Have you started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and aren’t sure what color Gi you need? Maybe you have seen Gi’s in lots of bright or funky colors and want to know if these are allowed in BJJ?
Or are you curious and want to know more? Whatever the reason might be that brought you here today, we have the answer for you!
It can be daunting to purchase your first uniform for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Not only are there hundreds of brands and prices to choose from, but there are also endless color possibilities too!
You can easily find yourself overwhelmed and stressed trying to make the choice, with lots of conflicting and contradicting information and advice out there.
Before you know it you are a sweaty mess, hand hovering over the mouse, unsure what color Gi to purchase.
Well, no more! Today we are here with the answers that you need! Just keep reading to find out what color Gi you should buy for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and everything else that you need to know!
What Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Before we get into today’s article, let’s take a step back and have a quick refresh for those that need it! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a martial art sport where the goal is to get your opponent to the floor.
Once on the ground, ground-fighting starts! The goal is to dominate your opponent through a series of techniques like chokeholds and joint locks.
Originating in Japan, the sport traveled to Brazil and South America, where it has evolved to become the highly popular martial art and combat sport that we know today.
People all across the globe partake in classes, training sessions, and competitions. The BJJ world championships are a popular event, televised and performed in front of sold-out audiences.
Now that we have covered what BJJ is, let’s move on to take a closer look at the Gi’s worn and the color you need!
What Is A Gi?
For those that need a little reminder, a Gi is a uniform worn in many martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A Gi consists of a loose-fitting cotton jacket with a belt around the waist and cotton trousers that will be reinforced around the knees and seams.
A Gi is meant to be breathable to prevent you from sweating too much when training, especially in hot environments.
The breathable cotton is also incredibly durable, ensuring that your Gi doesn’t get damaged when your opponent is grappling with you and trying to take you to the floor.
Most Gi’s will be reinforced too, or use a cotton blend to help provide more strength and durability to the material.
You will likely find lots of Gi’s with a cotton blend on sale these days. But you need to take care with them, as some brands mix cotton with cheaper and less durable materials.
Sure, that means you can save some money, but you will likely need to replace your Gi frequently, costing you more money in the long term!
Be sure to take a look at the percentage of cotton used in the Gi to find one that has the right durability for you and the right price too.
What Color Gi Should I Buy For Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Let’s get straight into it! When training and practicing BJJ, you can purchase any color Gi! That’s right, you can let your creativity flow through your uniform and opt for a bright pink or lime green Gi if you want (Find out how to make your own Gi here)!
Most BJJ instructors don’t mind what color Gi you turn up to training sessions in, as long as the Gi fits you correctly and you can practice your moves in.
The only time the color of your Gi matters is at competitions. Here, there are rules that you need to follow to prevent being disqualified. So those competing in competitions will need to wear a white, royal blue, or black Gi.
Usually, only those with black belts are allowed to wear black Gi’s, so be sure to check the competition rules beforehand.
Most commonly, people wear white Gi’s as this was the original color for them. They are the most popular on sale at the moment too, so you are sure to always find a white Gi in your size and suitable for your budget!
We love the white as it allows you to draw attention to the color of your belt (determined by level), without getting mixed with the color of your Gi.
Royal blue Gi’s are another popular choice. They were introduced after white Gi’s as a way for judges to tell opponents apart during competitive fights. If you are fighting in a competition, you might be told either where a white or blue Gi.
Again, this will be made clear to you before the fight, or you can check the rules yourself if you need to.
For those on a budget, we recommend sticking to a white Gi. Although they can be trickier to keep clean, it is the traditional color and definitely won’t break any competition rules.
As your training progresses, you might want to purchase a second Gi. At this stage, we would recommend purchasing a royal blue one. That way, you are covered for any competitions and won’t need to try and find a blue Gi at the last minute!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Unless you are competing, there are no rules about the color Gi you should purchase for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When competing, be sure to check the rules beforehand and make sure that you are either wearing a white, blue, or black Gi.
These are the three colors that are often approved for use in competitions. To air on the side of caution, we suggest purchasing a white Gi and maybe a blue if you need a second Gi!
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