The jiu jitsu gi is the uniform worn by people who practice Brazilian jiu jitsu during training. The word “gi” comes from the Japanese for “clothes.”
What Does The Jiu Jitsu Gi Look Like?
The jiu jitsu gi looks similar to other types of martial arts uniforms. Manufacturers construct it from thick, durable heavy cotton with reinforced drawstrings. Around the waist is a separate belt whose colors indicate the rank of the martial artist wearing them. Gi trousers are similarly reinforced and fasten around the hips with the aid of a drawstring.
Is The Jiu Jitsu Gi The Same As The Karate Gi?
The jiu jitsu gi and karate uniform, called the Karategi, is similar to the Brazilian jiu jitsu gi, but not identical. Karategis are made of thin, breathable cloth and their sleeves finish at the forearm, not the wrist. Brazilian jiu jitsu gis have thicker material and longer arms.
The difference in attire reflects differences between the two martial arts. Karate involves less pushing and pulling and involves more sweeping motions. Clothing, therefore, must facilitate large movements. Jiu jitsu, on the other hand, involves more grappling and tugging. Clothing, therefore, needs to be sufficiently strong to withstand training forces.
Why Do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Practitioners Use The Gi?
The BJJ Gi is a substantial piece of kit weighing around three pounds. The additional weight can slow down movement and potentially put the wearer at a disadvantage in a combat situation. So why wear it?
Gis are traditional clothing worn by martial arts practitioners. Jiu jitsu practice is based on the assumption that trainees will be wearing them. Many of the moves that you use involve use of the gi. Training while wearing a gi improves muscle memory. Fighting opponents wearing traditional kit teaches you how to overcome them.
Can You Use Jiu Jitsu Gis For Judo?
In training you can wear a jiu jitsu gi for judo. However, you would not be allowed to wear them in a tournament following standard international rules.
What Gi Colors Are Allowed In Competitions?
Rules permit three colors of gi in competition: black, white and royal blue. You are not allowed to mix these colors in your outfit. You must either wear all black, all white, or all royal blue. You cannot pair a white jacket with royal blue trousers. You must ensure that the color of your collar and belt match the rest of your outfit.
Do You Need To Wear Underwear With A Gi?
You should always wear underwear with a gi. You should not go commando. For men, regular cotton underwear is fine. If you are a woman, you may want to wear a base layer instead of just a bra. Rashguards are preferred.
Should You Wear A Rashguard Under A Gi?
Most competitive jiu jitsu martial artists wear rashguards under their gis. These garments offer an extra layer of protection for their skin and can improve the longevity of the gi.
