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Jiu Jitsu Gi Buyer's Guide

If you’re going to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you’re going to need a BJJ gi (often called a kimono). Even if your goal is to be an MMA fighter and not a world class BJJ player, practicing jiu jitsu with a gi on can be a tremendous training aid. Training with a gi on makes grappling a more technical activity and can help you improve your submission defense, your hand placement and grip making and your guard passing to say the least.

Here is a good overview of some of the basics regarding gi's.

Weaves
Jiu Jitsu gis are often codified by the type of fabric “weave”. When referring to the weave of the gi, we are usually talking about the construction of the gi jacket, not the gi pants.

Single Weave Gi
Single weaves are entry level BJJ gis. The yarn twisting on this gi is the most simple and results in less cotton use by the manufacturer therefore allowing them to save money. The single weave jiu jitsu gi often uses a "rice weave" named for the look of the nodules on the gi jacket. Single weaves are not as durable as some other weaves but they can be good for grappling in hot weather since they usually breathe a little easier.

Double Weave Gi
Double Weaves gis are heavier and thus more expensive than single weaves. The extra cotton and weight adds strength and durability to the kimono. Due to their weight and relative stiffness double weave kimonos can be a little uncomfortable to train in if the fit is off. Double weave jiu jitsu gi's are not as common as they used to be and have been largely abandoned for lighter weight bjj gis.

Gold Weave Gi
Gold weaves gis are composed of weaves that are kind of a hybrid of single weave and double weave. Often times the weave will have a "square" look to it. Gold weave bjj gis are designed to be durable without adding all the weight of a traditional double weave gi. Gold weaves were proposed as a way to ensure uniformity for competition by the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Confederation, however this is not enforced these days—as long as your sleeves and pants are long enough that is usually sufficient.

By: MMA Savant

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