5 Top Tips For Selecting A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu GI

Aug 2
08:59

2011

tony taylor

tony taylor

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a high impact sport. Fighters must feel comfortable and uninhibited during a fight. Fighters will always wear a BJJ GI made from thick durable cotton. There are lots of different types of BJJ Kimono. A BJJ GI is an essential piece of equipment for the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Prior to purchasing, you need to know exactly what makes BJJ GI’s different and understand how they have developed with the sport. Help to make an informed decision, and save you from deciding on the wrong BJJ GI.

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Here is the five most important features you will need to consider when purchasing BJJ GI:

1. Material. Probably one of the most important elements is the fabric use. Almost all of the research and development in BJJ GI has been on the materials used. Lighter and thinner material is how most of the newer BJJ GI’s has started to be made. Some companies even use their own special mix of cotton. A BJJ GI should be lightweight,5 Top Tips For Selecting A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu GI Articles strong, and durable.

2. Weave. A more recent improvement in BJJ GI is the type of weave that the gi is made from. There are various weaves including single weave, double weave, gold weave and pearl weave. Single weaves are lightest but not as strong as a double weave and hence double weaves are heavy. Gold weaves are strong and comfortable and are of medium weight but they suffer from shrinkage after washing them. In my opinion the pearl weave is the best weave. A pearl weave is light in weight, strong and does not suffer from shrinking. Most BJJ GI companies have their own special type of weave and they name it with their own brand of name but most new weaves are effectively just pearl weaves.

3. BJJ GI Trousers.  Most BJJ GI trousers are made from drill cotton and come in various weights including 12 oz and 8 oz. Some are made from military rip stop. These trousers are very light in weight and are very strong. Some trousers have a material drawstring. This is the most common drawstring but is not the most effective they come undone quite easily. The best option is the rope drawstring. These are very strong and they vary rarely come undone.

4. Lapel. The BJJ GI lapel is normally made form a strong material. Newer Gi’s have started using rip stop to cover the lapel. Rip stop is a stronger material than a normal weave. The material inside the lapel  is sometimes just normal cotton stuffed thickly inside of the lapel but most of the top brands have a rubber insert inside the lapel. This helps in drying the gi and also makes it harder for people to apply collar chokes on you while you’re wearing the gi.

5. Branding. Branding varies from GI to GI. It comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer BJJ GI that is plainer and some prefer BJJ GI that is a bit bolder. Most GI’s have some patches on them with the branding of the company and some also have logos embroidered on the GI top or on the trousers. Some newer Gi’s now have contrasting stitching running through the gi and also printing inside the GI jacket.

BJJ GI are the most essential piece of equipment you’ll need to be a submission fighter. For inspiration you can check out what the pros are wearing as this will always give you a measure of how good a BJJ GI is. Some fighters wear a rash guard under the BJJ GI this helps with preventing from mat born diseases.