The 4 Best Jiu Jitsu Gi’s For Beginners
You caught the jiu-jitsu bug, and you’re ready to make the plunge. The first thing you’ll need is a gi. Choosing a gi can be overwhelming for someone just starting out with jiu-jitsu. For instance, gi’s come in different sizes and colors, and unlike regular clothes, the color you choose may matter! Furthermore, you’ll probably encounter all sorts of terminology you may not understand, like ‘IBJJF legal’. Fortunately, you don’t have to fret, because we’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed it all down to 4 great options.
Hayabusa Pearl Weave Ultra-Light Jiu-Jitsu Gi
An ultra-light gi perfect for training or competition!
The Hayabusa Pearl Weave Ultra-Light Jiu-Jitsu Gi is our top pick for beginners (and others!). This gi is the perfect combination of comfort and weight, plus it has beginner friendly qualities such as running mostly true to size and exhibiting low shrinkage rates after washing. While some may be wary of using an ultra-light gi in training given the amount of stress gi’s endure in jiu-jitsu class, we found the gi was constructed well enough to be suitable for both training and competition.
Pros:
Light Weight
Low Shrinkage
Solid construction
Competition Legal
Cons:
Top slightly big relative to size chart
A great overall gi at a great price
Verus Spartacus Ultra-Light Gi
The Verus Spartacus Ultra-Light Gi, our runner up, is a great all-around option for beginners. It’s comfortable, light, and comes pre-washed so shrinkage should be manageable. This could easily have been our top choice if it weren’t for stiffer fabric we encountered compared to our top pick.
Pros:
Great Fit
True to Size
Ultra-Light
Great Customer Service
IBJJF Legal
Cons:
Stiff Fabric
The top gi for those on a tight budget
Elite Sports IBJJF Ultra-Light BJJ Gi
The Elite Sports IBJJF Ultra Light BJJ Gi is a great starter option for budget conscious BJJ beginners. Too many budget gi options are bulky and stiff. There’s no need to impose an extra burden on what is already a challenging sport! Sticking to a light gi that will allow you to maximize your mobility will make your whole training experience more enjoyable. There’s no better way to find that on a budget than the Elite Sports IBJJC Ultra Light BJJ Gi.
Pros:
Light Weight
Pre-Shrunk
Competition Legal
Cons:
Less Durable than others
A tried and true classic gi. Can’t go wrong!
Fuji BJJ Uniform
The classic gi, the Fuji BJJ Uniform has been a mainstay since the dawn of the sport and its Judo predecessor. When it comes to jiu-jitsu gear, you can’t go wrong with Fuji which is why this is our safe choice. The quality is top notch, and it was one of the most ‘true to size’ gi’s we’ve ever encountered. It is also one of the longest lasting. The only drawback we could think of is the weight: our preference is for lighter weight gi’s.
Pros:
Long Lasting
True to Size
Competition Legal
Top of the line Quality
Cons:
Not Light Weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does IBJJF legal mean?
IBJJF, the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, is the governing body of most of the biggest jiu-jitsu competitions in the world. If you want to compete in an IBJJF sanctioned event, your gi will have to conform to strict standards. IBJJF Legal gi’s have been approved by the IBJJF for use in competition.
Q: Does Gi color matter?
Yes! The color or your gi does matter. White gi’s usually shrink a bit more than colored gi’s because of the dyeing process that requires extra washes for the colored gi’s. However, some schools will only allow white gi’s on their mats, so we recommend, when in doubt, always choose white.
Q: Is there a difference between a jiu-jitsu and a judo gi?
Judo and jiu-jitsu gi’s, while similar, do have differences. A Judo gi is will typically have much looser cuffs around the pants and sleeves. Furthermore, the section of the gi below the belt is usually shorter. A Judo gi is a significant disadvantage in jiu-jitsu, because the looser cuffs allow for competitors to establish grips more easily.