling gis on the market, the Fuji classic BJJ gi is a very popular choice for beginners. You’re sure to see it in the white belt classes at your academy of fighting school as it’s just so popular.
This Jiu Jitsu gi is 100% IBJJF approved, so it’s a great choice if you’re thinking about entering a competition. It’s available in black, blue, white, navy, and pink,although I wouldn’t try to compete in navy or pink – a ref could be particularly picky about these colours.
Rather than the typically used Pearl Weave, this gi uses Fuji’s “Special Weave” which is a mid-weight cotton blend.This blend is highly breathable because of the pure cotton and is wonderfully light to wear.
While Fuji’s Classic kimono is one of the original gis, it definitely lacks some of the features a modern Jiu Jitsu gi comes with like ripstop pants and a lighter weight weave. To me, this BJJ gi feels a bit heavy and stiff, and I had trouble breaking it in.
That said, it’s a great value and is one of the most popular entry-level choices on the market. For any smaller warriors, they also make this gi in a kids’ version!
Sanabul Essentials v2
The Sanabul Essentials V2 is made with an incredibly lightweight fabric that is just perfect for summer training, competitions, or just normal BJJ training if you want a light and very comfortable gi.
The fabric also has an Antimicrobial and Anti Odour treatment which helps to prevent the spread of bacterial and fungal infections.This is beneficial to you in many ways.
There are five different colours to choose from, which means you could wear a different one for every day of the week if you wanted!
Sanabul is one of the most popular Jiu Jitsu gi companies as they’re clothing is so affordable, and you’ll see them frequently in the white belt classes at most academies as well as at tournaments.
Their gis are IBJJF approved and suitable for competition, just make sure you stick to the white, blue, or black colour ranges.
The Sanabul Essentials v2 is a very affordable gi when compared to many others on the market. If you’re looking for a new BJJ gi in a price range that won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with a Sanabul gi.
The only qualms that you may have about this gi is that it’s made of a single weave which isn’t as durable as other types of weave.
However, this is the type of gi that is perfect for a beginner’s first gi or for someone who wants to add a comfortable gi to their rotation at a budget-friendly price point.
Flow Kimonos Air Gi
Flow Kimonos has been making Jiu Jitsu gis for some time now, and their gis have only improved since they first released the original Air.
The Air is a relatively lightweight gi, with a 350gsm jacket and 240gsm ripstop pants. It’s available in white, blue, and black and comes in a wide and impressive 9 sizes.
This gi really gets the small details right, most impressively in my eyes is the drawstring and belt loops. It can be super annoying if your gi’s drawstring is constantly getting lost inside the material, or if it comes undone during class.
Flow Kimonos’ Air gi uses a high density drawstring filled with foam that stays tied even during tough rolling sessions.
One thing I really like about this company is that they give back to their community. If you check out their Instagram, you’ll see them supporting all sorts of causes from first responders to local Jiu Jitsu tournaments.
Flow Kimonos is definitely a BJJ gi brand that I’m happy to support, and their products have stood the test of time.
Fuji Suparaito Gi
The Fuji Suparaito gi is entirely made up of a lightweight pearl weave construct, this particular gii is something very special.
With triple reinforced ripstop pants that allow you to move swiftly with a wide range of motion, you at the very least have the ease of mind in knowing that this gi uses high-quality materials that will last a very long time.
Durability is one of the most important aspects you should look for when shopping for any BJJ gi and the Suparaito is second to none when it comes to strength. The entirety of this Gi is made of multi-layered stitching which is super durable.
The various colour combinations are not your typical white, black, or blue. Each gi has separate colourful patches and embroidery which look great in every style.Fuji always thinks outside the box when it comes to design and style, they really nailed it on the Suparaito.
This is one of the most stylish gis on the market currently and easily earned a spot on this list!
Hayabusa Ultra Pearl Gi
The Hayabusa Ultra Pearl Gi is one of the more complex you will find and indeed checks off every box when considering what to look for in a gi. The wonderful pearl weave cotton construct is second to none.
While this gi comes with unique patches and embroidery that are similar to the Goorudo, Hayabusa really nailed it. This is an excellent alternative to the previous we have talked about and is extremely high quality.
It would do well for anyone who prefers a pearl weave and doesn’t mind paying a bit extra.
There aren’t many differences between the Goorudo and Ultra when you really look at both from a quality point of view. Both are made with tried and tested weaves (gold for Goorudo, pearl for the Ultra).
The main difference being that the Ultra is a lightweight Gi, while the Goorudo is a heavyweight Gi. I believe both the Ultra and Goorudo Gi are two of the best BJJ gis , you really can’t go wrong with either option.
Venum Contender Evo BJJ Gi
Venum is a well established and highly renowned brand in the MMA community. They have managed a new deal with the UFC after the Reebok/UFC deal had expired and are now the UFC’s apparel partner.
They offer an extremely wide variety of gear for all combat sports and the choice in what you can get is just phenomenal. If you like to have matching gear, this is the best brand to get it from.
Their Contender Evo gi has a solid pearl weave option, coming in at a pretty lightweight 350gsm for the jacket (Pearl Weave) and just 230gs for the pants.
This gi is available in white, royal blue, black (all IBJJF legal) as well as a dark grey. It’s got some nice touches from the embroidery at the bottom of the jacket, to the colour-matched triangle reinforcement.
Fuji All-Around Gi
The Fuji All-Around Gi is a great multipurpose overall well performing gi for men, women, and even children. This gi offers 5 different colour combinations, each bright and filled with an amazing and stylish effect.
This is actually a less expensive version of the Suparaito Gi that we mentioned previously on this list, each version is great in their own right. The Fuji All-Around Gi has a premium Fuji special weave that is very lightweight and durable.
This is a well made Gi and has amazing reviews online. Fuji proves again and again that they are one of the most high quality brands in Jiu Jitsu, period.
This is a great gi to add to your weekly rotation, it’s good in all types of climates and is a solid “All-Around” good gi choice.
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