BJJ Gi Reviews

Practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, doesn't require a whole lot of equipment. You need a mouth guard (if you want to keep your smile pretty), some clean underwear (if you want training partners), but most of all, you need a good Kimono. A solid, well made Gi, is as essential to training BJJ as having a partner, or Professor. And while I could wax on about the ongoing debate of Gi vs. No-Gi, I would rather share some information about the BJJ Kimono's that I have tried over the years.

Keep in mind I am only reviewing Kimono's that I have used personally, and I am in no way being paid, or influenced by any manufacturers. These are all my own opinions from personal experience, and hundreds of hours of training Gi Jiu-Jitsu. Some people like new shoes, new bags, or sunglasses... I like to try out new Gi's.

In my opinion there are a few factors that one should consider when buying a new gi. A few examples are: durability, weight, color, fitment, size, and most of all cost. Another thing to keep in mind is how you will be using it. Such as regular training, competition, or light training. Will it be the only one you have? What is the climate like where you train? Some of these things might seem a bit like over thinking but I promise, you won't regret taking a little more time shopping around. Especially when you are finishing up a day of training, and your Gi is still in one piece, and fits like it should.

So first some notes on weight, and fitment. Heavier Gi's, are often referred to as Double Weave, or Gold Weave, and will generally last longer, be more durable, and a bit more warm while you roll. As for the lighter Single Weave, or Pearl Weave Gi's, they won't hold up as well to regular abuse, but lighter weight for competition, and more breathable, so you will be cooler at the end of a long hot summer day of training. I prefer to try and strike a balance between the two.

As for the fitment, there are usually two bases for fit. Judo style, and BJJ style. BJJ Gi's have a longer leaner fit, they are far lighter, but the biggest difference in my mind, is the arm sleeves. The Judo Gi, is wider, and shorter at the wrist than the BJJ Gi, and it is wider in the arm pit area. Also, Judo style is usually a two piece construction. Meaning it has a thick upper jacket, and around the rib line, it has a seam, and a lighter lower half that continues to below the belt line. I have found that the best way to measure what style suites you best, is to ask the higher ranked teammates at your academy for there opinion. BJJ guys are usually very chill, and eager to share knowledge. So if they are around your size, see if they will let you try on there Gi jacket. Obviously do this BEFORE class, so the Gi isn't stretched out, and sweaty.

Anyways, enough with the rambling, lets get on with it!


First on the list, (my very first Gi),
The "ATAMA, Single Weave".
This was an awesome Gi as far as durability, and comfort goes. It was my only Gi for nearly a year of training and average of 4 times a week. I have a fear of being that "stinky guy" at the gym, so I washed it every night after practice, without fail, and it held up great. Even in the dryer, which no Kimono manufacture recommends unless you are trying to shrink the size for a tighter fit.
This Kimono has a bit more of a Judo style, as far as multiple seam construction, with multiple fabric types/ textures, and a looser fit under the arm pit.. Though it is far softer than any true Judo Gi, by far.
The pants are my favorite BJJ pants, full stop. They are soft, true to size, they fit great, and they are durable. If you are looking to purchase a new pair of pants, and you don't want to spring for the cost of a whole new Gi... look no further, these pants are all you need. So to sum up...

Price: $149-169.00 (Depending on color/size) Great bang for your buck.

Jacket Fit: Longer in the arms, and lapel, good sleeve width, but a little wide in the arm pit area.

Pants Fit: PERFECT. Tight fit all around, good length, fits low on hips, good draw string, durable, but still comfortable and soft.

Weight: Medium Light, great all weather training, but not to heavy for competition in BJJ or Judo.

Durability: High quality Gi, great workmanship, quality materials, priced just right.

Link: http://atama-kimonos.com


Next up... "VULKAN, Pro Light".
This is a very popular Kimono at my academy. They are light, breathable , and as you can see, very sharp looking. I owned two of these, one in Black, and one in white. I really liked how light they are, for summer training in a 100+ degree gym, they are awesome.
My only issues, would be durability, and fitment. They tend to run a bit short on the lapel, ( I do have a long torso, so it could just be me) and the sleeves run a bit short, but they are loose in the arm pit, and torso area.
Some people prefer this fit, but because the Gi has such a loose weave to the fabric, after you have been rolling for a bit, and the jacket gets damp, I found it really difficult to keep my arms in my sleeve, when people grab at your Gi near the wrist/ elbow area.
As far as durability, the jacket seems to hold up fairly well, but I have seen at least 6 pairs of pants blowout in the knee, and crotch areas. Hopefully Vulkan addresses the problem, because they would have a really solid Gi if they could fix that issue.
So I would recommend this Kimono to those who plan on using it in rotation with 3 or 4 other Gi's. Or for use in competition. Though I have to say, the sleeve width has been an issue for me in at least two tournaments. My arm has slipped out twice, while defending sweeps from open guard. I was lucky to have gotten away with a warning, in both cases. I have seen refs disqualify players for the same wardrobe malfunction.

Price: $159-199.00 (Depending on color/size)

Jacket Fit: Moderately durable jacket, very light, soft fit, a bit short in the arms, and lapel, good sleeve width, but wide in the arm pit area.

Pants Fit: Good length, fits just above hips, the draw string is a bit stubborn, comfortable, light, and soft, but very suspect in the durability department, open guard players be warned.

Weight: Lighter weight, great for hotter weather, great for BJJ competition, (if you prefer loose sleeves)

Durability: Great Gi top, workmanship is consistent, quality materials, pants need work, priced a bit high in my opinion for what you get.

Link: http://www.vulkanstore.com/products/Jiu_Jitsu_Uniforms-1


Next up... "Dragão, Arm Lock".

This Kimono is strikes a great balance between light, and durable. In fact, the Gi top is one of the toughest I have seen. Though the collar is very stiff, and it takes some getting used to, it's not uncomfortable. The Gi top has a great BJJ fit. Tight in the arms, arm pits, and torso, but the lapels are still long.
The pants are a bit short in length, (keep in mind that's coming from a guy with a 30" inseam) but they are a good fit in all other areas. the draw string is quite stubborn, even more so than the Vulkan. But not unworkable. You just have to work those hips, and be good at "the twist".
One important point that I have noticed, is that although this Gi has held up very well over the past two years of hard use, it has shrunk at least one full size. It fit great as an A3 when I first bought it, and since then, I have had to pass it on to my girlfriend, who usually wears a A2, and it is a bit tight on her now to. I would recommend buying one size bigger than your used to running, and shrink it in the dryer. They really do shrink more than any Gi I have seen, even without the use of a dryer.
Another quick note, in the past few years, the team at Dragao have come out with some really sharp looking new designs for their Kimono's. So be sure to check out there full selection before you buy, especially if you want something flashy.


Price: $159-189.00 (Depending on color/size)

Jacket Fit: Very durable jacket, stiff collar, fairly light, a tight fit in the arms, great lapel length, good sleeve width, sizing seems to run one size small.

Pants Fit: Short inseam length, fits great right at the hips, the draw string is very stubborn, light, but still durable, though not very stretchy.

Weight: Lighter weight, great for all weather, good for BJJ competition, (be sure to check the sleeve width, for competition)

Durability: Great all around, workmanship is high quality, quality materials, price is good, a bit high, but the quality shows in the craftsmanship.

Link: http://www.kimonosdragao.com.br/v8/home.asp?lang=en_US


Last but not least... "Fuji Single Weave".

This is hands down the best Gi I have ever bought. There are currently 6 of these hanging in my closet right now. I own four black A4's, and my girlfriend owns two A3's, one Blue, and one Black. The colors are deep, and dark, and hold up better than most $200+ dollar gi's that I have seen.
These Kimonos are durable, they are inexpensive, and they have the best cut I have found. They have a tight under arm, around the arm pit, so there are no elbow slips, or spider guard issues. I will say that the pants fit a little tall on the waist line, and seem to have a long inseam, so when I have my team patches sewn on, I ask the tailor to hem them for me. But I have wicked short legs, (30" inseam) so for most folks that shouldn't be an issue.
The Fuji Single Weave, is heavier than your average single weaves, so competition weight could be affected, but for an every day, year round, hardcore practitioner, look no further.
Here is the best part... This awesome Gi, will set you back $89.00 every day of the year for Black or Blue, and $79.00 for White. And if you subscribe to sites like BJJHQ on Facebook, they regularly appear for $70 plus $5 bucks for shipping anywhere in the USA. You can't beat that kind of value anywhere.
One thing I will say, that is very important to note... These Gi's will shrink, and they fit one size SMALL. So if you are regularly an A3 like myself, the A4 will fit perfect after one cold wash, and hot dry. After that, it is good to go.

Price: $70-89.00 (Depending on color/size)

Jacket Fit: PERFECTION. Long lepel length, sleeves come right to the wrist with a perfect competition diameter, collar is good and thick, but not to bulky, colors are awesome and hold well, slim rib line, and tight under arm. Gi's run one size small, so order one up. (Regularly A3= order A4 wash cold, dry hot once to custom fit)

Pants Fit: A bit long, but that could be due to ordering one size larger to get the right jacket fit. If they would ship an A4 Jacket with an A3 Pants, I would be in heaven. (But remember I have a 30" inseam) The drawstring is good, and doesn't tangle easily. And the material and stitching is durable.

Weight: Medium, great all weather Kimono, that will last for years.

Durability: Fantastic. No issues that I have seen, and 20+ people from my Academy roll in these Gi's year round.

Links: BJJhq.com, martialartssupplies.com, budovideos.com


Well, I hope that these reviews were helpful in picking out a new Gi, for everyone who cared to read them. I will be sure to add more reviews as I collect more Kimonos, because as I am sure you can tell, I love trying out new brands and flavors. If anyone would like to send in a Gi for review, or to test a new product, feel free to shoot me a PM. Thanks for reading.