Ultimate BJJ GI Guide – Pick the Best BJJ GI for Beginners

So you’ve recently started BJJ and now you’re hooked, and looking to buy your first BJJ GI. With so many BJJ brands available, it’s hard to know where to start! In this article, I discuss some of the best BJJ GI’s for beginners.

BJJ GI’s can cost in excess of $300, so it’s vital that you do your research before you buy your first BJJ GI.

Choosing the best beginner BJJ GI is essential. BJJ GI’s need to be durable and tough but also feel comfortable and light whilst training. 

When shopping for the best beginner BJJ GI you will want to consider the following:

  • Comfort
  • Price
  • Style
  • Weight
  • Durability

  • GI Size

Are you also looking for Muay Thai Gloves?
You’ll will need some Muay Thai gloves for your sparring. Your best option is the Fairtex Muay Thai gloves.

Choosing The Perfect Fit

Choosing the right size BJJ GI is a science in itself. It shouldn’t be too tight or it can restrict your movement, but at the same time, a baggy GI is just as bad.

When choosing your first BJJ GI you will probably come across the “A” size guide. BJJ sizes can seem a bit daunting at first. However, using the BJJ GI guide, it’s easy to figure out what size should fit you the best depending on your body’s shape and weight.

It’s important to remember that specific companies use slightly different measurements, so always check before you buy.

The size chart isn’t an exact science. For example, I wear A2 size GI’s when the guide recommends I should wear size A3.

Another thing to remember is that a lot of people lose weight when starting BJJ, so bear that in mind when selecting your first BJJ GI.

Best BJJ GI for Beginners

Competition Rules

The IBJJF is the worlds leading Jiu-jitsu organisation that hosts several of the largest BJJ tournaments in the world. Their ruleset is widely adopted as the standard set of rules for BJJ competitions. That includes BJJ GI uniform rules. You will have to pass a uniform check to be able to compete in competitions.

The diagram below is official guidance from the IBJJF. To complete your GI must be either white, royal blue or black and your GI must pass several GI length measurement tests. You can check the full GI regulations on the IBJJF website.

Whilst these rules only matter if you compete, it is something that you should consider when buying a BJJ GI. Several GI’s in the list are IBJJF certified, meaning they meet the regulations required for competing. All you need to do is choose the right size.

Best BJJ GI for Beginners

Below we have handpicked some of the best BJJ GI’s for Beginners

Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra Light Preshrunk BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi

Sanabul are the new kids on the block, making waves across the BJJ scene. Established in 2014, they aim to disrupt the traditional BJJ GI industry by offering affordable high-quality GI’s in Rad designs.

The Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra Light GI is Sanabul’s entry-level GI. The V.2 comes in six colours and looks fresh with its minimal design.

What I like about the Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra Light GI:

  • Affordable for everyone
  • They take the guess-work out of GI sizing as it comes pre-shrunk
  • Minimal and fresh design
  • Heavy duty and lightweight – Strong & durable yet the GI keeps you light and agile in training

Why wouldn’t you buy the Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra Light GI? This company are passionate about what they do! They make high-quality martial arts equipment affordable for everyone.


Check the latest price For The Sanabul V.2 Ultra Light BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi on Amazon

Fuji – Submit Everyone Jiu-Jitsu Gi, Lightweight BJJ Kimono Uniform

FUJI was founded in 1969 by judo world champion Frank Hatashita. They have since branched out to produce equipment for several martial arts. Fuji pride themselves on providing high-quality martial arts apparel for affordable prices.

The Fuji submit everyone GI is “the real deal” GI designed for both training and competition. The GI comes in the traditional colours of blue, white and black.

What I like about the FUJI Submit Everyone GI:

  • Extra lightweight but durable for travel and competitions
  • Bold design but not overbearing
  • IBJJF, NABJJF and UAEJJF Approved
  • FUJI is a well-established brand with a great reputation

I love this GI, Fuji have found the right balance with the design. Fuji is a well established BJ brand, so you know you’re always getting a quality BJJ GI.


Check the latest price for the Fuji – Submit Everyone Jiu-Jitsu Gi, Lightweight BJJ on Amazon

Venum Contender Evo BJJ Gi

Venom is a martial arts equipment and lifestyle brand that was founded in 2005.

The Contender Evo BJJ kimono is available in four colours and is a must for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners looking for a kimono that’s excellent value for money.

What I like about the Venom Contender Evo GI is:

  • The jacket is reinforced at strategic points to strengthen it for increased durability
  • Great Value for money
  • Side Vents for increased ventilation
  • The GI is available in 4 traditional colours

If you’re looking for a high-quality affordable GI then look no further! The Venom Contender Evo GI is a definite contender for the best BJJ GI for beginners!


Check the latest price on the Venum Contender Evo BJJ Gi on Amazon

Tatami Fightwear Estilo 6.0 Premium BJJ Gi

Tatami Fightwear was established in 2009 with the goal of producing high-quality Jiu Jitsu products at affordable prices. Over the last decade, Tatami has constantly innovated and updated its products that include both performance and lifestyle gear.

The Estilo is Tatami’s longest running BJJ Kimono. Over the last six years, the GI has constantly been adapted for improvements. The Tatami Estilo GI 6.0 is the leading GI in the Tatami collection, and is one of the highest quality, visually appealing and well priced BJJ Gi’s available.

Here’s why you should consider the Tatami Estilo GI 6.0:

  • Extremely durable (550GSM Pearl Weave Jacket)
  • The GI has a slick design with Embroidered Tatami Logos
  • Unique Y-Jacket vents for increased ventilation
  • Tatami produces high-quality and affordable GI’s

Why wouldn’t you buy the Tatami Estilo GI 6.0 GI? Tatami constantly adapt & innovate and are passionate about what they do! But overall they make high-quality BJJ gear that’s affordable for everyone.


Check the latest price on the Tatami Fightwear Estilo 6.0 Premium BJJ Gi On Amazon

Gameness Jiu Jitsu Pearl Gi

Since 1998 Gameness has been producing quality martial arts products for fighters. Gameness specifically design their products to meet the demands of intense training and competition.

The Gameness Pearl GI has the right combination of style, functionality, and durability. The GI is available in white, blue and black, and has a minimal design: both simple and clean.

Here’s what I like about the Gameness Jiu-Jitsu pearl GI:

  • Great Value for money
  • Great Jiu-Jitsu Gi for competition or training
  • The GI is both Durable & Comfortable
  • Minimal Design – Simple & Clean

The Gameness Pearl GI is one of the best BJJ GI for beginners. Gameness has a proven track record of producing high-quality and affordable BJJ apparel. Check out the Gameness Pearl GI using the link below!


Check the latest price on the Gameness Jiu Jitsu Pearl Gi on Amazon

Elite Sports BJJ GI

Elite Sports is a relatively new brand that pride themselves on offering premium products at affordable prices. The brands aim is to revolutionize the way people look at the martial arts products they buy and the prices they pay. All of Elite sports martial arts equipment is designed with athletic performance in mind.

The Elite sports BJJ GI is a GI aimed for beginner BJJ practitioners. The GI is lightweight and made from preshrunk fabric, so you don’t have to worry about it shrinking in the wash. The lightweight material of the Elite sports BJJ GI disperses sweat faster, meaning there will be no lingering bad smells ruining your GI. This GI has a simple & modern design and is built to last long gruelling training sessions.

Some other features I like the Elite sports BJJ GI are:

  • IBJJF approved
  • This GI comes with a new white belt
  • One of the lowest priced GI’s available on the market
  • Lightweight GI that is perfect for both competition and training
  • The GI comes with a warranty

One thing I like about Elite Sports as a brand is particular attention to detail & design. Their equipment is designed to be durable and withstand tough training, but at the same time is reasonably priced.

Elite sports also have a training app for fighters that you gain access to once making your first purchase. The brand is innovative and invested in giving something back to its customers.

The Elite Sports BJJ GI is possibly the best BJJ GI for beginners, and for just over $50 you can’t go wrong!


Check the latest price on the Elite Sports BJJ GI on Amazon

What’s the best BJJ GI for Beginners??

Choosing the right Beginner BJJ GI is important, but ultimately, the final decision is up to you. To sum up, you want to make sure that your GI is tough and durable whilst not too heavy and rigid to restrict your movement.

So what is the best bjj gi for beginners?

All of the best GI’s listed here are sure to provide you with the comfort and style that you need. A quality BJJ GI should last years of gruelling training on the mats.

Make sure to check out the prices of your favourite GI from the list above!

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Gareth Davies

I'm a martial arts competitor and enthusiast. Over the last 15 years, I have trained and competed in several martial arts. I live in Manchester U.K working as a strength & conditioning coach when I'm not travelling and exploring martial arts around the world.
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