What is a Jiu-Jitsu Gi?

Most people who take up jiu-jitsu as a hobby will need to become well-acquainted with what a jiu-jitsu gi is and how to use it while you grapple.

A jiu-jitsu gi is a traditional uniform that jiu-jitsu practitioners wear during training and competitions. The gi has historical roots in jiu-jitsu’s parent art—judo. It also has functional use, as jiu-jitsu practitioners can grab and hold the gi to execute techniques.

This article will introduce you to the basics of the jiu-jitsu gi and reveal some other intriguing details about this unique martial arts uniform.

Jiu-Jitsu Gi Basics

The jiu-jitsu gi is unlike the clothing you would typically wear for a casual workout or even for other forms of martial arts training. The next few sections will explain typical gi components and materials and give you an idea of how you can use the gi while rolling.

Components of a Jiu-Jitsu Gi

Every jiu-jitsu gi consists of these three simple pieces:

• Jacket

• Pants

• Belt

During gi jiu-jitsu training, your opponent can grab, twist, and pull any of those three components, which is why jiu-jitsu gis must have reliable materials.

Jiu-Jitsu Gi Materials

Jiu-jitsu gis are typically made of one of these three fabric materials:

• Cotton

• Denim

• Hemp

Among those three options, cotton is the most common, but regardless of which material your gi is made of, durability is key. Ultimately, your gi must be strong enough not to rip, no matter how incessantly your opponent yanks on it during training.

How to Put on a Gi

Learning how to put on a gi is one of the first tasks you’ll learn when you begin gi jiu-jitsu training. Here are the essential steps to follow:

• Put on the pants first, tying the drawstring to keep them up

• Put on the jacket, folding it closed in the front

• Tie on your belt to keep the jacket closed

There are a few details about how to tie your drawstring and belt that you’ll need to learn as well. However, those three steps set up a general outline for how to put on your gi before training.

How to Use a Jiu-Jitsu Gi

There are numerous ways you can use the gi in jiu-jitsu. One of the most effective ways is to use your gi to choke your opponent. However, you can also use gi grips to perform takedowns, sweeps, passes, and other techniques.

History of the Jiu-Jitsu Gi

The jiu-jitsu gi comes from judo. The famous judo master Jigoro Kano was the first to invent this uniform and use it as the standard training outfit for his students. Decades later, the modern form of jiu-jitsu developed directly from Kano’s judo style. Naturally, early jiu-jitsu practitioners also adopted the gi as their go-to uniform.  

What’s the Difference between a Jiu-Jitsu Gi and a Karate Gi?

The gi that jiu-jitsu practitioners use looks a lot like the uniforms of other martial arts, such as karate. However, the materials of a karate gi are far weaker than those of a jiu-jitsu gi. Since karate practitioners don’t grab the gi as a primary tactic during training, their uniforms do not need to be as durable. Due to that relative weakness, you should not use a karate gi while training jiu-jitsu.

What’s the Difference between a Gi and a Kimono?

The word kimono is a Japanese term that translates roughly to “thing to wear” in English. The term gi is also a general Japanese term that means “dress” or “clothes.” At times, some jiu-jitsu practitioners use the words gi and kimono interchangeably. However, in common language, gi typically refers to the uniform a martial artist wears, while kimono often refers to other traditional Japanese garments.

Do Gis Come in Different Sizes?

One of the more challenging aspects of jiu-jitsu gis is finding one that fits well. Although people of all shapes and sizes practice jiu-jitsu, relatively few common jiu-jitsu gi sizes are readily available. Here are the most prevalent jiu-jitsu gi sizes you’ll discover:

• A0

• A1

• A2

• A3

• A4

• A5

• A6

The higher the number is, the larger the gi will be. But with just seven standard sizing options, finding the ideal fit can be a struggle. Thankfully, some gi manufacturers offer custom sizing to ensure yours fits perfectly.

Are Jiu-Jitsu Gis Expensive?

The gi you buy may be one of your largest jiu-jitsu-related purchases. Generally, gis cost between $50 to $200. While you may feel tempted to choose a cheaper gi, doing so is not always the wisest choice. Low-cost gis usually have lower-quality materials, meaning they will break more easily. Investing in a higher-quality gi will give you a uniform that you can rely on for years of daily training.

What is No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu?

No-gi jiu-jitsu is an alternative form of jiu-jitsu in which practitioners do not wear the traditional gi. In this style, it is not permissible to grab your opponent’s clothing. Jiu-jitsu practitioners used to train in the gi almost exclusively. However, no-gi jiu-jitsu has gained popularity, and both forms are now widespread.

Conclusion

The gi has strong roots in the history of jiu-jitsu and remains prevalent today. Anyone who wants to start training jiu-jitsu as a hobby should know what a gi is and some of the ways you can use it to perform jiu-jitsu techniques.