What You Need to Know About the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Uniform: Essential Gear for Your Journey

Your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uniform – also known as gi – is more than just clothing. It’s a symbol of discipline, respect, and your commitment to this beautiful martial art.

Whether you’re a first-timer in Los Angeles or a seasoned grappler in the San Fernando Valley, the right gi and belt can make a huge difference in your training. Let’s break down everything you need to know about BJJ uniforms and how the staff at Phenom BJJ can support your journey with top-tier infrastructure and world-class instruction.

What are the main components of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uniform?

Before anything, let’s take a look at the three main components of a BJJ uniform.

The kimono (gi)

The gi is the cornerstone of BJJ attire, consisting of a jacket and pants made from durable, reinforced fabric (typically cotton or a cotton-like material). Designed to withstand intense grappling, a quality gi balances comfort and resilience.

Some of its key features include:

• Reinforced stitching at stress points (knees, collar, sleeves);

• Pre-shrunk fabric to maintain fit after washing;

• IBJJF-approved cuts for competition legality.

  
  

At Phenom BJJ, we keep it simple: white, black, or blue kimonos of great quality are required to ensure a clean, unified look on the mats. Also, note that we offer no-gi classes for adults and children around the San Fernando Valley as well - with lower injury rates and a focus on fast transitions and quick escapes.

The belt

Your belt is a visual marker of your progress in BJJ. The colors follow a structured ranking system:

• White Belt: the starting point where beginners learn BJJ’s fundamentals;

• Blue Belt: earned after 1.5 to 3 years, marking a solid grasp of techniques;

• Purple Belt: a mid-level rank (3 to 6 years) signaling strategic depth and perhaps a hint of the practitioner’s own style;

• Brown Belt: advanced proficiency, often requiring 5 to 8 years of dedication;

• Black Belt: mastery of the art, typically achieved after 8-12+ years of consistent practice.

Belts also feature stripes (small fabric tags) to track progress within each rank. At Phenom, our instructors award them based on skill growth, not just time spent training.

Speaking of time, if you want to learn more about the belts, how long it takes to achieve a black belt, and a swathe of related information, check out this other article.

Optional but helpful extras

• Rash guards & spats: worn under the gi (or during no-gi classes) for hygiene, sweat absorption, and skin protection;

• Mouthguards & ear guards: recommended for sparring to prevent injuries.

How to choose the right gi for your skill level

Picking the right Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi depends on your experience and training goals. Here’s how to choose the best gi for your level.

Beginners (White/Blue Belts)

If you’re just starting, focus on durability and affordability. A 550GSM (grams per square meter) gi is a solid choice – thick enough to handle daily training without wearing out fast. Look for pre-shrunk fabric to avoid size changes after washing.

As with anything else, budget-friendly brands work well from the get-go while you figure out your long-term commitment to BJJ.

Intermediate (Purple/Brown Belts)

As you advance, lighter gis (350-450GSM) offer a balance of mobility and durability. If you plan to compete, consider a competition-cut gi for a better fit.

Look for reinforced collars to resist strong grips. Ripstop pants are a great option for extra flexibility and durability.

At Phenom BJJ, we offer high-quality gis tailored for intermediate practitioners, ensuring the perfect balance of comfort and performance.

Advanced (Black Belts)

For serious competitors, IBJJF-approved gis are a must. Slim-fit or tailored cuts help with agility and reduce material for opponents to grip.

Premium brands use high-quality fabrics like gold-weave or pearl-weave. These offer strength without extra weight, keeping you fast and comfortable on the mats.

At Phenom BJJ, you’ll find top-tier gis designed for advanced practitioners, providing the durability and fit you need to perform at your best.

Are there any specific gi requirements for competitions?

Yes!

If you train at Phenom BJJ and plan to compete in official IBJJF (International BJJ Federation) tournaments, your gi must meet their standards. These rules ensure fairness in competition and help maintain the traditional look of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Your gi top must be long enough to cover your thigh when standing. The sleeves should extend to your wrist when your arms are straight and cannot be more than 2 cm short of that length. The collar can’t be thicker than 1.3 cm, and the width must stay within 5 cm. The sleeve opening at full extension cannot be wider than 7 cm, ensuring a secure fit that prevents excessive gripping by opponents.

For gi pants, they must reach no more than 2 cm above the ankle bone. This ensures they provide proper coverage while still allowing freedom of movement.

All competitors must wear proper undergarments. Thong-style underwear is prohibited – only briefs are allowed. Women must wear a form-fitting rash guard or sports shirt under their gi top, whether short or long-sleeved. Additionally, they may wear elastic pants or compression shorts under their gi pants. One-piece swimsuits or gymnastics tops are also acceptable options.

Some clothing choices are strictly prohibited. For example, men cannot wear shirts or extra layers under their gi, except for briefs. Any patches or logos that are not IBJJF-approved could lead to disqualification, so always check before stepping onto the mats.

Why a high-quality gi matters

A good gi isn’t just about looks. As you’ll see, it plays a big role in your comfort, performance, and confidence on the mats. Here’s why investing in a high-quality uniform makes a difference:

• Mobility: a snug but flexible gi allows you to move freely during sweeps, guard passes, and submissions. Poorly fitted gis can restrict movement or give opponents too much fabric to grip, putting you at a disadvantage;

  
  

• Durability: training BJJ means constant pulling, gripping, and rolling. A high-quality gi, made with reinforced stitching and strong fabric, withstands daily wear and tear much better than a cheap one. This means fewer replacements and more value in the long run;

• Hygiene: sweating is inevitable, but a good gi helps manage it. Moisture-wicking materials keep you cooler during training and reduce bacterial buildup, which helps prevent odors and skin infections;

  
  

• Comfort: the right gi should feel good when rolling. Lightweight options keep you cool in hot weather, while softer weaves prevent skin irritation. A comfortable gi makes long training sessions much more enjoyable;

  
  

Confidence: when you feel good in your gi, you train with more focus and energy. Looking sharp on the mats can boost your confidence, helping you push through tough rolls and improve faster. BJJ is also an effective anti-bullying tool – check out our article on how it builds self-discipline and mental toughness.

The right Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uniform does make a difference

You see, your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uniform is an essential part of your performance, comfort, and confidence on the mats. A well-fitted, high-quality gi helps you move better, train harder, and feel more prepared, whether you’re rolling in class or stepping into competition.

Investing in the right gi sets you up for success in your BJJ journey!

Start off on the right foot with us at Phenom BJJ

If you’re looking for top-tier BJJ training in San Fernando Valley, Phenom BJJ is the place to be. We offer a welcoming, supportive community where students of all levels can grow, challenge themselves, and reach their full potential.

Our academy provides classes for children, teens, and adults. No matter your BJJ experience or lack thereof, we have a program that fits your needs. We also offer a women-only class, creating a comfortable space for women to learn self-defense, get fit, and build confidence through Jiu-Jitsu.

At Phenom BJJ, we focus on technical excellence, self-discipline, and teamwork. Also, note our instructors are passionate about helping students succeed on and off the mats, so join us today and experience the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in Los Angeles!