- Top 3 Gi’s for biginners
- Choosing Your Gi Size
- Shoyoroll Gi Overview
- Importance of Brand for Beginners
- Why Some Gis Cost More
- Reputation vs. Price
- Gis for Tall/Lanky Body Types
- Gi Weight Differences
- Competition Gi Features
- Overall Conclusion
Top 3 Gis for Beginners
Beginners have different needs when selecting a BJJ gi than experienced grapplers. The top 3 gi brands for BJJ beginners are:
- Fuji – This is one of the most popular and affordable gi brands. Fuji gis offer great quality and durability considering their price point, typically under $100. The sizing is consistent and they have lots of sizes/colors. The material doesn’t feel overly stiff or restrictive. Overall an excellent starter gi with a great value.
- Sanabul – Another very affordable gi brand priced mostly under $100. Sanabul has a wide variety of colors and designs to choose from. Their gis are a bit lighter weight than Fuji but still hold up well for daily training. Great for beginners on a tight budget.
- Elite Sports – This brand offers ultra lightweight gis with a nice slim fit. The pants are ripstop material rather than traditional cotton drill. While not as durable as Fuji or Sanabul, Elite Sports gis provide good breathability and comfort right out of the box.
The most important criteria for a beginner gi are cost, durability, and comfort. Fuji, Sanabul and Elite Sports all deliver quality gis tailored to new BJJ students without breaking the bank. Once you progress in the art, you can upgrade to a premium gi.
Beginner Gi Comparison
| Brand | Price | Weight | Durability | Shrinkage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuji | $80-100 | Medium | High | Low |
| Sanabul | $50-100 | Light | Medium | Medium |
| Elite Sports | $50-80 | Ultra Light | Low | High |
Common Gi Fabrics
| Fabric | Pros | Cons | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft, worn-in feel | Shrinks, rips easily | Low |
| Ripstop | Resists tearing | Not as soft | Medium |
| Pearl Weave | Restricts grips | Slim fit | High |
| Hemp | Lightweight, breathable | Shrinks a lot | High |
| Bamboo | Antimicrobial, breathable | Price | High |
How do I know which gi size to buy?
Choosing the right BJJ gi size can be tricky since some brands fit differently. Here are 10 tips for selecting your ideal gi size:
- Check the brand’s size chart and compare to your measurements. Measure your height and weight.
- Pay attention to gi jacket measurements – chest, shoulder, and sleeve length specifically.
- Gi pants are sized by waist/hip measurement and inseam length.
- Read sizing reviews and recommendations for that brand’s fit.
- Size up if between sizes to allow room to shrink.
- Expect some gi types like pearl weave to fit tighter and slimmer.
- If drying gi in a machine, size up 1 from your measurements.
- If hang drying gi, you can order your exact measurements.
- If losing/gaining weight, allow room for fluctuations in size choice.
- Try on a training partner’s gi of the same brand for reference.
Finding your proper BJJ gi size takes some trial and error. Refer to #1 and #2 specifically to dial in the right jacket and pants size combination for your body type.
How does the Shoyoroll gi compare to other premium gis?
Shoyoroll gis have a reputation as the most prestigious and coveted gis in BJJ. Here’s how they compare to other premium gi brands:
- More expensive than most gis, typically $250+ per gi for standard batches. Exclusive releases over $500.
- Very limited production runs just a few times per year makes them hard to acquire.
- Unique, quirky patch graphics not found on other gis. Some designs become highly collectible.
- Exceptionally tailored fit. Jacket and pants cut slimmer than other brands.
- Ripstop pants standard rather than traditional cotton drill pants. Increased durability.
- High quality, lightweight pearl weave jacket around 450 gsm weight.
- Subjectively considered by some to be the “best” BJJ gi, but also hyped due to scarcity.
- Comparable alternative premium gis are Origin, Atama, and Padilla & Sons collaboration gis.
- Alternative premium gis cost less, easier to buy, offer similar quality.
Shoyoroll gis live up to their reputation for a slim tailored fit and iconic designs. But the supply limitations cause excess demand. For most, other premium gis are superior bang for your buck.
How much do BJJ gi brands matter when starting out?
As a beginner, the brand name matters less than cost and basic durability. Any major BJJ gi brand will be sufficient, so focus on the following:
- Prioritize affordable gis under $150 as your skills will develop quickly. Don’t splurge yet on expensive gis.
- Ensure the gi has a good return/exchange policy in case of defects or poor fit.
- Check for brand reviews on durability and shrinkage issues. Avoid gis that fall apart quickly.
- Go with a midweight gi that moves well. Heavier gis won’t help early technique development.
- Monitor jacket and pants length as you lose weight and gain muscle.
- Stay with reputable BJJ brands instead of general martial arts brands.
The gi brand itself matters more as you reach intermediate level and want specific features like pearl weave fabric, ripstop pants, etc. Early on, focus on fit, comfort, and affordability over branding.
What makes some BJJ gis more expensive than others?
Several factors account for the wide range of costs between budget and premium BJJ gis:
- Materials – Pearl weave and ripstop fabrics cost more than basic cotton drill.
- Build Quality – Handmade gis with reinforced stitching last longer but cost more.
- Brand Reputation – Established brands charge a premium for their name and recognition.
- Limited Production – Small batch releases in high demand drive up resale prices.
- Country of Origin – Gis made ethically in North America rather than Pakistan or China.
- Sponsorships – Brands pass on marketing costs to consumers through pricing.
- Distribution – Online-only brands avoid retailer markup so can offer lower prices.
- Features – Specialty gis with embroidery, patches, and premium pants carry a higher price.
- Business Profit Margins – Bigger brands price gis higher to increase profits.
While price doesn’t always reflect quality, typically spending more yields a softer, comfier gi with premium materials, construction, and fit.
How much does gi brand reputation matter compared to price?
A gi’s brand reputation generates an expectation of quality and performance. But this reputation is often disproportionate to the price premium charged.
For beginners especially, price should take priority over brand reputation. You don’t yet have the skill set to benefit from tiny nuances between gi brands. Start with the most affordable, durable gi you can find from any leading BJJ brand.
Once you reach intermediate level, reputation begins to align more closely with observable differences in materials, construction quality, fit and feel.
The most reputable gi brands do offer a noticeably superior product, but the difference is usually not worth 2x or 3x the price of a basic gi. Seek a reasonable middle ground price for your budget.
While renowned brands carry prestige, a lower cost gi worn consistently will better progress your BJJ journey. Don’t overpay purely for brand reputation alone.
What gi brands are best for tall/lanky body types?
Finding the right BJJ gi fit gets tricky for tall, thin body types. Some great gi brands tailored for the lanky grappler are:
- A3L from Tatami Fightwear, giving you extra sleeve and pant length.
- A4 from Atama, known for their especially long gi pants.
- A3H from War Tribe, designed for tall and skinny frames.
- A3L from Inverted Gear, accommodating long limbs.
- A2H from Scramble, providing narrow shoulders and wider hips.
- A3L from Venum, good economical option for tall people.
- A3L from Fuji, their All-Around gi works well.
- Trying other A#L sizing options from major brands.
The key for body types over 6 feet tall and under 180lbs is ordering “Long” gi sizes even if they seem big elsewhere. Prioritize sleeve/pant length and you can always shrink the rest as needed.
How much does gi weight affect training and competition?
The weight of the BJJ gi material substantially impacts both training and competing:
- Heavier gis above 550 gsm increase grip strength and cardio demands during training.
- Lightweight gis below 450 gsm offer greater mobility and speed. Better for developing technique.
- IBJJF legal gis must fall between 350-550 gsm weight. Anything outside risks disqualification.
- Gi weight affects opponents’ ability to grip or establish dominant positions on you.
- Wearing a heavy gi against a light gi gives the heavier gi an advantage.
- Traveling for competition requires weighing your gis to ensure legality.
- Conditioning in a heavy gi makes training in lightweight gis feel easier.
- Compressing and controlling an opponent is more taxing in thick, inflexible gi material.
Gi weight impacts energy expenditure, submission setups, positioning, and even competition outcomes. Choose wisely for your needs.
What features make a BJJ gi competition-ready?
To make a gi competition legal and optimized for tournaments, look for these key features:
- IBJJF-Approved – Make sure the brand, model and size are on the approved list.
- Weight – Ensure gi falls between the 350-550 gram weight limits after washing.
- Lapel Width – Thickness must be no wider than 1.3 inches all the way down.
- Sleeve Opening – 9 inches or smaller sleeve opening when fully closed.
- Stitching – No exterior tape or contrast stitching that judges could interpret as a grip.
- Patch Placements – Only brand patches in regulation locations. No embroidery.
- Drawstring – Pants must have a drawstring, rope preferred over flat braided.
- Back Flap – Jacket must have cloth flap extending down the center of the back.
- Model Number – Confirm gi has an official model number and brand label.
A competition gi gives you the best chance of passing inspection at major tournaments like Worlds, Pans, and more.
Overall Conclusion
Selecting a BJJ gi involves evaluating your budget, training needs, style preferences, and intended purpose. Beginners should focus first on comfort, durability and value over fixating on branding. Prioritize proper fit through size charts and reviews. Understand that premium materials and limited production increase costs substantially. While reputation can imply higher quality, also consider real-world owner experiences. For competition, ensure your gi has the requisite features to pass a thorough inspection. With so many great gi options now available, you can find the ideal match for your own BJJ journey.
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