It’s quite common for those that train in Judo to make the transition to BJJ and vice versa. They might even train in both martial arts at the same time.
One common question Judo practitioners ask when beginning BJJ training is can they use their Judo Gi for BJJ. We’re going to answer that question for you in this article and detail the similarities and differences between each Gi.
Can I use a Judo Gi for BJJ? You can use a Judo Gi for BJJ training, but not for Jiu Jitsu competitions. BJJ competitions have specific rules and regulations that Judo Gis do not meet.
Similarities between BJJ & Judo Gis
While the martial arts have different rules, the types of Gis used in both are very similar to one another. Here are some similarities between BJJ Gis and Judo Gis.
Both are designed for grappling
Made of the same materials
If you compare descriptions of BJJ and Judo Gis, you’ll notice that they’re normally made with the same types of material. Both types of Gis are usually made of strong materials like cotton or a blend of cotton and synthetic materials.
This is because they need to withstand the wear and tear from the grappling done in each martial art. That is why both are made of similar materials.
Same basic colors
Basic BJJ and Judo Gis are designed with the same basic colors. Like in BJJ, basic Judo Gis also come in white, blue, and black.
Same price range
Price range is another similarity that is shared between BJJ and Judo Gis. A quick search on Amazon will show you that both styles of single weave Gis are priced between $50 and $100.
Same manufacturers
Many Gi companies make both BJJ and Judo style Gis in their warehouses. Since each style is made of the same materials, it would only make sense that Gi companies would make both styles.
Some Gi manufacturers that make both include:
- Fuji
- Tatami
- Ronin
- Atama
- Adidas
- Krugans
Differences between Judo Gis & BJJ Gis
Even though Judo and BJJ Gis look similar, they do have some obvious differences. Here are some of the most obvious differences between the two detailed below.
Design & Sizing
The first difference that you’ll notice between a BJJ and Judo Gi is that they have different designs and sizing.
A Judo Gi is designed to be more bulky than a BJJ Gi. This is because in Judo, you need more material to grab on to do throws and sweeps.
Jiu Jitsu Gis are designed to be a bit more slimmer with less material for your opponent to grab. It also helps to have a lighter Gi in BJJ since you have to wear it when you weigh in for competitions.
You’ll also notice that the sleeves of the pant legs of Judo Gis are a bit higher up than in BJJ Gis. Judo athletes will even pull their sleeves up further, so their opponent can get grips.
Style vs Utility
What has become more important for factions of BJJ practitioners is the style of Gis that they wear. They not only want a durable Gi, but one that also looks cool.
Some BJJ practitioners have sort of become collectors of Jiu Jitsu Gis like some people collect Air Jordan’s. Dropping over $150 on a Gi just because it looks cool.
Judo practitioners do not share this view with some BJJ practitioners. They prefer something more functional that works and don’t care if their Gis have a cool art design.
Also flashy Gis usually aren’t allowed in Judo schools.
So why can’t you use a Judo Gi in BJJ competitions?
You’ll probably be allowed to use a Judo Gi in a BJJ class, but never for a Jiu Jitsu competition. Same goes for using a BJJ Gi in a Judo competition.
Each type of competition has different regulations for the Gis allowed to be used in them. Here are the rules of each style of competition.
Regulation BJJ Gi
These Gi rules were taken directly from the website of the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation.
- The Gi top should reach the athlete’s thighs and sleeves. It should come no more than 5cm from the athlete’s wrist when the arm is extended parallel to the ground.
- Gi pants can reach no more than 5cm above the tibial malleolus.(ankle bone)
- The thickness of the lapel cannot exceed 1.3cm
- Width of the Gi collar cannot exceed 5cm
- The opening of the sleeves cannot exceed 5cm.
- The width of the belt must be between 4 and 5 centimeters
Regulation Judo Gi
Here the Gi rules for a Judo Gi under the rules of the International Judo Federation.
- Judo Gis must weigh between 650 and 750 grams squared.
- Only white Gis are allowed in IJF regulated competitions.
- Belts must be between 4 and 5 centimeters.
- Sleeves must reach the base of the wrist with a maximum tolerance of 1cm.
- Fabric excess of the sleeve and legs should be between 10 and 15cm.
- The jacket must cross with a width of at least 25cm above the belt.
- The jacket must cover the buttocks with an extra 5-10cm below it.
- Pant legs can not exceed more than 5cm above the ankle bone.
BJJ & Judo Gi recommendations
If you are looking for either a new BJJ or Judo Gi, here are two recommendations below. Complete with complete descriptions of each Gi and Amazon links provided.
Fuji Judo Uniform
- Judo Uniform: The FUJI Single Weave Judo Gi is comfortable, durable, affordable, and traditional. Made from soft, FUJI premium 100% cotton blend material
- Cotton Blend Judo Gi: Built to last and designed for heavy-duty daily training, the Gi offers a simple look, and feels great on the mats
- Judo Kimono: The Judo Gi features high-quality stitching at competitive pricing – great value Judo Gi!
- Martial Arts Clothing: The Judo Gi includes a judo white belt and comes in various sizes to offer the perfect fit
- Judo Single Weave Gi: The single-weave Gi in kids’ sizes comes with elastic waistbands, ideal for anyone looking for a high-quality Gi
- 3 Color Options: White, White/Red, and Blue
Fuji has been one of the most dependable Gi manufacturers in the world for decades. Especially so within the world of Judo.
Their Fuji Judo Uniform has been worn by some of the best Judo athletes in the world. From former UFC women’s champion Ronda Rousey to Olympic gold medalist and undefeated MMA fighter Kayla Harrison.
You will be hard pressed to find a Judo Gi that is more durable and comfortable than the one that Fuji makes. If you’re a Judo player looking for a new Gi, then Fuji is one of your best options. This Gi will last you for years of training.
Elite Sports BJJ Gi
- IBJJF Approved: All Elite Sports BJJ Gis are approved to be used in IBJJF competitions.
- No Shrinking: The Gi fabric is designed to shrink when washed in a machine.
- Advanced Sizing: Five size options that feel like a custom Gi.
- Reduce Bad Smell: The Gi is made of cotton and polyester, which Elite created to reduce bad smells from hard training.
- 6 Color Options: White, Blue, Black, Premium Green, Gray, Premium Navy
The Elite Sports BJJ Gi is one of the most affordable, yet durable Gis that you can buy. While it is an affordable style of Gi, it performs like a premium style Gi.
This BJJ Gi is incredibly durable and designed to never shrink when washed or hold a bad smell from training. Elite Sports Gis have also been approved to be used in all IBJJF regulated competitions.
Making this Gi everything you need to train or compete in at an affordable price.