BJJ Gi Choice:
Same or Different for Training & Competition?
The one word answer to this question is: No! You should have separate Jiu Jitsu Gis for your training and contests, as the purposes of the two are different. While training, you should focus on a Gi that can withstand daily, long, intense training sessions without any wear and tear. In contests, you should focus on a Gi that reduces the chances of being gripped and improves your grappling game, such as your moves in a match. But if you cannot afford two Gis and are new to BJJ, then you can start with one Gi.
1. Why Jiu Jitsu Gi Selection is So Important For Your Performance?
A Gi in your grappling, whether you are training or fighting a professional Jiu Jitsu match, is very important because it impacts your performance a lot. Some reasons are given below:
• You can defend yourself against your opponent gripping your gi. A thin, lightweight gi makes it easy to grip, whereas a heavyweight gi does the opposite.
• Your gi can improve or limit your mobility, so choose accordingly.
• Some gis feature moisture wicking technology that absorbs sweat, reducing friction and discomfort during grappling.
2. What is the Difference Between Training Gi and Competition Gi in Jiu Jitsu?
Although they may look similar, the Gis for both matches and training are very different. Some of these differences are given below, which will help you to decide whether you need to have the same or separate gis for training and contests:
2.1 Purpose of Gis
Difference Between Both Gis in Jiu Jitsu With Respect to Purpose
Training Gi - Designed for training. - Tailored to meet personal choices or gym rules. - Durable and tough for everyday use in a gym, to withstand wear and tear. - Varies in fitness and weight, with a focus on a longer life span. - Does not need to follow a specific color, material, or size. - A grappler is flexible in choosing a BJJ Gi.
Competition Gi - Designed for contests. - Tailored to meet the rules of IBJJF and other organizations. - Improve grappling during matches. - Improve fit and reduce weight. - Adheres to all contest rules regarding size, material, and color. A grappler must strictly follow all organization rules; otherwise, he will be disqualified.
2.2 Weight And Material
Difference Between Both Gis in Jiu Jitsu With Respect to Weight and Material
Training Gi - Heavier than the competition Gi. - Gold weave or pearl weave fabric (450 550 GSM). - Focus on comfort and a longer life span over weight. - Heavyweight fabric can last longer because it has a double weave or is thick, which resists wear and tear. - Drains more energy when you wear heavy fabrics.
Competition Gi - Lighter in weight. - Pearl weave and lightweight fabric (35–450 GSM). - Aims to reduce fatigue in matches. - Lightweight fabric makes it easy for grapplers to stay within their weight class. - Drains less energy due to being light in weight.
2.3 Fit and Cut
Difference Between Both Gis in Jiu Jitsu With Respect to fit and cut
Training Gi - Tailored fit to reduce excess fabric that covers your body. - Training partners have less room for gripping. - Greater airflow and flexibility during training. - Training Gi can also have reinforced stitching in high-impact areas. - Focus on comfort rather than looks.
Competition Gi - Tailored fit to reduce excess fabric that covers your body. - Opponents have less room for gripping. - Improve mobility and streamlines look. - Reinforced stitching ensures longevity and durability in a gi without adding extra fabric material. - Drain less energy due to being light in weight.
2.4 Durability
Difference Between Both Gis in Jiu-Jitsu With Respect to Durability
Training Gi - Can bear daily intense training sessions. - Can resist daily wear and tear due to its heavy weight. - Best for daily use. - Have thick fabrics that make them durable for a long time, even without gentle washing. - Robust and long lasting.
Competition Gi - Cannot withstand daily intense training sessions. - Prone to wear and tear due to being light in weight with daily use. - Best for contests or sometimes use. - Gentle washing is required to preserve it for a long time. - Not robust and has a shorter lifespan than the training GIs.
2.5 Style and Design
Difference Between Both Gis in Jiu Jitsu With Respect to Aesthetics and Design
Training Gi Offer various colors, styles, and designs for grapplers. - A variety of colors and patterns that allow grapplers to wear what they desire. - Give grapplers the freedom to create custom patches and logos.
Competition Gi - Simple designs and style due to contest rules. - Limited colors complying with the IBJJF or specific contest rules. - The use of logos or patches on Gis is limited due to contest rules.
2.6 Cost Comparison
Difference Between Both Gis in Jiu Jitsu With Respect to Cost
Training Gi - More affordable and budget friendly depending on the brand. - Focus on daily practice and long term durability. Premium design and materials. - Ideal for grapplers who train daily.
Competition Gi - More expensive. - Focus on daily practice and long term durability. - Ideal for grapplers who require a Gi for frequent matches, meeting specific rules and policies.
3. Which One Should You Choose? Training Gi or Competition Gi?
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Training Gi if: Train frequently. - Need durable gear. - Need a gear that can withstand long term, intense sparring sessions. - You need flexibility and comfort during training. - You need a variety of colors, styles, and designs to choose from. - You need to add custom patches or logos to a Gi.
Choose Competition Gi if: - Take part in contests. - Need a gear that meets specific contest or IBJJF rules. - Need a gear with a sleek look to reduce the amount of material the opponent can grab. - Need a lightweight fabric that makes moves easy and keeps you within your weight class. - You do not need to add custom patches or logos to a Gi.
4. Can You Use Same Gi For Both Your Training and Contests?
The quick one word answer for this question is: No! Ideally, you should have separate Gis for training and contests to improve your grappling and achieve your goals in both.
4.1 Arguments For Choosing the Same BJJ Gi For Your Training and Contest
You can choose the same BJJ Gi for all your purposes if:
• You cannot afford a separate Gis for all your purposes.
• You are not willing to take part in the matches.
• You are a beginner, so to avoid confusion, start with one Gi.
5. How Elite Sports Can Help You in Choosing Your Gis?
If you do not know which Gi is best for you as a Jiu Jitsu grappler, to make things easier, Elite Sports Gi is the best in the US market. With a focus on high-quality fabric and budget friendly Gis, you can find your favorite color and the perfect size. You can find durability, 450 GSM pre shrunk fabric, with a free white belt for every Gi you buy.