Important Things to know before Buying a Bjj Uniform and Equipment

When beginning any new hobby, sport, or pastime, there is the question of the appropriate gear. While Brazilian Jiu Jitsu may not require as much equipment as other sports such as American Football or Ice Hockey, there is still the issue of outfitting yourself in the proper equipment. Making the proper decisions on where to spend your hard-earned cash will make a difference in your comfort and enjoyment while training in Jiu Jitsu.

Ask Your Instructor

There is more to choosing your Jiu Jitsu outfit than opening a catalog or picking something off of a website. It’s best to ask your instructor/s for their recommendations on uniforms and other gear. Some schools which belong to specific training lineages may offer logoed uniforms. And not all uniforms are the same. Unless you are familiar with uniforms specifically designed for Jiu Jitsu, you may choose something that doesn’t perform well. Your instructor can guide you and help you choose a quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training uniform.

Important Things to know before

At first glance, the basic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu uniform looks very simple and basic. If you have ever seen a martial arts movie, you will be familiar with the “Gi”. The Gi is also referred to as a “Kimono” in some circles. The terms derive from Japanese, and the word “Gi” literally means “clothing”. It comes from the term for “practice clothes” in Japanese- and is literally the term for clothing for martial arts. “Kimono” is recognized as the long flowing garment, and in Japanese means essentially “something to wear”.

The Gi consists of a pair of loose-fitting pants, and a robe-like top which is held closed by a colored cloth belt. The color of the belt is an indicator of rank.

The Jiu Jitsu Gi is different from the Gis used in other martial arts because they are:

Made of a stronger, more durable material. They are designed for grappling, and are made to withstand the stresses. A Gi designed for other martial arts may not stand up to the rigors of BJJ.

They are more form fitting than the Gi used in Judo. Judo Gis are durable, but they also provide more available gripping surface area. The uniform is essentially a part of the body, and can be grabbed, pulled, twisted, and manipulated to create throws, locks, or chokes.

The Rash Guard

If you have ever watched Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training videos you may be familiar with the rash guard. The rash guard is called such, because it does precisely that. It is a close-fitting, long-sleeved T-shirt that is typically worn under the Gi. The Gi, often being of rough material, can be abrasive on the skin while being worn in training or competition. The rash guard is typically made of a very thin but durable synthetic material that wicks sweat, dries quickly, and protects the skin.

There is also “No Gi” BJJ where the rash guard is typically worn with board shorts in lieu of the traditional uniform. Without the leverage provided by manipulating the Gi, the techniques are somewhat modified to accommodate the uniform.

Mouth Guard

While Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not a striking sport, a properly-fitted mouth guard is recommended. There is body-to-body contact, and takedowns are common. A mouthguard is important to protect the teeth, and acts as protection against concussion.

This is by no means a complete list. There are also groin protectors, ear protectors, gear bags, and even athletic tape for protecting and stabilizing fingers and toes. Your instructor and classmates will be your best advisors as you gain experience.

Call (757) 223-0373 and begin your journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Virginia at Breakaway Jiu Jitsu.