A mat and two fighters are all that are needed for the martial art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. A jiu-jitsu gi, a BJJ costume known as is what you’ll need for professional training and battle though. The range of gis on the market can quickly become daunting, but we’ve got you covered with our in-depth buyer’s guide to selecting the best jiu-jitsu gi. First of all, not all jiu-jitsu gis are made equal. Gis come in a variety of weights, materials, price points, fits, and styles.
What guidelines does the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation have about gis?
Let’s look at the specifications for a well-suited BJJ gi before delving into particular gis and their modifications. Gi fit standards are established by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), the greatest competitive organisation in the world. Even if you don’t want to compete, knowing these criteria will help you determine whether your gi fits you properly. They apply to virtually every gi currently on the NOGI BJJ Gear store.
The IBJJF has outlined several guidelines to follow for a proper gi fit, including:
When the arm is extended straight and parallel to the ground, the gi top should reach the athlete’s thigh. The sleeves should stop no more than 5 cm from the athlete’s wrist.
GI pants shouldn’t extend past the ankle bone by more than 5 cm.
The approved measurements are 1.3 cm for the gi lapel thickness, 5 cm for the gi collar width, and 7 cm for the full extension of the sleeve.
Dimensions of the Gi
After considering such traits, we can discuss gi weight, which is probably the most significant distinction between gis. A jiu-jitsu novice might believe that the best gis is often light in weight. After all, we’ve been taught that lighter is better because they’re more comfortable in hot weather and dry quicker.
However, there are a few disadvantages to buying a light BJJ gi. To start, in order to reduce weight, these Gis are frequently constructed from softer, thinner materials. Because of this, lighter gis has a tendency to wear out and fray more quickly than heavier gis made of stronger materials. Lightweight gis is not advised for use in competition. the best option is to use a custom BJJ Gi.
Of course, buying a thicker gi has disadvantages. These Gis are hotter to practise in for obvious reasons. A heavier gi is ideal if you want a competition or training uniform that will endure for years (and don’t mind perspiring a little more). However, they are not suitable for daily usage.
Gi manufacturers frequently discuss a gi’s material’s “GSM,” or grammes per square metre. The bigger the number, the heavier the gi, since this characteristic measures the weight of the fabric used to make the garment. Lightweight gis have a GSM of 350 or less, whereas heavy gis have a GSM of 450 or more.
picking the appropriate size
The best fit may be the most crucial consideration when selecting a BJJ gi. No matter how attractive or well-made your gi is, it won’t help you if it doesn’t fit your body type. By making it difficult for your opponents to grab you, a gi with unusually short sleeves or bottoms gives you an unfair advantage. This is more than just a fashion statement. On the other hand, if your gi is too big and loose, it will be easier to hold onto you. Your gi must be form-fitting while also letting you move freely in order to adhere to IBJJF guidelines.
Best Pick
This premium preshrunk BJJ Gi, which is made of a cotton and polyester combination with a pearl weave, comes highly recommended. Your Gi is robust and tear-resistant to ensure long-term durability while also being breathable for intense training sessions thanks to the high cotton to polyester ratio. This gorgeous gi is available in three colours: black, white, and blue. It also comes in A0, A1, A2, A3, and A4 formats.
Refer to the sizing guide below for the ideal fit.
