Gi Recommendations

[Wahoo08]

So, I'm looking at buying a new Judo Gi. This will be the first one I actually purchase on my own (the one I have now is one that my Judo instructor keeps stockpiled and sells to new students) so I'm pretty clueless. Cost is a pretty big factor right now. Not really trying to go over $100 or so (although if you think it is wise to spend more, please say so).

There are two I'm kind of looking at now. The first is the Adidas training Gi for about $90.00. In all honesty, the Adidas brand is what attracted me to that particular Gi. Like I said, I don't know much about Gi's, so Adidas is the only brand I recognize. Thoughts on their quality?

The other one I'm looking at is a Fuji for about $60.00. Fuji is the brand I have now. It's good, I guess, but I don't have anything to compare it to.

Also, is it worth spending the extra for a double weave? I'm basically a recreational practitioner, who'd like to start competing this year, but strictly for fun. No Olympic aspirations here.

Thanks for any feedback, guys.

[spasgur]

Don't if it's true but I've heard that BJJ and Judo gis are the same. If that is the case I can recommend Tatami.

[Ash]

They're similar, but not exactly the same. Judo gi are bound differently (they're looser) and the stitching is usually not as strong in some areas (ass, crotch, knees) as a jiu-jitsu gi. It's generally acceptable to use a judo gi for jiu-jitsu, but not the other way around as there're rules about the sizing of your gi that disqualifies the cut of most jiu-jitsu gi in judo (they're too tight for competition). I'm not sure if there's a price point difference between the two.

[Wahoo08]

Yeah, BJJ gi's have a much tighter fit that Judo gi's. For practice, it's not that big of a deal. I've seen pleny of people wear BJJ gi's to Judo practie and Judo gi's to BJJ practice. But a BJJ gi wouldn't be legal in a Judo competition (not sure if the same is true vice versa). I'm closer to being ready to compete in Judo than in BJJ, so this purchase definitely has to be Judo.

I do know that a lot of companies make both gi's for both sports, so I'll at least look into Tatami.

[Wahoo08]

Earlier tonight during Judo practice, one of the guys had his gi tear a good 6 inches or so. As I was walking out, he said go with a double weave. I'd be pissed if I were to buy a new gi only to have it rip within a few weeks or months. I'm strongly leaning towards the Fuji Double Weave for about $95. I've heard double weaves can be miserable during the summer months, but it's not like I'm getting rid of my current single weave. I can still wear that one on especially hot days. Anybody have any experience with this particular brand? Speak now or forever hold your peace.

[telerion]

Quick points:

1) Adidas is fine. Fuji is also just fine. I have three double weave Fuji's (2 white; 1 blue). Eventually I will buy some Mizuno's, but right now I just can't justify it given the amount I train (Mizuno's are quite spendy and I'm still quite active so I wear them down.)

2) You can definitely wear a judo gi to a BJJ comp. I've always worn a judo gi in every competition. As was stated before, this doesn't go the other way. Judo is much stricter about uniforms.

3) I've never purchased a BJJ gi, though I have thought about it. Judo gi's are usually quite a bit cheaper, and since I can use a judo gi in either type of tournament, they are more functional for me than BJJ gi's. Plus I can hit Ezekiel chokes from a mile away in a judo gi because the sleeves are so much looser at the wrist!

4) In general, GET A DOUBLE WEAVE! This is a must if you compete, especially for men.

5). Hot days, schmot days. It's not that big of a deal.



If this is too late and you already bought the DW Fuji, rest easy. You made a good choice.

[Wahoo08]

I did order the DW Fuji last weekend, so your words are quite reassuring, Telerion. You thoughts on the Judo/BJJ gi's are also interesting; I wasn't aware that Judogis were legal in BJJ competition. Now the fun part- waiting a week and a half for my new toy to arrive. Thanks to everyone that provided feedback.

[Ash]

Competition BJJ seems to be stricter about the colour of your gi and lapels rather than the cut and sizing, for reasons beyond my understanding.

[spasgur]

Yeah some competitions demands of you to have both a blue and white gi, and some also that you have a badge of your team.

[Ash]

Makes no sense to me, but those are the rules for whatever reason.