Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a great sport practiced by millions. Its influence on MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) has greatly enhanced the versatility of martial arts. to practice BJJ, you need a uniform also called a gi which can be daunting.
No need to worry. I’ve done the work for you. Allow me to recommend the top five best BJJ gis for men.
Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra Light BJJ Gi
Fuji BJJ Gi
Gold BJJ Gi – Ultra Lightweight Aeroweave
Hayabusa Lightweight BJJ Gi
Flow Kimonos Air BJJ Gi
Things to Look for in a BJJ Gi
The word ‘gi’ is derived from the Japanese words ‘keikogi’ or ‘dogi’, which means “uniform for training”. So it is not surprising that ‘gi’ is worn for several different types of martial arts. However, they are not all the same.
There is a Karate gi, a Tae Kwon Do gi (also called a dobok), and a Judo gi. All come in two parts, a top and trousers with pull strings. Generally speaking, Judo gis are most similar to BJJ gis, although they are generally longer with wider sleeves than BJJ gis. Karate gis are much lighter. The Tae Kwon Do gi has evolved away from the lighter wrap around gi in favor of a shirt-like top with a v-neck.
Most clubs are relaxed about the choice of style and color of gi worn for training. However, for a tournament you will have to wear a legal International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) uniform.
Weave
The weave of a BJJ gi is very crucial. The type of weave will often determine the quality and price of the gi.
A thick weave is harder for an opponent to grip but it is heavier and will tilt the scale at the competition weigh in. Therefore, you will have to carefully select the weave of your gi.
Common gi weaves include the single and double weave. The single weave is lighter and cheaper. On the downside, it is easier for an opponent to grab onto a single weave gi.
A double weave just means a doubling down of the weave. The double weave makes the gi heavier and thicker so it harder to grip.
There is also the golden weave is a hybrid between the single and double weave. Its thickness and durability are in between the two.
The pearl weave appears like small pearls on the gi. The weave is designed to make the gi light yet durable. Pearl weave gis are tournament favorites.
Other less common weave types are the honey comb weave, the crystal weave and ripstop weave. The above weave names allude to their character.
Collar
The collar of the gi is an often-ignored part but it can make a huge difference in BJJ. The thicker the collar, the harder it is for an opponent to grip for manipulating your upper body or to submit you with a collar choke.
You should look for a thick, reinforced collar. Collars that contains a plastic copolymer called EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) or rubber are good. Rubber collars dry faster and are less likely to develop mold.
Sleeves
The sleeves of the gi can also make a substantial difference to your training. You should generally choose a sleeve that ends a few inches above your wrist.
The reason is that a sleeve that extends beyond your wrists can be a great impediment when attempting to get a hold of an opponent. The sleeves of your pants should also be a few inches off the ground so you or an opponent does not step on them.
Cut
Every BJJ gi has a cut. There are different types of gis for different gis.
The fitted cut is a great one for those with smaller bodies. If you buy a gi with a fitted cut that fits well it will feel like a custom gi and is very difficult for an opponent to grab. They are lighter and easier to move in than other cuts.
The classic cut gi is for those who prefer to have a little more moving room in their gi. In addition to being more loosely fitted, they also have more color variations than other cuts. The classic cut often meets IBJJF regulations.
Gym Policy and Tournament Rules
If you plan on participating in BJJ competitions and tournaments then you should think deeply about your gi even as a beginner. For starters, the IBJJF only allows blue, black and white gis to be used in competition.
Your gi must be in good condition for you to compete in tournaments. Therefore, you should choose a durable gi that is not easily damaged.
Your gym might also have some gi restrictions for their own reasons. You should speak to your instructor before buying a gi to find out about any restrictions.
Price
The final element to be aware of when buying a gi is the price. The price of course matters a great deal but the point here is not to overextend yourself.
As a beginner, it makes sense to go for one of the more affordable gis. However, never sacrifice quality for price but instead strive for a balance.
A BJJ gi for men can cost between $50 to well over $300. The price will depend on the quality and make of the gi. For example, a hemp gi is more expensive than a cotton gi.
Brands also matter significantly when it comes to price. Gis from more established brands cost more than those from less established ones.
Top 5 Best BJJ Gis for Men
Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra Light BJJ Gi
Fuji BJJ Gi
Gold BJJ Gi – Ultra Lightweight Aeroweave
Hayabusa Lightweight BJJ Gi
Flow Kimonos Air BJJ Gi
Product Review
Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra Light BJJ Gi
The Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra Light Preshrunk BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi is a mile better than the company’s first BJJ gi. Sanabul is well known in the BJJ community for its affordable gis costing less than $100. This is a hugely popular BJJ gi that far outsells all other popular brands with good feedback.
For new BJJ students, this gi is a very good choice. It is a very light gi with single weave fabric that allows you a lot of freedom of movement.
The fabric though light is durable due to its double stitching. On the other hand, some users think the fabric feels cheap even though it has a smooth texture not typical of cheap gis.
It is anti-odor and anti-microbial treated to keep bacteria and fungi away. Infections can easily happen in a BJJ gym where people are sweating into their gis every day.
The gi’s design is ideal for students on the smaller side. Its light nature also favors the lighter and smaller students.
The gi is preshrunk so you can wash it in cold water without worrying about too much shrinking. You can wash the gi with hot water if you want to shrink it.
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Fuji is one of the best MMA gear manufacturers in the world. Their BJJ gi is just an example of their quality work according to most users. It is a prime example of a classic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi. Despite the quality this is one of the lower priced quality gis available.
The gi is made from 100% cotton which makes it very durable. It also makes it quite heavy which can impede movement if you are a beginner.
The gi is well aerated and hence keeps you cool even when training in the heat. It is also reinforced at the knees and elbows to prevent them from tearing.
There is a wide variety of sizes for the Fuji BJJ uniform (A0 to A6) so you will definitely get a gi that fits you. The gi also meets IBJJF standards so you can take it to competition.
The gi is not preshrunk when it arrives. So, you should be extra careful when washing it to avoid shrinkage
The gi is also stiff when you first get it but it should loosen up after a few washes. However the collar will remain stiff which is ideal.
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Gold BJJ Gi – Ultra Lightweight Aeroweave
The Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu gi is one of the lightest gis on the market today. It is particularly favored during competition because it makes it easy to make your targeted lower weight classification.
The shirt is made with a single weave which is 50% lighter than a pearl weave.
The pants of the gi are made using ripstop weave which is becoming more popular these days. The ripstop weave pant is more breathable and more durable than the traditional cotton pants.
It will not leave you drenched in sweat after training. Despite its lightness, the Gold Aerowave gi is still durable thanks to its reinforced stitching.
The gi comes in white, black, navy and grey. The white and black variations are legal for use in IBJJF tournaments. Though not always enforced, you may be prevented from wearing the other colors at competitions.
It is also reasonably priced considering it is a gi that you will get a lot of use out of it. The only downside is that its lightweight construction can make it a little easier for opponents to grip you.
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The Hayabusa Lightweight Jiu Jitsu Gi is a great gi for both beginners and experienced Jiu Jitsu practitioners. According to most users, this gi has the best feel of all the gis ever owned.
The gi can be used for training or competition due to its construction. It is made from cotton using a gold weave with reinforced material for stress areas and the lapel.
The gi strikes a perfect balance between being light yet strong. It is easier for an opponent to grip a lighter material gi. However, this gi is made with a good material and the lighter weight makes it easier for you to make your lower weight classification at tournaments.
The pants of the gi are made separately from the shirt. They are made with 12oz cotton blend with reinforced knees and stress areas for durability.
A signature feature of the Hayabusa lightweight gi is its accessories. It has patches and embroidery on the lapel, chest, shoulders and back and legs. The embroidery and patches are Kanji (Japanese writing using Chinese characters) symbols for certain characteristics like courage and strength.
The gi is not preshrunk so be sure to follow the instructions at the back of the gi and wash it in cold water and only air dry it. You may still get some shrinkage.
