Here's my experience as a beginner, some of it may constitute advice!
As a beginner, and unsure as to whether I would continue, I was concerned about making the right decision given the cost involved.
1. Don't be tempted a judo or karate gi from a high street chain, they will be cheaper but they are not constructed for BJJ and will rip.
2. Size/Shrinkage. As mentioned different manufacturers size differently - I paid attention to the chart, shrinkage was factored in, and it fits perfectly. Some coloured gis are preshrunk to a degree. Avoid hot washes and high temperature drying; after a wash and spin mine dries on a hanger overnight
3. Weight. pros and cons. lightweight are easier to move in and better in hotter climates but are also easier for an opponent to grip and will wear more quickly
4. Patches/design. I really didn't want something covered in logos which has worked out well as I changed clubs and my gi is neutral! I started BJJ classes as they were on the class timetable at my gym so I was free to get whatever I wanted, however if you join a club there will often be pressure to buy their branded gi (fair enough they make a few £ but it could make moving clubs a bit difficult!!). Also note everything the others have said about clubs; colours, sleeve length etc
5. Pants sold separately. As a beginner you'll probably learn everything and start rolling from a kneeling position. My experience is that the knee area gets more wear, so its worth being able to buy additional pants when you need them
6. Quality. I bought an entry level level gi from a well known manufacturer. I did not buy a 'beginner' or 'low cost' one as they are not as durable
Along with the gi there are a couple of other things to consider:
1. Belt. Mine came free with the gi but it was enormous! Once tied the tails were each over 12" long. I got a new belt after three months
2. Base layer. Your club may insist on a rashguard, otherwise its personal choice. I wear one with full length sleeves. Wear supportive underwear/compression shorts, tights/spats are a personal choice.
3 Mouthguard. Essential if rolling is part of your class
Also, ask your trainer about sleeve length. Some schools prefer shorter sleeves, others use longer ones. Certain competitions only allow long or short sleeves, depending. This matters even if you won't compete as some of your classmates will, and they will prefer to practice with someone who has the same sleeve length.
Pay attention to the sizing guides. Different gis will have different weights to them so keep in mind where you'll be training, a heavier gi may last longer but it'd suck in Texas. I'd stick to tatami or fugi or something common like that. Btw, fugi and tatami have different sizing so check the charts. Some schools insist on a white gi where others are not particular. Likewise some competitions insist on a white gi and a visible weave. A judo gi is not a bjj gi but the manufacturer will usually differentiate. Most, if not all, bjj gis are pure cotton and will shrink a lot in the dryer. Some gis are sold without pants, mine was sold separate from the belt. If you are a beginner, you are a white belt, if you're not this sentence is unnecessary.
finest (208)
8/05/2015 3:04 PMHere's my experience as a beginner, some of it may constitute advice!
As a beginner, and unsure as to whether I would continue, I was concerned about making the right decision given the cost involved.
1. Don't be tempted a judo or karate gi from a high street chain, they will be cheaper but they are not constructed for BJJ and will rip.
2. Size/Shrinkage. As mentioned different manufacturers size differently - I paid attention to the chart, shrinkage was factored in, and it fits perfectly. Some coloured gis are preshrunk to a degree. Avoid hot washes and high temperature drying; after a wash and spin mine dries on a hanger overnight
3. Weight. pros and cons. lightweight are easier to move in and better in hotter climates but are also easier for an opponent to grip and will wear more quickly
4. Patches/design. I really didn't want something covered in logos which has worked out well as I changed clubs and my gi is neutral! I started BJJ classes as they were on the class timetable at my gym so I was free to get whatever I wanted, however if you join a club there will often be pressure to buy their branded gi (fair enough they make a few £ but it could make moving clubs a bit difficult!!). Also note everything the others have said about clubs; colours, sleeve length etc
5. Pants sold separately. As a beginner you'll probably learn everything and start rolling from a kneeling position. My experience is that the knee area gets more wear, so its worth being able to buy additional pants when you need them
6. Quality. I bought an entry level level gi from a well known manufacturer. I did not buy a 'beginner' or 'low cost' one as they are not as durable
Along with the gi there are a couple of other things to consider:
1. Belt. Mine came free with the gi but it was enormous! Once tied the tails were each over 12" long. I got a new belt after three months
2. Base layer. Your club may insist on a rashguard, otherwise its personal choice. I wear one with full length sleeves. Wear supportive underwear/compression shorts, tights/spats are a personal choice.
3 Mouthguard. Essential if rolling is part of your class
SileX (208 )
7/28/2015 10:27 AMSeconded on the shrinking thing.
Also, ask your trainer about sleeve length. Some schools prefer shorter sleeves, others use longer ones. Certain competitions only allow long or short sleeves, depending. This matters even if you won't compete as some of your classmates will, and they will prefer to practice with someone who has the same sleeve length.
ChrisWrestling (45 )
7/27/2015 8:44 AMPay attention to the sizing guides. Different gis will have different weights to them so keep in mind where you'll be training, a heavier gi may last longer but it'd suck in Texas. I'd stick to tatami or fugi or something common like that. Btw, fugi and tatami have different sizing so check the charts. Some schools insist on a white gi where others are not particular. Likewise some competitions insist on a white gi and a visible weave. A judo gi is not a bjj gi but the manufacturer will usually differentiate. Most, if not all, bjj gis are pure cotton and will shrink a lot in the dryer. Some gis are sold without pants, mine was sold separate from the belt. If you are a beginner, you are a white belt, if you're not this sentence is unnecessary.
FitScot (38)
7/27/2015 9:44 AM(In reply to this)
Excellent. Thanks for this!
FitScot (38)
7/26/2015 1:55 PMAdvice welcome.