Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art founded on principles that allow a smaller, weaker person to successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, more powerful opponent by using leverage and proper technique. It involves taking an opponent to the ground and controlling them using technique, and then applying joint locks or chokeholds to achieve the submission. Beyond that, BJJ is more than a sport, it’s a way to live healthier, more active lives – it’s a lifestyle.
Newbies to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will need to buy a BJJ Gi, rashguard and other Jiu-Jitsu gear. Purchasing BJJ apparel in Australia is simple if one understands what to search for. This tutorial provides a walkthrough process of achieving that goal.
When Purchasing a BJJ Gi
Before purchasing a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi or other gear, we recommend you do two things. First, the need to buy it from a reputable store that specializes in jiujitsu apparel. And second, the need to purchase a quality Gi or rash guards that will last longer. Other than being new to the sport, a jiu-jitsu player (jiujiteiro) may need a BJJ Gi or gear for these other reasons:
- Current Gi no longer fits
- Having a worn-out or torn Gi
- Being in a Jiu-Jitsu competition, which requires an IBJJF legal Gi
- Regular Jiu-Jitsu training that requires more than one Gi
- Encountering difficulty in getting rid of the stink from current Gi, or
- Just needing some gear for no-gi training.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Gi or other BJJ Gear
There are various factors to be considered when purchasing a new Jiu-Jitsu Gi. While choosing the brand, size, material, colour and the weight of the Gi are important factors, there are also other aspects of a Gi that need to be kept in mind, especially when shopping in Australia:
Purchasing from an Authentic Australian BJJ Gi Supplier
When shopping for a BJJ Gi in Australia, one should always purchase from a reputable supplier. With the variety of websites that are selling Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi, it is important to carefully consider the legitimacy and reputation of the website or retailer. While there are many ‘MMA Stores’, there are only a handful of stores that specialise in BJJ. Buying from a store that specialises in Jiu-Jitsu, means that they know the sport, can provide specialist advice in regards to sizing, material, fit and your budget and needs. While MMA stores might have more products, you know what they say ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’.
Getting the Right Size
When shopping for the right Jiu-Jitsu Gi, BJJ Gi Sizing is the next essential step in one’s search. There is a reason for this; getting the right Gi size will make a huge difference in comfort, ability to move and not looking like you are wearing a potato sac. BJJ Gi sizing is difficult, as there is no standard and each gi brand has a different fit. With sizes that range from A0 to A6, F0 to F6 (for females) and M0000 to M4 (for kids), you definitely need to pick the right size.
The ideal Gi size should be well-fitting, not leaving the Jiujiteiro struggling to move, or leaving large amounts of excess material making it easy to grab. There are also the IBJJF requirements which mean to compete in their competitions, your gi will need to meet certain standards.
Picking the Right Belt
When purchasing your BJJ kit, it is important to choose the right belt. Beginners in both Adults and Kids start out with a white BJJ belt. As students progress, they are promoted to different ranks, which are represented by belt colours. Kids and Adults practising jiu-jitsu progress through different ranks, so be sure to only wear the rank that you have been assigned. If in doubt, your specialist BJJ Gi store will be able to assist.
Selecting Other Accessories
When looking to equip oneself fully for BJJ, players can purchase a variety of rashguards, BJJ Shorts, spats, tights and apparel-, there is a bevy of options to select from.
How Long Can a BJJ Gi Last?
The Gi’s durability depends on its quality, usage, and maintenance. With regular wear (once or twice a week), a quality BJJ Gi should last at least two years. If weekly usage increases, the longevity of gis will shorten. The intensity of training and how hard you train with your partners can also impact on the BJJ Gi’s lifespan.
Other factors that will affect a gi’s lifespan include the type of material used, the weight and production quality.
How Much Does a BJJ Gi Cost?
BJJ Gi’s can cost anywhere between $100 to $300+. While not always the case, the lower priced gis are usually made from cheaper materials whereas the mid-higher priced BJJ gis are generally made with more heavy duty materials. The difference, cheaper materials can reduce durability and therefore longevity whereas as a higher priced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi should last longer. Aside from the materials, other factors affecting the price of a BJJ Gi include the brand, design and other aesthetic features. Reach out to your local specialty BJJ Gi shop to find the right gi for you.
How Many GIs Should a Jujiteiro Own?
How many Gis a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu player needs depends on their personal requirements. It’s always good to have a backup gi, especially if you train at least a few times a week. If you train more than a few days a week or daily, then you will definitely need a steady rotation of gis. You don’t want to miss your bjj session because you are waiting for your gis to dry.
Selecting the Right Weave
There are a host of different weaves used for manufacturing BJJ Gis. They include:
- Single weave
- Double weave
- Honeycomb weave
- Ripstop weave
- Gold weave
- Pearl weave
- Crystal weave
These weaves are classified by their density, thickness and appearance and can have an impact on the durability of a Gi. Some weaves are prohibited during competition which is why we recommended speaking to your jiujitsu specialty shop. Pearl weave is currently the most common material used in Gi fabrics due to its weight and durability.
Summary
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to purchasing Gis, but online shoppers should consider the above-discussed factors when buying such apparel from a BJJ shop.
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