Gis (Kimonos)
Fuji BJJ Single Weave gi
Types of Gis
There are many types of martial arts gis. You will want to purchase either a Judo gi or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)gi. Other types of gis (karate, aikido, kung fu, etc.) simply cannot stand up to the demands of grappling.
The Difference Between Judo and BJJ Gis:
Judo and BJJ gis are of almost identical construction, except for the fit. Judo gis have wider sleeves and pants, and also a longer skirt on the jacket. Both Judo gis and BJJ gis come in various sizes and thicknesses.
Judo and BJJ Gi Weaves (Thicknesses)
Judo and BJJ gis come in varing cloth thicknesses. Thick and stiff gis are more difficult for your opponent to grip, are warmer in the winter, typically last longer, and usually cost more. For Judo gis, thinner gis are called single weave, and thicker gis are called double weave. For BJJ gis, the nomenclature is not entirely standard, but in general the thicknesses go from thinest to thickest as follows: Ultralightmost, Single Weave (Standard), Gold Weave, and Double Weave. Since at major BJJ tournaments, the competitor weighs with the gi on, many competitors use ultralightweight gis for competition. On the other hand, for Judo, since the competitors weigh without the gi, the judo competitors more frequently wear double weave gis, which are more difficult for the opponent to grip.
Judo and BJJ Gi Sizes:
Judo Adult gi sizes run from size 3 to size 8. BJJ Adult sizes run from A1 to A6. Sizes are roughly equivalent as follows: Judo 3 = BJJ A1, Judo 4 = BJJ A2, Judo 5 = BJJ A3, and so on. Sizing can be somewhat different for different gi manufacturers, so you should always check the sizing chart for the particular brand you are buying. Also, some brands tend to shrink, so be careful! As an example, partial sizing charts for Fuji BJJ and Fuju Judo single weave are shown below:
| Fuji Judo Size Chart |
Weight (lbs) |
Height |
| Judo-4 |
160-190 |
5'6" - 5'11" |
| Judo-5 |
195-220 |
5'10" - 6'3" |
| Judo-6 |
230-250 |
6'2" - 6'6" |
| Fuji BJJ Size Chart |
Weight (lbs) |
Height |
| BJJ A-2 |
140-170 |
5'5" - 5'9" |
| BJJ A-3 |
170-200 |
5'9" - 6'1" |
| BJJ A-4 |
200-250 |
6'0" - 6'4" |
Judo and BJJ Gi Recommendations:
At the time of this writing (July 28, 2009), some typical gi prices are shown in the tables below (All prices are for BJJ size A3 or Judo size 5, white color. Smaller gis sometimes cost a few dollars less, and larger gis a few dollars more. Colored gis typically cost 10 to 15 dollars more than white) Shipping not included, it typically runs 12 to 15 dollars.
If you are on a very tight budget, you could get the hayashi or fuji judo gi. These judo gis are fine for training BJJ, but you will not want to compete in BJJ in one. But it is a cheap way to get started.
If you want good quality at a very resonable price, I recommend the Fuji double weave judo gi for judo, and the Fuji BJJ Single weave for BJJ. **Warning**The fuji single weave gis shrink a LOT if you dry them in the dryer. You will want to go one size up.
If you are wallowing in cash, I have heard that for Judo the Mizuno supreme is very nice. Again, if you are loaded with cash, for BJJ, the Koral is very nice, and the best gi I have ever owned is the Shoyoroll.
A Few Quick Gi Recommendations:
Judo Size 5 White Gis
Please note the fuji warning above.
A comprehensive list of links to judo gis can be found here.
BJJ Size A3 White Gis
Good places to find and purchase BJJ gis include budovideos.com, www.bjjhq.com, and www.martialartssupplies.com
Other Gear You Might Need
Cup (Strongly Recommended, you can buy at any store with sporting goods)
Mouthpiece (VERY Strongly Recommended. I use the cheap, one sided, boil to fit ones, also available at stores that carry sporting goods, or at amazon.com)
Knee Sleeves ( I use tru-fit you can usually find them at Dick's Sporting goods or Amazon.com)
Athletic Tape (I buy Jaybird Pro-White 1 and 1/2 inch wide x 15 yard rolls, box of 32 for $44, here)
Rash Guard (Cheap ones at walmart for about $12, or go to budovideos.com and jiujitsuprogear.com)
Shorts For No-Gi (go to budovideos.com and jiujitsuprogear.com)
