Table of Contents
- Mastering the Folding Technique for Your BJJ Gi
- The Role of Garment Bags in Protecting Your Gi
- The Benefits of Gi-Specific Bags
- Carry-On vs Checked: The Best Way to Travel with Your Gi
- Unpacking Tips for the Traveling BJJ Athlete
- Maintaining Gi Cleanliness on the Road
- Sink Washing: A Solution for Limited Laundry Access
- Using the Bathtub for a Thorough Hand Wash
- The Benefits of Travel Detergent
- Drying Your Gi While Traveling
Mastering the Folding Technique for Your BJJ Gi
The way you fold your BJJ gi can significantly impact its longevity and appearance. When packing your bag, after a wash and dry cycle, it’s essential to fold your gi jacket and pants neatly along the seams while they’re still warm. This method helps reduce wrinkles and prevent creases, especially when you’re traveling.
For the jacket, align it lengthwise, ensuring the lapels, shoulders, and sides match. Then, fold it into thirds horizontally. As for the pants, fold them lengthwise along the inseam and across the waistband. Once folded, lay them flat and stack them in your bag.
To keep your gi looking fresh and competition-ready, consider packing a travel steamer. This handy tool can help release wrinkles after long flights, ensuring you always step onto the mat looking your best.
The Role of Garment Bags in Protecting Your Gi
A dedicated garment bag is an essential travel companion for any BJJ practitioner. It not only protects your gi from potential damage but also keeps odors at bay. Opt for a bag with zipper or Velcro closures to keep your gi neatly contained.
Look for lightweight, compact bags that offer padding to prevent rips and tears. Bags with multiple compartments are a plus, as they allow you to separate clean gis from dirty ones. Remember to handle your bag with care to avoid straining the seams.
Investing in a high-quality garment bag is a wise decision, especially for frequent travelers who train regularly.
The Benefits of Gi-Specific Bags
For the ultimate convenience, consider investing in a purpose-built BJJ gi bag. These bags are designed with padded, ventilated compartments that are specifically contoured for your gi jacket and pants.
Interior mesh pockets provide space for your belt, rashguard, and gi spray nozzle, keeping your gear organized. Some bags even feature external zip pockets for additional equipment like gloves or shin guards.
Choose a bag that can accommodate 1-2 gis, depending on your needs. With a gi-specific bag, packing for competitions or training trips abroad becomes a breeze. You won’t have to juggle multiple smaller bags – just load up your dedicated gi bag, and you’re ready to hit the road.
Carry-On vs Checked: The Best Way to Travel with Your Gi
When flying to tournaments or seminars, it’s crucial to never check your gi bag – always bring it as a carry-on. Checking your gi runs the risk of the bag getting lost, leaving you without your essential uniform upon arrival.
Carry-on bags allow you to keep your gi with you at all times. Just ensure your gi bag meets the airline’s carry-on size restrictions. If you’re stopped at the gate, explain that the bag contains essential equipment that you’ll need immediately upon arrival.
For long or international flights, request early boarding to secure overhead bin space for your gi.
Unpacking Tips for the Traveling BJJ Athlete
Upon reaching your lodging destination, unpack your gi and hang it up as soon as possible. This allows any wrinkles to release and odors to dissipate before your training or competition.
If the venue has lockers or changing rooms, try to gain early access to hang your gi jacket and pants, ensuring they’re competition-ready. When staying in hotels, don’t hesitate to request early check-in if available. This gives you ample time to unpack your gi and let it freshen up.
Remember, as a traveling athlete, gear preparation is just as important as securing accommodations.
Maintaining Gi Cleanliness on the Road
Keeping your gi clean and hygienic is just as important on the road as it is at home. Seek out nearby self-service laundromats to wash your training gis. If you’re staying at a hotel, check for onsite guest laundry facilities or washing machines.
When reserving accommodations for longer stays, call ahead to inquire about laundry options. If no dedicated laundry facilities are available, you can hand wash your gi in the sink or bathtub using a gentle detergent designed for athletic gear.
Having a couple of backup gis allows you to rotate usage and washing during extended trips. Remember, maintaining your gi washing routine is crucial, even when traveling.
Sink Washing: A Solution for Limited Laundry Access
If you find yourself without laundry access, you can hand wash your gi in the sink. Fill the sink with cool water and a small amount of specialty athletic detergent. Let the jacket and pants soak briefly, then gently scrub any stains and sweaty areas.
Once you’ve cleaned your gi, drain the dirty water and refill the sink to rinse your gi thoroughly. Be sure to wring out your gi to remove excess moisture. Travel detergents are designed not to leave soapy residue like hotel shampoos, ensuring your gi is clean and ready for your next session.
Using the Bathtub for a Thorough Hand Wash
For a more thorough hand wash, you can use the bathtub. Fill the tub with enough cool water to submerge your gi, add a gentle detergent, and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
After soaking, drain the tub and refill it with clean water for rinsing. Stand in the empty tub to wring out excess moisture from your gi. Lay your gi over the edge of the tub and reshape the jacket and pants while the water drips off.
A bathtub provides more room than a sink for agitating and rinsing your gi, ensuring a thorough clean.
The Benefits of Travel Detergent
When washing your gi by hand, bring a small bottle of specialty athletic detergent instead of relying on hotel shampoo. Brands like Win and Jason Powersmile offer gentle, residue-free detergents designed for activewear.
These detergents travel well in 3-5 oz bottles and effectively remove odors, bacteria, and stains without harsh chemicals that could damage your gi or linger in the fabric.
Drying Your Gi While Traveling
After washing, your gi will need time to dry fully. Plan your washing schedule accordingly, especially when traveling. If you’re in a hurry, you can roll up your slightly damp gi in a towel to absorb excess moisture.
For best results, hang your hand-washed gi over the shower rod, curtain rod, or improvised multipurpose hangers in your room. You can also get creative by clipping your gi to chairs, hooks, and rails using clothespins.
A collapsible pop-up drying rack can also be a great asset. Remember, never seal your damp gi in a bag – always allow for air circulation to facilitate quicker drying.
Traveling with your BJJ gi doesn’t have to be a hassle. With these tips, you can keep your gi in top shape, ready for training or competition, no matter where your journey takes you.
UltimateGiReview 