A short history of BJJ Gis...
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (or BJJ) is derived from traditional Jujitsu, which is practiced with a Gi (also called kimono). A Gi is a Japanese term that can be translated as "training clothing". This outfit is mainly used in martial arts from Japan (budō).
The characteristics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gis
A BJJ Gi is made up of a cotton jacket and trousers and a belt. It allows to keep the jacket closed and to know the rank of the fighter. The Gi used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has the particularity of being tight at the sleeves and reinforced at the level of the pants so that it is more difficult to grasp than the judo kimono (judogi), for example.
Another specificity of BJJ Gis is their color. Although the white models are the most common on tatamis, there are blue, black, grey or "camouflage" keikogis (note this last color is not allowed in competition). Finally, it is worth noting that the JJB can also be practised without a kimono ("no gi"), with MMA shorts and a rashguard instead.
What size of BJJ Gi to choose?
The sizes of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gis differ by gender. They are classified from A0 (the smallest) to A5 (or A6 according to brands) for men, from F1 to F5 (the largest) for women and from C00 to C3 for children. You will find below summary tables of the sizes to choose according to your gender, your weight and your size:
Men’s BJJ Gi:
Size
|
Height
|
Weight
|
A0
|
< 5’5 ‘’
|
<120 lbs
|
A1
|
5’5’’ – 5’7’’
|
120-145 lbs
|
A2
|
5’7’’-5’8’’
|
145-165 lbs
|
A3
|
6’0’’-6’2’’
|
180-200 lbs
|
A4
|
6’2’’-6’5’’
|
200-260 lbs
|
A5
|
6’5’’ >
|
260 lbs >
|
Note that according to the manufacturers, there are slightly larger or longer intermediate sizes noted A2X, A2.5 (this is the case with Venum) or A2L for example.
Women’s BJJ Gi:
Size
|
Height
|
Weight
|
F1
|
4’11’’-5’0’’
|
84-99 lbs
|
F2
|
5’0’’-5’4’’
|
99-119 lbs
|
F3
|
5’3’’ – 5’7’’
|
114-143 lbs
|
F4
|
5’6’’ – 5’10’’
|
139-170 lbs
|
F5
|
5’10’’ >
|
170 lbs >
|
Why buy Venum BJJ Gis?
On the official website of Venum, you will find more than ten BJJ Gis of all sizes (A0, A1, A1,5, A2, A2,5, A3, A3,5, A4, C00, C0, C1, C2, C3, F1, F2, F3, F4) and in several colors such as white, black and blue. As a reminder, these are the only three colors allowed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions. In addition, Venum Gis can be sorted according to your level of practice (beginner, intermediate or advanced).
Most BJJ Gis manufactured by Venum can be used for both training and competition, are pre-shrunk to avoid unpleasant surprises, and are treated to prevent the colors from fading. On most models available on the Venum.com store, you will find the following features:
- 100% premium cotton manufacturing (Pearl Weave) for maximum durability
- BJJ jacket with rounded and reinforced slits
- 100% cotton ripstop pants with reinforced seams on the legs and ankles
- Smooth EVA foam collar for excellent choke resistance
- Perfect moisture management
- A fast and reliable rope tightening system
- Venum logo
On the price side, Venum Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gis are relatively affordable and start at about fifty dollars during promotions (destocking, sales...). Fares can reach more than 200 dollars for our limited edition BJJ outfits, delivered with an ultralight cotton backpack.