Best BJJ Gis for Beginners [current_year] – Your Ultimate Guide
If you’re a BJJ beginner, buying your first, or perhaps second Gi is quite exciting, but can also be a bit overwhelming! We know, because we’ve been there. With all these brands, colors, material type and choices, it can be quite hard for you to decide which one is the best for you to buy. To help you we have written a full review on the best BJJ Gis for beginners and also provide a guide on what you should be looking out for for your new Gi.
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gi and No-Gi, have one very notable difference between them. Gi Jiu-Jitsu allows you to grapple your opponent using traditional Gi, as in you’ll be able to grab their clothes during combat. As you could have guessed from the name, No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t have the traditional Gi, and instead of that, you have to wear a rash guard, t-shirt, or tank tops for your upper body paired with shorts or spats for the lower body.
Check our our Beginner BJJ Gi review below and find the most suitable for your new found passion.
Quick Overview of Top 3
#1 Winner
Gold BJJ Aeroweave Gi
#2 Runner Up
Elite Sports BJJ Gi
Check Price on elitesports.com
#3 Third
Fuji BJJ All-Around Gi
Best Beginner BJJ Gi Buying Guide
So, you’re planning/you’ve started to train in Gi Jiu-Jitsu. The Gi is one of the biggest parts of the combat, so you’re going to be wanting something suitable, something comfortable, practical, and convenient. Obviously, since you’re a beginner, you might not have a clue about that. Don’t fret! We’ve made this comprehensive guide to give you a clear idea about the apt attire for Gi.
Importance of Wearing a Gi
To start with, what’s a Gi? It’s the heavily stitched, fully cotton uniform that must be worn during training and competing. There’s a huge range of brands offering these uniforms in different qualities, colors, and patterns. A Gi has three basic sections: 1. The coat or jacket, 2. The drawstring pants, and 3. The belt.
The pants will be quite loose and shorter than your typical leggings, only falling at the ankles. The purpose is to offer complete mobility, speed, and comfort. The belt shows off the person’s rank, and it’s perhaps the most used component in all forms of martial arts combined. The system has five levels designated by five colors; starting from rookie all the way to master, the list goes as white, blue, purple, brown, and the most coveted – black belt.
Gi Jiu-Jitsu is actually super interesting if you think about the techniques. The Gi eliminates the elements of speed and strength, making the competitors completely focus on technique and skills. Professional Gi Jiu-Jitsu warriors have mastered the art of the Gi to gain victory over their rivals.
So, to sum it up, your Gi or uniform is one of the most important parts of your training.
Now that we’ve talked about the importance let’s move on to what you have been reading on for – the top 10 Jiu Jitsu Gi for beginners. We tried and tested many models available in the market and decided on these. They’re guaranteed to meet anyone’s expectations.
Also take a lot at this size chart and see which size fits your measurements and to check Gi size availability:
Size |
Height |
Weight |
|
A0 |
5ft 4” – 5ft 7” |
132 – 143lbs |
|
A1 |
5ft 7” – 5ft 9” |
143 – 158lbs |
|
A1L |
5ft 11” – 6ft |
143 – 158lbs |
|
A2 |
5ft 8” – 6ft |
158 – 180lbs |
|
A2L |
5ft 11” – 6ft 2” |
158 – 180lbs |
|
A3 |
6ft 1” – 6ft 3 |
180 – 209lbs |
|
A3L |
6ft 3” – 6ft 4” |
180 – 209lbs |
|
A4 |
6ft 1” – 6ft 4” |
209 – 265lbs |
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Best BJJ Gis for Beginners Review [current_year]
Gold BJJ Aeroweave Gi
Beginners will and have loved this comfortable, lightweight, and worth the money Gi from Gold BJJ. The Aeroweave Gi feels soft on the skin, provides breathability on days when you’re sweating like crazy and will have a significantly longer life.
When starting off, you’re not going to be in most control, so to keep you agile, a lightweight gi is suitable. The branding on these isn’t excessive to make you feel like a trainee and less of a walking advertisement. The weave is supposedly 40% lighter than the usual pearl weave, which explains the ultra-light feel. Don’t worry about the durability as the reinforced seams have got it covered. The 10OZ ripstop pants are an added benefit at this point. Gold BJJ promises to replace or refund your product if you’re unhappy with it, but chances are thin you’ll feel that way.
Pros:
- Perfect blend of quality and value
- Maximum comfort
- Convincing warranty
- Four nice colors with a minimalistic design
Cons:
- Not the cheapest on the list
Elite Sports BJJ Gi
Check Price on elitesports.com
If you plan on staying on the mat longer, you will need something that delivers superior comfort even for prolonged hours. That’s where the Elite Sports Essential BJJ Gi comes in.
Constructed with super breathable materials, the preshrunk fabric removes the tension of ending up with a smaller gi over time. It will shrink a bit after the first wash, but it’s nothing that will put a dent on your training. It’s sturdy enough to last you a while and also prevents overheating, giving you adequate time to practice. The lightweight materials fight against the buildup of fungal and bacterial infections alongside drying sweat significantly faster. Remove lingering disgusting smells from your training with the anti-odor feature. Your Gi will remain fresh and dry for longer, meaning you will be able to put complete focus on the training and not on the sweat and stench overpowering your senses.
Pros:
- Lightweight and made from breathable materials
- Reasonable price point for beginners
- A nice range of color options
- Free white belt
- IBJJF approved
Cons:
- Single weave might cause it to be less durable
- Poor seam work
Fuji BJJ All-Around Gi
According to the Fuji Store, this is the best-selling BJJ kimono in the world! So, when all the customers believe it, who are we to judge? Just kidding. We’ll still inspect everything to make sure you end up with a great Gi. The Fuji All-Around Gi has won many awards for the build and is an industry favorite.
It’s not the most lightweight thing you’ll find in the market, but that only means it has added points on the durability section. The thick and stiff collar paired up with the reinforced stitching around stress points adds value to our previous statement. This Gi was made for an excellent fit and extreme durability even if your training hours are insane! It’s practically created for the advanced practitioners, but their affordable price point will drag you in even as a beginner. The Fuji premium cotton blend provides superior comfort every single time.
Pros:
- The Fuji special weave makes it extra resilient.
- Fits to the tee
- Four different color options
- A+ quality
Cons:
- Mid-weight, can be a little uncomfortable in super-hot days
Venum Contender 2.0 BJJ Gi
The second version of the Venum BJJ Contender Gi, the Venum Contender 2.0, is significantly more comfortable and durable than its predecessor.
The jacket is completely made of pearl weave cotton, perfectly hitting the balance between lightweight and sturdiness as well as stronger seams. EVA foam reinforced collar more resistance to bottlenecks while leaving space for a counter-attack. The pants are 100% cotton and contain extra stitching inside the leg region and ankle cuffs. However, it doesn’t come with a belt, so make sure to get one separately. There’s also a selection of basic colors to choose from. Customers have noted that it does tend to shrink a slight amount on the first wash, but it’s definitely not a recurring event. The size chart is quite accurate, and it’s true to fit.
Pros:
- Well-built
- Flexible
- Foam collar is very nicely constructed
- Five colors to select from
Cons:
- Not as durable as the other Gis
- More expensive
Hayabusa Lightweight Jiu Jitsu Gi
Perfect for beginners and advanced practitioners alike, the Hayabusa Leightweight Jiu-Jitsu Gi is a top-notch BJJ Gi made to deliver incredible quality and comfort.
Constructed with pearl weave cotton, the craftsmanship on these Gis is truly impressive. They’re made for the wear and tear, for the everyday rugged practice sessions that many other Gis would hardly survive, and they’re very snug and airy at the same time. The fabric offers great maneuverability, so you’re quick on your feet. In our opinion, the design is also noteworthy – the tie closure and the overall build has more of a timeless look to it. Keep away unwanted tears with the 8OZ rip shot pants. The entire gi has reinforced stitching for added durability, and the fabric is pre-treated to prevent color fading. We would like to add that the fitting on these is remarkable, sure to never disappoint.
Pros:
- Modern design
- Long-lasting
- Pearl weave stitching feels light on the skin
- Four nice colors to pick from
Cons:
- On the pricier side in comparison to most beginner Gis
Hawk BJJ Gi
This one probably wouldn’t have made the cut had we been listing the top BJJ gi available in the market, but it deserves the spot in the rookie list. It’s definitely one of the cheapest options out there that you’ll want to start with. With time, you will be able to upgrade as per your growing demands. This one’s a great starter option.
The designs are very simple, and it comes it a bunch of different colors. The preshrunk pearl weave fabric is lightweight enough to provide comfort during those long hours of rigorous training. As a gift of sorts, it comes with a free white belt – one that will be your friend till you climb higher on the levels. It’s honestly a “you get what you pay for” situation here.
Pros:
- Multiple sizes and colors to choose from
- Minimalistic design
- Anti-microbial
Cons:
- Isn’t very durable
- Fabric quality is average at best
Your Jiu-Jitsu BJJ Gi
If we’re talking about excellent starter Gis, the Your Jiu Jitsu Gi needs to be mentioned for the great value of money it offers. An interesting fact about the brand that might incline you toward it: these are designed by a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist who has over 50 years of experience!
The Gi is single weaved and is nice and comfortable. You could even customize these according to your preference. The gi doesn’t have any extra labels because the company says they don’t want you to be a “free billboard advertisement.” We think that’s a really nice step. Besides that, the build is incredible for the price tag. Customers can vouch for the durability, and they say it’s lasted them a few years before being needed to be retired. The fabric is preshrunk for continued better fitting throughout your use.
Pros:
- Customizable
- Remarkable performance
- Resilient fabric
- Good value for beginners
Cons:
- Heavier build can be uncomfortable during excessively warm days
- Not as true to size as they claim
Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi
This premium BJJ gi is a high-end addition to the list, and it’s one for the modern combaters. Durable yet lightweight, this comfortable Calavera Gi is a super kimono Gi even at the extended price range.
The design was inspired by Dia de Los Muertos, the Spanish festival called “The Day of the Dead” in English, and the model was named “Calavera” to celebrate the unique tradition of skull representation for that day. The gold weave jacket is super strong and soft at the same time. It also has a special sugar-skull rash-guard neck liner that will make you feel the difference the moment you put it on (and it looks cooler!). The pants are termed 10OZ ripstop pants that will prevent you from excessively sweating no matter how hard you’re training. The reinforced, stiff collar adds much durability.
Pros:
- Gold weave construction
- Ultra-light and breathable fabric
- Great guarantee from the company
- Three colors and a large size option
Cons:
- More on the pricey side
- The stitching isn’t the best
Sanabul Essential V.2 Gi
Another amazing budget option, this one is a total money’s worth. It’s lightweight to keep you comfortable during summer competitions. However, they’re equally sturdy. The dense single weave design, rubberized, stiff collars, tapered sleeves combine to give you an agile experience in training.
The fabric itself has been specially treated, which means it’s going to stay drier for longer. On top of that, it’s also going to fight bad odor and stop the growth of microbes as a result of sweat. You’ll see that Sanabul is a fan-favorite when it comes to BJJ Gi, and even more so for the beginners. The company really takes care of the fitting. The gi is preshrunk, so you can just throw it into the washer without having to fear shrinkage. The sizing chart is very accurate, and you’re guaranteed to not have problems with the delivered product being oversized or undersized (given you provide the right measurements).
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and comfy
- Five color options
- Antimicrobial and anti-odor properties
Cons:
- Might not be very durable due to the single weave
Flow Kimonos Air BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi
Cruise through your intense training sessions with this lightweight, airy Gi that can be counted as one of the best training Gis there are.
The 100% cotton pearl weave jacket is extremely soft and allows much breathability. Compared to the usually used carded cotton pearl weave fabric, the combed cotton fabric has been tested to be more comfortable and tough at the same time. Say goodbye to awkward buttocks sweat with the moisture-wicking ripstop feature of the pants that guarantee to keep you fresh and dry all day long. The heavy-duty drawstring will stay strong the whole day, so forget pausing mid-class to tighten the string. The fabric is preshrunk and promised to have less than 2% of shrinkage, and we’re happy that it delivered to the promise. If you can’t find your size in any other Gi, you’ll probably not face that here as it has nine sizes available to fit every body type.
Pros:
- Superior quality fabric
- Moisture-wicking technology
- Classy designs
- Offers excellent fitting for all sizes
Cons:
- Quite pricey for a training Gi
- Can be a little stiff
Best Beginner’s Gi Buying Guide
Before you make the purchase, make a list of everything you want your Gi to be. Also, keep in mind the most basic things that go into making a good, if not great, gi.
- Weave: There are three types of weaves, mainly. The cheapest and most common one would be the “single-weave.” It usually has a reasonable (lower) price point, but it affects their resilience. This can be a good choice for a beginner because they can upgrade later on. It’s also better for warm climates as they’re less restricting. The double weave Gi is stronger, more durable. These do tend to cost more, but if you’re considering utility, they’re better for the long run and are much more efficient. The added quality also provides improved comfort. For the ones who can’t make the pick between the aforementioned two, the Gold Weave fits the bill. It tries to combine the pros of the single and double weave to make the fabric more durable and lightweight together. We’d say this is for the more experienced practitioners who thrive for the rolls. However, if you have some cash to splurge, you could try this premium-grade weave. Some brands even have their own kind of weaves to add a more personalized touch.
- Collar (also called Lapel) Fill: Cotton or rubber is the mostly used BJJ Gi collar material, with the latter being more popular. Contrary to that, experienced combaters comment that the cotton ones are more comfortable, while the rubber collars increase the chances of collar choke. Different rubber bands have different qualities. Their popularity can be accounted for their bacteria growth hindering properties in comparison to the cotton collars.
- Color: The traditional Gis are white, but BJJ has seen a number of new colors being added to the roster – like black or blue. If your dream is to take on the IBJJF ((International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) one day, choose black, blue, or white as they’re all officially approved. If you’re doing simple training, pick out whichever you want. Don’t go wild and choose an overly flashy one, though. Some teachers won’t allow that.
- Price: A typical Gi can cost anywhere from $40-$400. Of course, you won’t have to give up an arm and a leg to afford a decent gi, so it’s better if you compare the proposed value to the cost. However, we would like to recommend staying around the $100 margin, as that’s where you’ll find some functional gis. You could go lower, but the quality would degrade substantially.
Best BJJ Gi for Beginners – Conclusion
It’s time to announce the winner of the “Best BJJ GI for Beginners,” and we’re thrilled to announce that the title goes to the Gold BJJ Aeroweave Gi. It’s everything you would want in a Gi while staying well within the affordable range. The construction, color selection, lifetime, all combine to form a Gi that you’ll be glad to have your training partner. It’s noteworthy that all Gis mentioned on the guide are IBJFF certified. Finding the perfect uniform is anything but easy, so we hope we made it a little bit easier for you to make the final choice.
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Jiu-Jitsu Street is a community of fun loving and hard rolling BJJ enthusiasts. Born out of our passion for the gentle art, we have decided to create this blog and help you on your journey. Let’s grow and learn together on this never-ending journey. Oss!
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