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Buyer's Guide to Purchasing a New BJJ Gi

BUYER'S GUIDE TO PURCHASING A NEW BJJ GI

 

When it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), your Gi is more than just a uniform—it's an essential part of your training and performance, an expression of your inner style. Choosing the right BJJ Gi can greatly impact your experience on the mat, choosing the correct BJJ Gi will bring you more enjoyable training sessions and hopefully more competition wins. To help you make an informed decision, here's a comprehensive buyer's guide to help you choose the best Fuji BJJ Gi for you:

1. Understand Your Needs:

  • Competition or Training: Determine if you need the Gi for competition or training. Competition Gi's often have stricter regulations and may be more expensive due to regulatory testing, construction, reinforcements, decorative aesthetics etc, while training Gi's offer more flexibility and can be cheaper depending on the level, construction etc.
  • BJJ Gi Material: BJJ Gis are commonly made from cotton, cotton-polyester blends, bamboo or hemp. Consider the material's comfort, durability, and weight. Each fabric has its benefits Bamboo is super soft, and Hemp is super strong but both have much higher costs due to manufacturing. Cotton and Cotton/Poly blends are by far the most common due to quicker and cheaper manufacturing costs. This in turn allows for a better cost-to-wear ratio and hence an almost perfect blend of cost-to-performance ratio.
  • BJJ Gi Colours: Check your gym's rules for acceptable BJJ Gi colours. Traditional colours are white and for some schools blue, while other BJJ academies permit black and other variations.
  • IBJJF Compliance: If you plan to compete in IBJJF tournaments, ensure the BJJ Gi meets its strict guidelines regarding sizing, fabric, and patch placement.

2. Gi Weave and Weight:

The weave of the fabric and the weight of the BJJ Gi affect its durability and comfort. Common weaves include:

  • Single Weave: Lightweight and affordable, suitable for beginners and hot climates.
  • Pearl Weave: A balance between weight and durability, great for all-around use.
  • Gold Weave: Heavier and more durable, ideal for frequent training and competitions.
  • Ripstop: Lightweight, durable, and resistant to shrinking. Often used for pants.

3. Sizing and Fit:

Choosing the right size is crucial for both comfort and IBJJF compliance. BJJ Gis are typically available in a range of sizes (A0, A1, A2, etc.). Refer to the manufacturer's size chart and consider your height and weight for the best fit.

4. Brand Reputation:

Stick to reputable brands known for their quality and consistency. A brand like Fuji has cemented itself as a world leader in BJJ Gi manufacturing with many of the world's biggest teams using Fuji BJJ Gi's. Teams like Renzo Gracie BJJ Team, Rillion Gracie BJJ Team, Roger Gracie BJJ Team, Royce Gracie BJJ Team, Pedro Sauer BJJ Team, Alliance Jiu-Jitsu BJJ Team, Xande Ribeiro BJJ Team and many more. Read reviews and seek recommendations from experienced practitioners.

5. Stitching and Reinforcement:

Check for strong, reinforced stitching at stress points like the collar, sleeves, and knees. Reinforced seams and high-quality stitching can extend the life of your Gi. With over 55 years of experience, Fuji Sports is a pioneer when it comes to BJJ Gi's with many advancements coming out of our very own Fuji R&D Lab. With the many innovations and enhancements that have been pioneered by Fuji Sports over the 50-plus years, many of our innovations have now been adopted by other manufacturers.

6. Price Range:

Set a budget that suits your needs and expectations. High-end Gi's can be more expensive, but they often offer superior quality and durability. If you want your BJJ Gi to last longer it's a matter of simple maths. If you only have one BJJ Gi and train 4 times a week, that's 4 wears and 4 washes. Times that by say 50 weeks a year, that's 200 times wash and wear. Having 2 Jiu-Jitsu Gi's will allow you to wash and wear a clean Gi every training session as well as half the wash and wear ratio to 100 times per year for each Gi. Less wear and tear means more mileage per Gi. It's not uncommon for BJJ Athletes to have 4 or more BJJ Gi's in their Gi lineup. It's possible that once you are hooked on BJJ you'll end up with more than just 1 BJJ Gi. 

7. BJJ Gi Customisation:

Some brands offer customisation options for embroidery or patches. Before personalising your Gi, check if your gym or tournament regulations have any restrictions. If you're a BJJ Academy Owner, Fuji Sports offers a full customisation service to fit out your team that has been trusted by many of the world's top BJJ Schools. Talk to our team to see how we can help take your club to the next level with Fuji BJJ Academy Gi's.

8. Care and Maintenance:

Extend your Gi's lifespan by following care instructions, which often include washing in cold water and air drying to prevent excessive shrinkage. You can find these instructions on the inside label of your Fuji BJJ Gi

9. Return Policy:

Understand the return policy of the store or website where you plan to buy your Gi. It's essential to have flexibility in case you need to exchange it for a different size or model. Here at Fuji Sports Australia, you can check out our return policy just by clicking here. We ask that you carefully open the packaging and try on the uniform in a clean state (i.e. after a shower and not straight after clocking off from a dusty and dirty mine site ). If you need to exchange for a different size make sure that you don't rip any of the advertising swing tags and carefully fold the judo gi back up in its original packaging and send it back for exchange with clear instructions.

10. Consult Your Gym:

Before making your purchase, consult your BJJ gym or academy. They may have specific guidelines regarding Gi colors, patches, and other requirements.

By following this buyer's guide, you'll be well-prepared to select the perfect BJJ Gi that suits your style, needs, and budget. Your Gi is not just a uniform; it's an extension of your BJJ journey, so choose wisely.

We look forward to seeing you on the mat in a Fuji BJJ Gi, but if it's not, we hope that this has been an informative BJJ Gi buyers guide and maybe next time it will be a Fuji BJJ Gi.

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