Navigating the difference between Martial Art Gi's

Navigating the difference between Martial Art Gi's

First, it's important to point out that there are many different types of Martial Art Gi types let alone brands. At Fuji, we have been wearing, testing, designing, and tweaking Gi's for over 50 years so when it comes to Gi's we like to think we know a fair bit. As there are many types of martial arts, so are there many different Gi types. Modern-day BJJ adopts its uniform from Judo changing certain aspects of design to better suit its 90% ground game. While many aspects of traditional Gi's have changed in the past 10 years due to rules and regulations here is a basic rundown of the different types of arts and their most popular Gi types...

BJJ Gi

• Traditional Gi - Usually between 450 - 750 grams/m2.
• Lightweight Gi - Usually between 300 - 550 grams/m2. these Gi's are mainly used by practitioners in hot climates allowing them to keep their body temperature low and allowing them to train and minimise fatigue. They also have some advantages for those looking to compete allowing fighters to weigh in or come under weight with a lighter Gi.
• Gold Weave Gi  - A specific fabric design that was originally required for competition in Brazil by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Confederation. This requirement is no longer in force and hardly used.
• Rip-Stop Gi    - This fabric is usually made of cotton and has an average of .08 to .10mm cross-hatched pattern throughout the material making it extremely hard to tear by hand and hence a longer lasting fabric.
• Double Weave Gi - usually between  650–1000 g/m2 made in the same weave as a lightweight and Traditional Gi but with almost double the fibres. (Karate Heavyweight Gi's are about less than half at 16oz / 450g/m2)

 
BJJ Gi's to consider...

When buying your next BJJ Gi you need to consider several things, firstly is it IBJJF or competition legal? You should check with your local competition organizer/s or with IBJJF. Visit http://ibjjf.org/rules/ for the latest rules info.
Another thing to consider is the budget. As with anything, the more you pay the better the quality. Geographical location may be something to consider as you don't want to buy a super heavy BJJ Gi if you're living in hot tropical climates.
Club colours, some schools prefer a more traditional all-white Gi policy whereas others may allow White, Blue or Black Gi's.

• Traditional    - Those looking for a more traditional look and feel should consider the Fuji Victory Gi for its clean-cut traditional design or the Fuji Saisho Jiu-Jitsu Gi.
• Lightweight    - The Fuji Suparaito BJJ Gi is the perfect fit for those looking at the lightest Gi.
• Rip-Stop    - Fuji Gi's to consider here is the Fuji Suparaito BJJ Gi or for a more sportier look and design option try the Fuji Sekai BJJ Gi

Judo Gi

There are only really two types of Judo Gi's but many different versions. The two types are considered to be either Single Weave or Double Weave Judo Gi's. These two types can be manufactured in many different weight combinations. Lucky here at Fuji we have been doing this for more than half a century and have come up with a combination that we think is the best for everyday training and competition.

• Single Weave Gi - Usually between 300 - 550 grams/m2. These are great for growing kids or those who live in hotter climates. They are available in both White and Blue. Check out the Fuji Single Weave Judo Gi for more info.
• Double Weave Gi - usually between 650 – 1000 grams/m2. These are made in the same way as Single Weave with almost double the fibers resulting in a heavier overall Jacket/Gi. These are better suited for those who compete or for someone looking for a more durable Judo Gi.

Judo Gi's to consider...

Buying a new Judo Gi can really be hard these days with international competition Judo Gi rules changing every year. Here are several things to consider. Firstly is it IJF approved or competition legal? You should check with your local competition organizer/s or with IJF. Visit

www.intjudo.eu/Rules/IJF_Referee_Rules for the latest rules info. The great news is that for most of you who just train or compete in local competitions, you just need a Judo Gi that conforms to IJF Standard Rules and not the new Optical Fiber Rules. Another thing to consider is the budget. As with anything, the more you pay the better the quality. Geographical location may be something to consider as you don't want to buy a super heavy Judo Gi if you're living in hot tropical climates. Club colours, some schools prefer a more traditional all-white Gi policy for training and only Blue Gi's for competition whereas others may allow Blue Gi's for both training and comps..

• Single Weave    - These are available in both White or Blue. Check out the Fuji Single Weave Judo Gi for more info.
• Double Weave    - Available in both colours for competition. Check out the Fuji Comp Double Weave Judo Gi or the new Fuji Deluxe Judo Gi for more info.

Karate Gi

Just like our Judo Gi friends, there are only two types of Karate Gi Types, Lightweight or Heavyweight although the style may change between Karate styles such as sleeve length and colour. Traditional Karate has a more simple approach opting for either light or heavy.

• Lightweight Gi - usually 10oz / 280g/m2. A lightweight comfortable Karate Gi fabric is breathable and lightweight allowing for freedom of movement by Karateka

• Heavyweight Gi - usually 16oz / 450g/m2. A typical Judo Double Weave Gi's are about more than double at 35oz / 992g/m2. (Typical Karate Heavyweight Gi's are about less than half at 16oz / 450g/m2)

Karate Gi to consider...

When buying your next Karate Gi you need to consider several things, firstly is it just training or competition? You should check with your local competition organizer/s or with WKF. Visit www.wkf.net/ksport-rules-regulations.php for the latest rules info. Another thing to consider is the budget.

As with anything, the more you pay the better the quality. Geographical location may be something to consider as you don't want to buy a super heavy Karate Gi if you're living in hot tropical climates. Club colours, some schools prefer a more traditional all-white Gi policy whereas others may allow Black Karate Gi's.

• Lightweight Gi - Check out the Fuji Lightweight Karate Gi.

• Heavyweight Gi - Check out the Fuji Advanced Heavyweight Karate Gi

As with all our Fuji Gi's we recommend referring to our size charts to obtain the best possible fit. You can find our latest sizing on the following page: Fuji Gi Size Chart

All Fuji Gi's are made from 100% natural cotton fiber which makes them super comfortable and breathable. Some Fuji Gi's are pre-shrunk which means that the fabric used undergoes a washing process that helps minimise shrinkage. Standard shrinkage for Pre-Shrunk Gi's will be around 5 - 10 % while Gi's that are Pre-Shrunk will only shrink around 2 - 5 %. These figures are averages only and are all dependent on each individual's washing cycle.

For those who train and or compete on a regular basis, we recommend purchasing 2 or more uniforms. This helps in a number of ways, firstly it helps to have more than 1 Gi in your artillery so that you can train while the other Gi is in the wash. It also helps if you can't get it dried on time. By owning more than one Gi you can also reduce the wear and tear on just one Gi by spreading the wearing load over say 3 or 4 uniforms you'll wash and wear say 1 Gi per week as opposed to the same Gi 4 times a week.

Another benefit to note is that you won't be that guy or girl with a stinky Gi in class. Hygiene is very important and can help minimise the spread of germs from one person to another. It is also a reflection of your personality and commitment to your art, coach and fellow practitioners.

We hope this information has been helpful. Stay tuned for more exciting news and reviews on how to take care of your Martial Art Gi. Did you know that you can extend the life of your Gi. Stay tuned and sign up for our newsletters and we'll show you how.

Until then, train hard, and win easy!

Fuji Sports Australia Team