Investment in equipment is a must for anyone looking to start training in BJJ. Thankfully, there are only a few things one will need to get started in their training. The most important of these is the BJJ, Jiu Jitsu or Judo Gi. Many styles of martial art require a uniform when training. Usually, this is to denote rank and aid the teacher in maintaining discipline or managing the class. Many schools of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu have a relaxed attitude toward Gi, so it may not be necessary to purchase one. However, the presence of a uniform helps the participant to feel and act the part.
Get a Durable Gi for BJJ
The Martial Art of BJJ involves a great deal of grappling. This will involve the participants fighting for grips, using take-downs, quick movements and hitting the ground a great deal. Because of the focus on grappling or fighting on the ground, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu puts a hefty toll on the clothes of those training. This is perhaps the greatest reason for purchasing a Gi.
A durable Gi will not rip and will hold itself together through repeated cleaning and training. In this matter, a person will get what they pay for. A Gi that is priced a little lower (perhaps $30-$40) will not hold up very well against the dynamic friction that occurs in BJJ. This is especially true of Gi pants, which have a terrible tendency to rip often.
Instead, the martial artists should invest in a higher quality Gi. Although this will cost anywhere from $75 to $200, the money spent is worth it. These types of Gi can be single or double-weave and are often reinforced in areas that rip more often. They will keep their strength even through a great deal of training and can also come pre-shrunk to make sizing easier.
Comfort in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi
As the martial artist will be spending a lot of time sweating and exerting effort in a Gi, it's important to find one that will be comfortable during training. Unfortunately, the only real way to find this out is by purchasing one and seeing how it feels.
Some Gi will rub against the skin, causing rashes or agitated skin. This is, of course, to be avoided and if a Gi causes any pain, a wise martial artist will quickly invest in another. Instead, one should look for a Gi that doesn't rub in any particular place, is flexible enough to be pulled around and feels as though it will move with the body, rather than restricting it.
Unfortunately, in addition to a Gi needing to be tested, they also need to be broken in before any real judgements can be made. The martial artist can help this process along by washing the Gi after it is purchased, but the real work will be done on the mat. It will take a few weeks of training before a Gi is properly broken in. However, once this has occurred, the Gi will likely be comfortable and flexible.
Choose Quality in a Gi
For BJJ participants, a Gi is not only a uniform, but also something that will be competed in. For this reason, investing in a quality Gi is recommended. One should not feel as though they are held back by the clothes they wear when training. Ideally, the Gi will serve the purpose of guarding the skin and providing fair combat without hindering the participant. The only way to ensure this is to purchase quality Gi from a quality brand.
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