Bjj G Talk: Straight Answers to Questions New Students Ask
Every new student has the same handful of questions, and most of them are too shy to ask out loud. Why is the jacket so heavy? Why does everyone call it a G? Will it shrink the first time I wash it? So here is a different kind of guide. No big lecture, no long history. Just a friendly back-and-forth, as if we were sitting on the edge of the mat before class. Some people shorten gi to g, which is why you will see bjj g in chat groups and search bars. Whatever you call it, the uniform is the same, and by the end of this page, you will know a lot more about it.
Wait, What Is a G Anyway?
Good place to start. The word is gi, said like “gee.” It is the uniform used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and it comes in three pieces.
The Jacket
This is the big one. You can grab it, and so can your partner, which is a big part of the game. It is thick and tough on purpose.
The Pants
Loose enough to let you move, strong enough to take knee rubs. Ours are ripstop, which means extra threads are woven in so a small tear stops spreading.
The Belt
It holds the jacket closed and shows your rank. Most new students begin with a white belt.
Why Is It So Thick?
Because people pull on it. A lot. Thin cloth would rip in a few rounds.
The Number on the Tag
You may see something like GSM on a product page. It stands for grams per square meter, which tells you how thick the cloth is. Our men’s jacket is a 450 GSM pearl weave. Think of it as the happy middle: strong enough to last, not so heavy that you feel like you are wearing a rug.
The Stiff Collar
One spot gets pulled harder than any other, and that is the collar. A floppy one gives up fast. Ours is stiff and thick, with reinforced stitching in the places that wear out first.
Will It Shrink on Me?
This is the worry that keeps people up at night. Let us calm it down.
Pre-Shrunk Cloth
When cloth is pre-shrunk, the shop washes it before you ever get it. That means the size you pick is the size you keep, within reason. The fabric on our gis is pre-shrunk for exactly this reason.
Picking Your Size
Use the size chart, not your shirt size. Our men’s sizes run from A00 to A6. If your body sits between two sizes, custom sizing is available, though it takes a little longer to arrive.
A Quick Fit Peek
Stand up straight with your arms out. The sleeves should land near your wrists. The pants should stop close to your ankles. If you can squat deep without pinching, you are in good shape.
Which Color Is Safe?
Color is the fun part, but your gym may have rules. White, blue, and black are the colors most places accept. Our men’s range also offers brown, green, navy blue, and yellow. The simplest move is to ask your coach what is allowed, then pick the shade you like best. A color does not change how well you roll. It only changes how you look doing it.
Funny Names You Will Hear on the Mat
Here is something nobody warns you about. Jiu-jitsu is full of animal names. Spider guard, butterfly guard, and a flashy one called the scorpion all have their fans. If you have ever typed scorpion bjj into a search bar, you may have been after that curled-tail move, or you may have landed on a gear brand with a similar name. Both turn up in results, which can get confusing.
Why Your Gi Matters for Fancy Moves
Many of these positions use the cloth. Your partner grips a sleeve, hooks a lapel, or pulls a pant leg. A strong gi with firm stitching holds up through all that tugging, while a weak one starts to fray.
The Brand on Our Shop
Our shop carries Bravo gear. If you were looking for a different label, you may want to double-check the name on the product page before you order. Our listings show the weave, weight, sizes, and rules, so you can see exactly what you are getting.
What Else Goes in the Bag?
You do not need a mountain of stuff. Start small.
- A belt that matches your rank
- A mouthguard to protect your teeth
- Sandals for walking off the mat
- A towel and a water bottle
Later, if you try no-gi classes, add a rash guard and grappling shorts without zippers or pockets. Our shop has all of these for men, women, and kids, and it also offers custom gear and wholesale pricing for teams.
How Do I Keep It Clean Without Wrecking It?
The good news is that it is simpler than it sounds.
In the Washer
Use cold water, below about 30°C (86°F), and a gentle soap. Leave out the bleach and the fabric softener, since both weaken the fibers. Wash it apart from colored clothes so nothing bleeds onto it. And do not wash it after every tiny sweat. Too many cycles wear the cloth thin.
After the Wash
Let it dry in open air, out of strong sun. If you have to use a dryer, pick the lowest heat. Always pull your gi out of your bag when you get home. A damp gi balled up overnight is a recipe for a funky smell.
How Long Until My Order Shows Up?
Nobody likes waiting, so here is the plain version. We ship inside the United States. Regular orders usually go out in about five to seven days, and custom gear takes about one to two weeks. Orders of $300 or more ship free, and you get a tracking number once your package is on its way. Carriers include DHL, FedEx, and USPS.
If something arrives damaged or wrong, check the refund policy for the time limit and valid reasons. Custom gear cannot be returned, so measure twice. Our support team is around 12 hours a day, six days a week, at support@bjiujitsu.com.
Parting Words From the Edge of the Mat
A gi is a simple thing. Three pieces of cloth, a bit of stitching, and a lot of sweat. But it ends up being the thing you wear in your best classes and your worst ones. Pick a size that fits, learn a few care habits, and ask your coach about the rules. The rest takes care of itself, one class at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the G stand for in BJJ G?
It is short for gi, the traditional uniform of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The gi has a jacket, pants, and a belt that show your rank.
Is a gi the same as a kimono?
People sometimes use the two words for the same kind of uniform, especially in Brazil. In English-speaking gyms, gi is the common word.
How do I put on a gi and tie the belt?
Put on the pants and tie the drawstring, then the jacket, left side over the right. Wrap the belt around your waist twice, pull both ends even, and tie a square knot.
How heavy is a BJJ gi?
It depends on the weave and weight of the cloth. Our men’s jacket is a 450GSM pearl weave, which is firm and lasting without feeling like a heavy coat.
Does washing weaken a gi?
Too many washes, hot water, bleach, and softener can wear the cloth down. Cold water, a mild soap, and air drying keep it strong for longer.