It doesn’t matter if you are just starting Jiu-Jitsu or if you are a veteran practitioner, if you practice this sport you need a gi made especially for Jiu-Jitsu. There is plenty of choice in so while that’s great when you know what you’re looking for, if you are a beginner it can be overwhelming, so many different brands, variations, and options, it can be a bit confusing. So, let’s give you a hand.
1: Consider Gym and Tournament Rules:
A buying guide to Jiu Jitsu gi sizing and fabricsWhen you are ready to buy your new jiu jitsu gi, this guide to jiu jitsu sizing and fabrics can be helpful.
Keep in mind the gym and tournament rules, rules can change from gym to gym since each one can follow a different philosophy. And it pays to be particularly careful with the tournament rules as well. Competitions tend to have fairly strict rules and regulations. Just to confuse you a little more, most brands have both competition and non-competition jiu-jitsu gi’s for sale. So, if you are going to compete, you want to ensure that you buy a legal for competing jiu-jitsu gi.
2: Your Jiu-Jitsu Gi Size:
If you haven’t worn a jiu jitsu gi previously, or if you are transitioning from another style of martial art, you should realise that jiu jitsu gi sizing is almost always different to the sizing on other styles of martial art uniforms. Whereas most martial art uniforms are sizes 4/170…5/180 etc, jiu-jitsu gis is available in sizes A0 to A6. The “A” stands for Adult sizing and the numbers simply refer to the different sizes for adults. The smaller the size the lower the number and vice-versa. It’s quite simple when you know the reasons behind it.
In case you are a female, you need to know that some brands have created unique jiu jitsu sizing for females. These are sized with “F” for females.
Unfortunately, jiu-jitsu gi’s for kids don’t follow the same scheme which means that you will need to closely look at each brand to figure out the best size for your son or daughter.
Notice that while this scheme tends to be followed by most brands, occasionally you will find jiu jitsu gi’s sized as other styles of martial art uniforms. This has nothing to do with the quality of the gi, it is the preference of that brand.
Also note that the fit, the actual cut of the gi varies from brand to brand – just as it can in regular clothing. For example, a jiu jitsu gi may be a perfect for for you in one brand, and a slightly different fit in a different brand.
Jiu-jitsu gi sizing is also about the way the gi fits. Most martial art gi’s fit loosely so the wearer has room to punch, kick, jump etc. If you are used to wearing this style of martial art uniform and buying your first jiu-jitsu gi you might think you need a larger size as they fit much closer to the body. The jiu jitsu gi sizing and fit is snug in both jacket and pants to prevent an opponent grabbing.
3: Types Of GI Weaves:
As well as jiu jitsu gi sizing being important, the weave of the gi is also an important consideration. If you are a beginner, you may not know that the type of fabric weave differs. So, this is definitely worth knowing about when you are looking for the best jiu jitsu gi for yourself.
Here are some rules of thumb to keep in mind about weaves.
- The weave style that you pick tends to determine its durability.
- Thicker jiu jitsu gi’s are usually more durable and harder to grab.
- Lighter weight jiu jitsu gi’s are great when you want to reduce weight.
- Thinner jiu jitsu gi’s are lighter but they are easier to grip as well.
In what specifically concerns weaves, there are mainly 3 standard weaves and other weave styles that have been created by manufacturers:
- Single Weave:
This weave is known as the most basic style of weave. After all, it is the cheapest and the lightest one. This makes the single weave extremely popular among beginners. However, notice that it may also be less durable than other styles. - Double Weave:
As you can easily see by its name, double weave gi’s use twice the amount of material when compared to single weave gi’s. This makes the gi thicker and, consequently, more durable. The major con of this weave is that it is heavier so you will be carrying extra weight around. Besides, it’s more expensive than a single weave. - Gold Weave:
The Gold Weave can be seen as a hybrid between the single and double weave gi. In fact, it combines the durable and thick part without the extra weight. This is one of the most popular choices at the moment for both practitioners and competitors. - Other Weaves:
When you are looking for a jiu-jitsu gi and you can’t see any specification about the weave, you can include it in this category. Some examples include the “Platinum Weave”, the “Ripstop”, and “Pearl Weave”. - Ultra-Light:
This is one of the latest gi’s created and it was released due to the high demand for lighter gi’s. This jiu-jitsu gi is light and allows you to move freely. These can usually be worn for both competitions as well as for classes.
4: The GI Collar:
When most jiu jitsu practitioners are looking for the best jiu-jitsu Gi, most tend to forget about the collar. However, don’t under-estimate the collar, it plays an important role.
With this in mind, you need to make sure that the collar:
- Is not too thick or stiff. This can become a bit uncomfortable.
- Is filled with cotton or includes a rubber filling.
In case you pick a jiu-jitsu gi with a rubber collar, this reduces bacteria growth as well as it dries faster.
5: The Belt:
Last but not least, you shouldn’t forget about your Jiu Jitsu gi belt. Most Jiu-Jitsu gi’s don’t include the belt so it will be an additional purchase. If possible, you should buy your gi belt from the same brand as your Jiu-Jitsu gi.