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Buyer's Guide to Purchasing a New Judo Gi

Fuji Judo Gi Buyers Guide

 

A Buyer's Guide to Purchasing a New Fuji Judo Gi

If you're looking to purchase a new Fuji Judo Gi, it's important to consider several factors to ensure you get the right one for your needs. A Judo Gi is not just a uniform; it's a crucial piece of equipment that can impact your performance on the mat. Here's a comprehensive buyer's guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Know Your Requirements:

  • Size: Fuji Judo Gis come in various sizes, typically categorised by the Japanese numbering system (e.g., 0000, 000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8). Some other brands may use a centimeter sizing system which is usually based on height (e.g. 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 etc). Consult your Judo instructor or coach to determine your appropriate size. The fit should be snug but not constricting. You can also check out the Fuji Size Charts for detailed sizing. The higher-end Fuji Judo Gi's also come in Half Sizes for a better fit if you happen to fall in between sizes (e.g., 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5).
  • Material: Judo Gis are usually made from cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. Consider your preference for comfort, durability, and weight. All major international Judo tournaments must adhere to the IJF rules on uniforms. For local competitions, a regular Judo uniform should be okay but check with your coach or event organiser to make sure your uniform meets their regulations.
  • Colour: Traditional Judo Gis are White, but some dojos allow Blue Judo Gis for competition. Check with your dojo's rules before selecting a colour.
  • Competition or Training: Decide if you need the Gi for competition, training, or both. Competition Gis often follow stricter regulations and may be more expensive due to their construction.

2. Gi Weave:

The weave of the fabric affects the durability and weight of your JudoGi. Common weaves include:

  • Single Weave: Lighter and more affordable, suitable for beginners and training or for those who live in hot humid climates.
  • Double Weave: Heavier, more durable, and often required for competitions. They can be quite warm, so consider the climate you'll be training in.
  • 1.5 Weave: A middle ground between single and double weave, offering a balance of weight and durability.

To check out the full list of Fuji Judo Gi, simply click here: Fuji Judo Gi's

3. Stitching and Reinforcement:

When shopping around for your next Judo uniform make sure you check the quality of stitching and reinforcement in critical areas like the shoulders, chest, and knees. Reinforced seams and extra layers of fabric in high-stress areas can prolong the life of the Gi. With a proud history dating back more than 55 years, Fuji has refined the art of Judo Gi making and has already accommodated and addressed any stress points of their Judo Gi range. In fact, we've also set some standards which other brands then followed.

4. Brand and Reputation:

Choose a reputable brand known for quality. With many popular Judo Gi brands out on the market these days, many are just marketing companies adding to their sports line range. Fuji was born on the mats from a rich Judo heritage and an understanding of the art of Judo and textiles. With many World and Olympic Judo champions now working at Fuji Sports we can ensure that performance and quality go hand in hand. Always research reviews and ask for recommendations from experienced practitioners.

5. Price Range:

Set a budget based on your needs and quality expectations. High-end Gi's can be expensive but offer superior quality and durability. Consider the long-term investment and how you will be using your judo gi. Think about how many sessions you're attending per week and consider possibly investing in more than one Gi if you're planning to train several times a week. This will help you keep up with the washing cycle so that you can always rock up to class with a fresh clean Judo Gi... nobody likes to train with a person with stinky gi. It's very common to see a tennis player have several of the same tennis rackets in the bag just in case they break a string, as is the same for Judoka who will have several of the same judo uniforms so that they can keep up with the washing and training routines. If you're a beginner, start off with one judo gi, if the budget allows then go for two. once you get hooked on Judo you'll most likely end up getting several judogi as Judo can be addictive.

6. Care and Maintenance:

Proper care will extend the life of your Fuji Judo Gi. Follow the care instructions provided (usually on the inside tag label). Typically, Judo Gis should be washed in cold water and air-dried to prevent excessive shrinkage.

7. Customisation:

If you happen to be a club owner we also offer extensive options for custom team embroidery or patches directly from the Fuji Factory. This will ensure that all your Judo Gi's will be within competition specifications or to your club's design. 

8. Fit and Comfort:

Ensure the Gi fits comfortably and allows a full range of motion. It should be loose enough to move but not so baggy that it hinders your technique.

9. Try Before You Buy:

If possible, try on different Judo Gi's to find the one that fits best. Get to your dojo early and try on a teammate's judo gi so you can check out the fit and feel of the judo uniform to get a gauge and feel. Many local stores and dojos may carry a selection of Fuji Judo Gis for you to try.

10. Return Policy:

Make sure you understand the return policy of the store or website where you purchase your Gi. It's important 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.

11. Check with Your Dojo:

Finally, check with your Dojo or Judo Academy to make sure you're compliant with any specific rules or guidelines they may have regarding the type of Judo Gi you can wear.

By following this buyer's guide, you'll be well-prepared to make an informed decision when purchasing a new Judo Gi. Remember that your Gi is not just a uniform but a reflection of your commitment to Judo, so choose wisely. We look forward to seeing you on the mat in a Fuji Judo Gi, but if it's not, we hope that this has been an informative Judo Gi buyers guide and maybe next time it will be a Fuji Judo Gi.

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