The uniform worn in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is called a gi and it takes a while to get used to. Most people start BJJ in no gi and find the gi bulky and uncomfortable; I hated training gi for almost 2 years but I think a lot of the reason is because I didn't know how to use it to my advantage. I still remember the first time I saw Jason Statham choke someone with his own jacket in Transporter how friggin cool I thought it was. Now I know how to choke people with their own clothing, too. The learning curve is the hard part.
Because I have to order them online, I had a really hard time finding a gi that fit me properly. The size charts are usually based on height and weight but sometimes you will find one with actual measurements of the gi after shrinkage. One of my favorite gis is the Killer Bee Kimono and they offer both size charts. A lot of the gi companies have amazing customer service and once you know your measurements you can call or email and see if the gi you want is going to fit properly. The measurements you need to know are wrist-to-wrist across the shoulders, chest width all the way around, nape of neck to about mid bum (or the desired jacket length), hip bone to ankle bone and inseam.
The International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation has rules for how a gi should fit in competition. This video should give you a good idea of how your gi should fit you. Only solid black, white or blue gis are allowed in competition but I think it's nice to train in a gi that you really like regardless of the rules. You can always have one gi for competition and one for training. I have seven gis at the moment but I've bought ten in total. I'll have reviews up for all of the ones I kept eventually including The One, my true love the Jiu Jitsu Progear Rip-Stop Light Gi.
Oh yeah, that's nice.
There are a lot of different weaves available for gis. The weave describes the quality of the fabric. A good explanation of the single, double and gold weaves can be found here. Rip stop gis are usually very light and thin. Rip stop is described on wisegeek.com:
Ripstop fabric is easy to identify because of the obvious interlocking nylon threaded patterns in the material. For example, a plastic tarp made of ripstop material has a slightly raised box pattern throughout, while some ripstop fabric exhibits a diamond pattern. Look closely at any tent bag, car or motorcycle cover, umbrella, diaper bag or shopping bag, and you'll see the telltale pattern of ripstop fabric.
If you've ever tried to tear ripstop fabric, you know it's impossible to get anywhere. The interlocking thread patterns stop any tear from spreading, yet for all of its durability, ripstop fabric can be thin enough to see through! Breathable ripstop fabric is ideal for clothing, and can be found in running shorts, tank tops and jerseys. Sports uniforms are also often made of ripstop fabric.
Be careful with white rip stop gi pants. They can become transparent when they get sweaty.
Besides all of the above options, there are still other custom weaves available. Killer Bee Kimonos are made with the Killer Bee weave, Fenom Kimonos are made with a crystal weave and Vulkan gis are made with a honeycomb weave. I have no idea what the real difference is but I do find that some of the softer weaves like Vulkan and Fenom pick up a lot of debris from the mats and are more easily stretched when they get sweaty.
Some people say you should get a cheap gi or used gi to start but I think you should go big or go home. If you can save a little money for a gi, just wait a little longer and save a little more so you can get your dream gi. You'll be happy you did.
Once you've chosen a gi and it arrives on your doorstep, it's good to know how to put it on properly and tie your gi belt securely. Click the link for video instruction.
Make sure that when you buy your first gi, you remember to order a belt as well. Check and see what the people at your club have and pick your favorite. So far I've had three belts: a white Atama, a blue Fenom and a blue JJPG. A belt is a belt, I thought, but the Fenom belt was extremely thick and I hated wearing it because it made a huge knot and people mocked me. The JJPG ties well and is a great weight but it actually looks kind of purple. My teammates know my rank but when I train with people I haven't met before, it may be confusing. I think if I buy another one, I'll stick to Atama or Koral. I mean white is white but Atama makes high quality products and I never had an issue with their belt.
I always tie my gi belt right at my waist but one of my teammates informed me recently that I looked like Steve Urkel and that it should actually be tied at the hips for a more pimp look. I find that my jacket pulls out more easily if I tie it at the hip so I've chosen to remain geeky. It's up to you.
Check out my favorite sites list to the right. Gi orders can be placed through some of them.
Also, Meerkatsu has written a great gi care guide.
