Finding the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi, or BJJ gi, is incredibly important for your training. Without a gi you love, you're not going to be enjoying class.
BJJ gis come in many different styles. Some are heavier and others are light. Many gis use a classic Pearl Weave, while a few use a different weave like Gold Weave or Double Weave.
When it comes to choosing the best BJJ gi, there are several important factors you should consider. The gis that made the cut for this guide include:
Top 3 BJJ Gis at a Glance
- Best Overall BJJ Gi:Gold BJJ Foundation Gi
- Best American Made BJJ Gi:Origin Raptor Axiom Gi
- Best BJJ Gi for Competitors:Revgear El Matador Gi
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Let's get you set up with the best BJJ gi for your training style...
Best Overall BJJ Gi: Gold BJJ Foundation Gi
If you're looking for a Jiu Jitsu gi that does it all, you can't go wrong with Gold BJJ's Foundation Gi. This gi excels in all training environment thanks to its mid-weight 450gsm Pearl Weave jacket.
The gi jacket is finished with a luxurious rash guard inner neck liner that feels amazing when you put it on. Gold BJJ chose ripstop pants for this gi, an excellent and extremely durable material that doesn't get too hot or sweaty during training.
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Finally, this gi is 100% compliant with IBJJF rules so you can wear it in competition. Gold BJJ is one of the most reputable Jiu Jitsu gi brands, based in San Diego and ran by athletes.
Overall we consider this the perfect gi for all around training. It's reasonably lightweight, ultra durable, and will stand up to rigorous training from both beginners and expert Jiu Jitsu practitioners.
Best American Made Gi: Origin Raptor Axiom Gi
While most Jiu Jitsu gis are made in Pakistan or China, there is one BJJ gi brand that is trying to do things differently: Origin.
Origin, a gi brand started by Jocko Willink and some of his friends, makes their gis in Maine. They are committed to an uncompromisingly American supply chain and do make some truly awesome martial arts gear.
The downside to choosing an Origin BJJ gi is that sometimes there is a hefty wait for your gi to be made. Since it's an American-made item, the price tag on this gi is also significantly heftier than many others.
But overall, you can't go wrong with Origin gis and it's a company that you'll feel good supporting.
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Best BJJ Gi for Competitors: Revgear El Matador Gi
If cutting weight for competitions is top of mind for you, you might want to check out Revgear's El Matador competition gi. This gi is commonly seen on the podium of major Jiu Jitsu tournaments.
The A2 size of this gi weights just 2.7 pounds, making it a breeze to hit the scales with and qualify for your next tournament.
This gi is named after a famous cliff in Malibu, and it's available in both blue and white colors (both of which are competition legal).
This gi is probably overkill if you're not an active competitor, but it's an excellent BJJ gi if you're concerned about making weight for a tournament.
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Frequently Asked Questions About BJJ Gis
Q: What size BJJ gi should I get?
A: Every BJJ gi brand uses a different size chart, so it's very important to check out the sizing recommendations for the specific BJJ gi you have in mind.
Q: What are the best BJJ gi brands?
A: The brands above - Gold BJJ, Origin, and Revgear make some of the best BJJ gis available.
Q: What color BJJ gi should I get?
A: When it comes to the best BJJ gi for your style, choose any color you like. The only thing to keep in mind is that some tournaments (like the IBJJF) only allow white, blue, or black gis. So if you do plan on competing, make sure you choose a gi in those colors. Most BJJ gi brands offer their gis in multiple colors including white, blue, and black.
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Q: What do you wear underneath your gi?
A: Most BJJ practitioners wear a rash guard and underwear under their gi.
Q: How often should you wash your gi?
A: You need to wash your Jiu Jitsu gi after every training session.
Q: What do gi sizing abbreviations mean?
A: BJJ gis are usually sized with the "A" system (A stands for adult). The smallest size is typically A0, with the largest size being A5. Some BJJ gis are available in in-between sizes like A1L (longer than a standard A1) or A3H (wider than a standard A3).
BJJ Gis vs Judo (or Karate) Gis
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Other martial arts like Judo and Karate are also practiced wearing a gi. So you might be asking yourself, "can I just wear a judo gi for BJJ training?"
The answer is definitively no. Jiu Jitsu gis are made with a unique weave designed for the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Most academies will not let you train while wearing judo gis or karate gis.
The History and Evolution of BJJ Gis
The BJJ gi, often known as a kimono, plays a critical role in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu culture and training. Its origins and design can be traced back to traditional Japanese martial arts, but the BJJ gi has evolved to suit the unique requirements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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From Japan to Brazil. The gi's history begins in Japan, where it was used in various forms of martial arts, most notably judo. Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, modified the traditional Japanese kimono to endure the rigorous practice and to enable efficient gripping, a significant aspect of his art. This uniform, known as the judogi, was designed to be more durable than its predecessor, featuring reinforced stitching and a tighter fit.
When judo made its way to Brazil in the early 20th century, the judogi came with it. The Gracie family, pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, adopted the judogi for their practice. Over time, as the Gracies and other Brazilian practitioners refined and adapted judo techniques to emphasize ground fighting (Ne-Waza), the gi underwent modifications to suit these new demands.
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Adaptations for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The primary difference between a judo gi and a BJJ gi is the fit. While the judogi is designed with a looser fit, especially in the sleeves, to facilitate a wide range of throws, the BJJ gi is more tailored. The snug fit of the BJJ gi sleeves makes it more challenging for an opponent to establish a solid grip, which is essential in a sport where grip fighting is crucial.
Another notable difference is the skirt length. In BJJ, the jackets tend to be shorter, as extended skirts can be more cumbersome during ground fighting. The pants of a BJJ gi are also made to withstand the wear and tear of ground grappling, often featuring reinforced stitching at key stress points.
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Colors and Modern Variations. Traditionally, gis were white. This tradition stemmed from the Japanese martial arts' values of purity, humility, and beginning as a 'white canvas.' However, as BJJ grew in popularity worldwide, gis started appearing in various colors, most commonly blue and black, but occasionally in more vibrant hues and patterns. Each color often carries its own significance, and some BJJ competitions have specific color requirements for competitors.
In recent times, with the global expansion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, various brands and manufacturers have brought innovative designs, fabrics, and features to the BJJ gi, balancing tradition with modern needs. The gi has become not only a tool for training but also a statement of personal style and affiliation.
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The evolution of the BJJ gi is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While deeply rooted in tradition, the sport and its practitioners have continually adapted to the changing demands of training, competition, and expression. The gi, in its modern form, embodies this blend of respect for heritage and innovative spirit.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best BJJ Gi
You're now well equipped with the knowledge you need to find the best BJJ gi for your training. Any of the best BJJ gi brands we've covered in this article will be an excellent choice, whether you're picking up your very first gi or you are a seasoned black belt.
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Ultimately, our pick for the best BJJ gi is the Gold BJJ Foundation Gi. Check the current price of this gi here.
