Your first BJJ gi purchase doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a straightforward guide from Kaizen Academy in Venice, CA on what to buy, what to skip, and how much to spend.
Most beginners spend too much time and money on their first gi or make choices they regret quickly. This practical guide covers everything a new BJJ student at Kaizen Academy in Venice, CA needs to know about buying their first gi — fabric weight, sizing, brand recommendations, budget, and what actually matters vs. what's marketing.
After your first few classes at Kaizen Academy, you're going to need a gi. For your trial class, athletic shorts and a t-shirt are fine — but once you're training consistently, a proper gi is part of the deal.
The good news: you don't need to spend a lot or research this extensively. Here's everything you actually need to know.
A gi (sometimes spelled "kimono") consists of three pieces: a jacket, pants, and a belt (which will be provided when you start training). The jacket and pants are made from cotton weave fabric — thick enough to withstand the pulling, gripping, and general abuse of BJJ training.
The two main weave types are:
Single weave: Lighter, thinner, more breathable, less durable. Good for warmer climates. Less expensive.
Double weave: Heavier, more durable, warmer. Better for cooler weather or high-intensity training.
Pearl weave: The most common modern gi fabric — a middle ground between single and double weave in terms of weight and durability. This is what most beginner gis use and what we recommend starting with.
Most academies require either a white, blue, or black gi. At Kaizen Academy, we accept all three. If you're unsure, white is the safest choice — it's accepted everywhere and required at some IBJJF competitions.
BJJ gis use a letter-based sizing system (A0 through A6 for adults, M for kids) that varies by brand. This is important: don't assume your clothing size translates directly to gi size.
Most gis shrink during the first few washes — often significantly. If you're between sizes, go larger — a gi that shrinks to fit is better than one that shrinks too small.
When trying on a gi, check that the jacket reaches your thighs when the belt is tied, the sleeves come within 5cm of your wrist, and the pants have at least 5cm clearance above the ankle.
Budget (under $80): Brands like Sanabul and Elite Sports offer entry-level gis that hold up reasonably well. Good for beginners who aren't sure how long they'll train.
Mid-range ($80–$150): This is the sweet spot for most committed beginners. Brands like Tatami, Fuji, and Scramble offer excellent quality, good sizing consistency, and durability that holds up through years of training.
Premium ($150+): Shoyoroll, Hyperfly, and similar premium brands make excellent gis — but they're not necessary until you know you're committed to training long-term. Save this purchase for when you reach blue belt.
Our recommendation for beginners: A Tatami Estilo or Fuji All-Around gi in the $100–$130 range. Reliable sizing, durable construction, accepted everywhere.
Wait until after your first two or three classes at Kaizen Academy. Make sure you enjoy the training before investing in equipment. Your instructor can also give you specific recommendations based on your body type and training goals.
First class is always free — no gi required.
Once you've got your gi, keeping it in good shape matters — here's our complete guide on how to wash and care for your BJJ gi so it lasts for years.