Must-see for BJJ Beginners! Buy this Gi and you'll be fine!
Welcome to the world of Jiu-Jitsu!
You've decided, "Okay, I'm going to start Jiu-Jitsu!" but the next big hurdle stands in your way. That is choosing a "Gi." Even if you search online, you see unfamiliar technical terms like "single weave," "gold weave," "A1," "A2," and you might be at a loss, thinking, "Which one should I choose..." Don't worry. This article is written so that you, who have just started Jiu-Jitsu, can start practicing smoothly without failing in expensive shopping. By the time you finish reading this article, the "first Gi" you should choose should be clear.
1. Three Important Standards for Choosing a BJJ Gi
The biggest reason why choosing a BJJ Gi is difficult is that the sizing varies by brand. Furthermore, the weight and durability vary greatly depending on the material and weave. However, what is important in choosing your first Gi is not to look for the "perfect one." First, choose an "affordable and durable one that gets you excited to wear," and jump into practice right away! Here, we explain "3 standards" for beginners not to fail.
Standard 1: Choose by Price Range
High-end models favored by advanced practitioners and professional athletes can sometimes exceed 30,000 yen, but beginners do not need to reach for them.
Estimated Budget: 10,000 yen ~ 20,000 yen
- Most Jiu-Jitsu practitioners wear Gis in this price range, so it's perfect for those who don't want to fail.
- Initially, choosing a product that comes with a "belt (white belt)" is very advantageous as it saves the trouble and cost of buying it separately.
There is a high possibility that your first Gi will wear out quickly due to hard practice or that you will replace it as your body shape changes. Let's start with a wallet-friendly entry model first.
*Based on the author's experience, I strongly recommend against buying Gis sold for a few thousand yen on Amazon etc.
Standard 2: Choose by Size
Mainstream BJJ Gi sizes are "A1," "A2," "A3," etc., but overseas brands tend to have baggy widths relative to length.
3 Checkpoints to Avoid Failure
- Choose a domestic brand (Bull Terrier) or a major brand (KINGZ)
There is a reason why Gis used by many people are popular. If you don't want to fail, start with a reliable Gi! - Choose "Pre-shrunk"
It's usually fine, but sometimes it shrinks 1 or 2 sizes in the washing machine or dryer... - Asking seniors at the dojo is best!
If you are unsure, ask the seniors at the dojo to get an idea of the sizing!
| Size | General Clothing Size | Height Guide | Weight Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | S | 147cm~160cm | 42kg~58kg |
| A1 | M | 157cm~170cm | 54kg~72kg |
| A2 | L | 166cm~179cm | 67kg~82kg |
| A3 | XL | 174cm~187cm | 80kg~100kg |
| A4 | XXL | 180cm~194cm | 90kg~115kg |
Standard 3: Choose by Color
In official matches of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), only three colors of Gis are allowed: white, blue, and black.
- White: The basic BJJ Gi. It has a clean look and is perfect for beginners. However, it has the disadvantage that sweat stains and dirt are easily noticeable.
- Blue: Dirt is less noticeable, making it very popular as practice wear. If you get tired of white, blue is also recommended.
- Black: Gives an impression of strength or being worn by advanced practitioners. Dirt is less noticeable, and the author also loves black Gis.
2. If in doubt, pick this! Recommended Gis
Based on the above standards, we introduce cool BJJ Gis that are "fail-safe," combining quality, price, and availability from among many brands.
KINGZ
It is the most used Jiu-Jitsu brand in the world, loved by many world-top Jiu-Jitsu practitioners from beginners to Mica Galvao and Diogo Reis, and is the most recommended Jiu-Jitsu brand.
Bull Terrier
A Jiu-Jitsu brand from Shizuoka Prefecture, used by many Japanese Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. Since it is a domestic brand, the sizing fits Japanese body types well, so if you don't want to fail in sizing, Bull Terrier is the only choice. (Worn by RIZIN fighters Kleber Koike, Roberto Satoshi Souza, etc.)
Summary
Choosing your first Gi might be anxiety-inducing, but there's no need to overthink it. The conditions for the "first one" you should choose are just three.
- Price range of 10,000 yen to 20,000 yen, with a belt (white belt) included
- Size is a pre-shrunk model from a domestic brand
- Color is chosen from white, blue, or black
Now, referring to the brands introduced, let's choose your favorite one that makes you think, "I want to wear this to practice!" Once you have chosen your Gi, all that's left is to go to the dojo. We wholeheartedly support your Jiu-Jitsu life!
Even if you have an image that "martial arts are scary," you can start Jiu-Jitsu with peace of mind. It is perfect for dieting, building physical strength, and as a new hobby. If you are thinking, "I want to start something new," please join a trial class once.
At FREELETICS GOALS Gym, experienced instructors teach fun and safe classes, so please come and experience Jiu-Jitsu.
Thank you for reading to the end!