Gi advice needed?

[Lt-DC]

I have just started practicing BJJ ("just" meaning 2 weeks) and I need to buy a gi for training, what should I be looking for single, double, gold weave,etc. Also, I know that BJJ is less formal than other forms of MA but what is the etiquette for the color of Gi's? As a new student should I only wear a white one? Thanks for any help.

[Bon]

Can't offer you any advice on a gi, 'cause I don't even know what I have... although, standard judo gis are pretty crappy.

Re: colour, ask your instructor. I wear a black gi (as well as a white one) and so do others, there's a few guys with blue gis around as well.

[47Ronin]

DO NOT BUY FROM CENTURY!!!

[mild7]

get a double weave gi. Don't ever stinge on gis, but at the same time it should'nt cost a fortune to get yourself one.

there is no etiquette for gis in BJJ. But.... if you are a beginner, try not to attract too much attention to yourself unless you are thick skinned!!

so, try to stick to white gis, and less flashy ones. I find flashy gis like Krugans, Gameness etc too childish for my liking anyway. my advice is to stay away from Krugans at all costs because they are quite frankly the worst gis I have ever used. All style and no substance, at a high price.

I recommend Atama and Mkimonos for slightly less expensive gis.

If you want to spend a little more, check out Koral Kimonos(www.jiujitsuprogear.com), or Keiko Raca (www.jiujitsu-international.com). They are both very attractive gis.

[gaijinboa]

I would say Atama is the best. I have used Atama, gameness Krugans and kikskin and I am in love with the Atama Gold Weave. It is really to taste though as far as that goes. Atama dark colored gi's don't fade as quickly i've noticed as well.

Gi color is not important in the school at all, but I agree with not attracting attention as the new guy. Most medium levels of competitive bjj guys see new guys as fresh meat at , especially those who send up "I'm a badass" flags.

[YODA]

I just lurve my Gameness Gold Weave :D

www.mmagear.com

[mild7]

I once saw a guy come in... with a blue Gameness, complete with dog logo and all. Big fella, shaved head, arm tattoos. To top it off, he was wearing a Keiko Raca tee underneath!

Turned out that was his first day of BJJ. The guy had been surfing the net, found out about BJJ, went and bought the gis and clothing. Probably got the tattoo and shaved head same time as well.

After a month he never came back again.

You can see from this, that is some way, BJJ is the ninjutsu of modern time. Back in the 80s people would go buy the ninja suit, nunchucks etc and show up for ninjutsu classes. Now in 2003, they are still looking for people who'll buy the ninja memorabilia off them.

[mild7]

Not makin a slur on you, Lt-Dc.

After all.... I was one of those 'ninjas' in the 80's.... LOL

[Silver Dragons]

mild7 you seem to have a bit of an ego problem? Why is it wrong to come in for your first class with a Gameness gi or some other flashy gi? Its only a gi anyways....its for training and thats what its made for. If someone likes some style while they are training more power to them! If other people at the dojo have a problem with a new guy who likes flashy gis....screw them, what a bunch of loosers. Let people be what they want to be and worry about yourself.

[Guitarboy1212]

mild7 you seem to have a bit of an ego problem? Why is it wrong to come in for your first class with a Gameness gi or some other flashy gi? Its only a gi anyways....its for training and thats what its made for. If someone likes some style while they are training more power to them! If other people at the dojo have a problem with a new guy who likes flashy gis....screw them, what a bunch of loosers. Let people be what they want to be and worry about yourself.


It's wrong because having a flashy gi is like holding up a big billboard saying "I am better than all of you (or at least think i am)". especially if it's the first day you don't come in like that. you should come in with the most plain gi you can find that will attract the least attention so you will not embarrass yourself

[Freeform]

I'd say it depends on what you can comfortably afford. You've got a flashy gi, big whoop (saying that, I've got a flashy gi :D ).

Col

[TheMachine]

a single or gold weave is good. a white or blue is is standard in BJJ. Atama, Ouano, gameness, machado, Kfighter and Koral are some good brands out there

[Silver Dragons]

It's wrong because having a flashy gi is like holding up a big billboard saying "I am better than all of you (or at least think i am)". especially if it's the first day you don't come in like that. you should come in with the most plain gi you can find that will attract the least attention so you will not embarrass yourself


Guitarboy....why is it wrong? why does having a flashy gi mean that the person is saying "im better than all of you"? Speak for yourself bro because I definitely dont think that. Im about to buy a white Gameness gi and not only because they look cool and one of the highest quality gis around (or so ive heard) but theyre about 66.00 bucks right now on www.extremefight.com.br GET THEM WHILE THEY LAST PEOPLE!! WOO HOOOO! :D
It depends on how you carry yourself. Everyone at my new jiu jitsu club knows Im a cool and humble guy and I just started a week ago. These are some really cool people I train with. They are the ones that told me to get a gameness. In fact my instructor told me after asking him that I could get any color gi I wanted be it red, white, blue, black or yellow with pinstripes and a naked woman on the back because it doesnt matter!!!! It only matters that its a quality gi and that you train in it.

[TheMachine]

there is nothing wrong with wearing a flashy gi. Its just the same as there is nothing wrong with wearing air jordans if your basketball game sucks. The gi is worn to serve its purpose, as a piece of clothing for training and competition. IF you don't like wearing a flashy gi, then we respect that. Just the same manner that if a person wants to wear a flashy gi, we also respect that

[submittingU2]

i use the gold weave atama, blue, with the brizillian and american flag on it. it is a good gi and alittle flashy! i got it after a few months in my bjj class, and from personal experience..... i taped out just as easily in a blue, flashy atama as i did in the plan white cheap thing i was given in my first class! get what you want, but if you are going to spend alot of money... make sure you are going to be training for a while!

[fanatical]

Wear an as flashy Gi as you want ^^ . I'll give my opinion on it at the same time, so as to clearify why some people aren't too fond of flashy Gi's.

To some (including me) Wearing a flashy Gi to training is like wearing your best suit when cleaning out the stables. (I'm not a country boy, just making an example) It's simply training gear. And most people won't bother with what you will wear though :) . Although I always wonder why people spend lots of money on looks for something that has no need for looks.. :P

[Captain_Coward]

If someone gets treated different because they spent a bit of money on their gi, i would say that the class has the complete wrong attituide and the instructor should really remedy this.
If someone has the cash to buy a expensive gi, then why shouldn't they.
As to the whole thing of having a training gi, would you suggest you had a better one for competitions.
I only have one gi and i wear this for everything, i spent a lot of money on it, but it has been well worth it as it has already well out lasted all of cheaper gi's i bought before this one, which were not as functional either.
You only need to buy one gi, and this should be the best one you can get, thats my humble opinion anyway.

K

[Fightgear]

we have a gi/kimono review area at our site.... just go to the reviews section and you'll see reviews of all the major makes by people who have them.
Kimono reviews (http://locker-room.fightgear.net/kimono.htm)
In my own opinion as someone who has done BJJ for about 10 years and who gets the chance to try out all the brands (just like a kid in a sweet shop/candy store) my own preferences are for Dragao. Flashy, superb design and quality and rare enough to be distinctive. Mkimono are superb too though. Well they are my favourite until the Killa brand becomes available!

[Moony]

I've got 2 gi's, my first is a Decathalon gi and is still going strong after 4 years. The 2nd is a Blitz gi, i've had it under a year but their the ones we sort out for our new vict....er members.

Check with your instructor about what sort of gi to get, also they might kow of a good place to get them or have a trade account somewhere and get them a bit cheaper.

Moony

[bennylb69]

Sorry to tell you this but MMA Gameness Gi's ARE knock offs!
If you want the real Gameness Gi you can get it from me at www.socalfighter.com or www.gameness.net

Regards
Benny

[Fightgear]

Nice site bennylb69. Much admiration.

Just to clarify.... Gameness is an American company. The Brazilian company BGG use the Gameness name and logo illegitimately. The difference in quality is massive. The BGG version is cheaper and does not compare to the US version. It's basically a cheap imitation. Basically, if you get the gi from Brazil or it carries the BGG name then it is not an authentic Gameness. We are the only company authorised to bring Gameness into the UK, Italy and Ireland.

[Kimura]

atama makes pretty nice gis. thats what i have :D

[ANVIL]

i was going to start a new thread on this, but it seems an appropriate place to ask...

what is the difference between single weave, double weave, gold weave, etc. and does it translate to a difference in quality?

also, does anyone have any opinions on keiko raca gi's (other than those already stated). the limited edition single weave gi looks v.nice, but i've not seen any reviews (otherwise i may try and get a gameness which almost always seem to get good press)

thanks for any advice