When it comes to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, there are a few pieces of gear that you need in order to participate in the sport. One of the most essential pieces of equipment is the Gi. The Gi is a type of clothing worn by BJJ practitioners and is made out of mostly a heavy cotton material. The primary purpose of the Gi is to provide a grip for your opponent.
There are a number of different factors that you need to take into account when purchasing your first Gi, such as size, color, and style. In this article, we will discuss all of these factors so that you can make an informed purchase.
What is a Gi?
A Gi (pronounced “gee”) is a traditional uniform worn by practitioners of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It consists of a jacket, pants, and a belt. The fabric is usually a heavy cotton weave, which makes it sturdy and durable. The Gi is designed to provide a good grip for both practitioners, allowing them to control each other during techniques.
The History of the Gi
The Gi has its origins in Japan, where it was worn by practitioners of Kodokan Judo. In the early 1900s, a Japanese immigrant named Mitsuyo Maeda brought Judo to Brazil. One of Maeda’s students was a man named Carlos Gracie, who went on to be one of the founders of BJJ.
See also: A History of Gracie Jiu Jitsu
In the early days of BJJ, practitioners would simply wear their Judo Gi’s. However, as the sport developed and evolved, so did the Gi. The first BJJ-specific Gi was designed by a man named Oswaldo Fadda. This Gi was lighter and more comfortable than the Judo Gi, and it quickly became the standard for BJJ practitioners.
The Gi has since evolved even further by making different cuts and designs specifically for BJJ. The fabric also went through some changes, with many brands now using a blend of cotton and polyester. This makes the Gi more durable and resistant to shrinking and fading.
Why is a Gi Important?
There are a few reasons why wearing a Gi is important. First, it enables you to grip your opponent more easily. The fabric of the Gi provides a more gripping surface than the skin, so you’ll be able to maintain a better hold on your opponent, which is essential for control and submissions.
Second, the Gi protects your skin from mat burns and other injuries. When you’re rolling around on the mat, the last thing you want is to get a nasty mat burn. The Gi will provide a barrier between your skin and the mat, which will help to prevent these types of injuries.
Finally, the Gi is a sign of respect. When you step onto the mat wearing a Gi, you’re showing respect for the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and for your opponent. It’s a way of saying that you’re serious about the sport and that you’re there to compete.
How to Choose the Right Gi
When choosing a Gi, it’s important to consider your size, weight, and training goals. If you’re just starting out, you’ll want a lighter-weight Gi that won’t be too bulky or constricting. As you get more experienced, you can move up to a heavier weight Gi that will offer more protection and durability.
There are many different brands and styles of Gi’s on the market, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. Once you’ve found a Gi that meets your needs, make sure to take care of it properly so it will last for years to come.
The size of the Gi is the most crucial factor to consider when making your purchase. The Gi should fit snugly but not be too tight. If it’s too loose, it will be difficult to grip onto your opponent, and you’ll be at a disadvantage. If it’s too tight, you’ll be uncomfortable and won’t be able to move freely.
Finally, consider your training goals when choosing a Gi. If you’re just starting out, you might not need the most expensive and durable Gi on the market. However, if you’re planning on competing, you’ll want to invest in a high-quality Gi that will withstand the rigors of competition.
The Design And Color Of The Gi
There are many different designs and colors of Gi’s on the market, so you should have no problem finding one that suits your taste. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the design and color of your Gi won’t make any difference in how well you perform on the mat.
The only time the design and color of your Gi will matter is if you’re competing in a tournament that has rules regarding what you can wear. In most cases, you’ll be able to wear any Gi that meets the tournament’s size and weight requirements.
Most likely, your Gi shouldn’t have any patches or additional stitching that could hurt an opponent during a match.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide what design and color you want your Gi to be. There are no right or wrong answers, so choose something that you think looks cool and that you’ll be happy to wear on the mat.
Best Brands of Gi
There are many great brands of Gi on the market, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. Here are a few of the best brands of Gi to consider:
Fuji Sports
Sanabul
Gold BJJ
Origin
Venum
Tatami
Kingz
These are just a few of the many great brands of Gi available on the market. When choosing a Gi, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. Once you’ve found a Gi that meets your needs, make sure to take care of it properly so it will last for years to come.
How To Care For A Gi?
Caring for a Gi is important to prolonging its lifespan. After each use, hang your Gi up to air out. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus. Once a week, wash your Gi in cold water with a mild detergent. Hang it up to dry, or put it in the dryer on low heat.
When you’re not using your Gi, store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in a humid area, as this can cause the fabric to mildew.
The Jiu-Jitsu Belt
The belt is an integral part of the Gi, and it can be used to show your rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The color of the belt represents your level of experience. White belts are for beginners, blue belts are for intermediate practitioners, and black belts are for advanced practitioners. Red belts are rare and reserved only for the most advanced masters.
As you progress through the ranks, you’ll need to purchase new belts to show your increased level of experience once you earn them, of course. It’s important to note that you should never buy a used belt, as this can be seen as disrespectful to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The length of the belt should be just long enough to go around your waist and tie in a double knot. The excess belt should then be tucked into the front of your pants.
Wearing a belt that is too long or too short can be seen as disrespectful and, above all, can get in the way of rolling on the mat, so make sure to get the correct size.
See also: Our Guide to the BJJ Belt System
Conclusion
The bottom line is that a Gi is an essential piece of gear for any Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned vet, make sure to choose the right Gi for you. With proper care, it will be a loyal companion on your journey to becoming a master of the art.
