Buyers Guide for Jiu Jitsu Kimonos / Gi

So you started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and don’t know what Kimono to buy. You searched and searched and saw so many different brands, styles, weaves, and prices and are overwhelmed with information and don’t know where to start. Well you’re in luck because MSM Fight Shop will break it down for you.

 

 

How much are Jiu Jitsu Gi and How much should I spend?

Typically BJJ Gis range from the $70 (entry level) to $200 (Professional grade). Those around the lower end are simpler in design, contain fewer added technologies, and are made from lower quality materials which make them less durable. While those in the higher end of the bracket are far superior in their overall construction, are made from premium materials, and have the latest bjj technologies.

Color is also a determining factor in pricing, white gis being a bit more economical due to lower manufacturing cost.

My personal recommendation are:

If you are just a beginner wanting to get into the sport as a hobby/recreational, training 2-3 times a week, a good $100 Gi will be my recommendation. Brands around this price range are Venum, Tatami, and Adidas.

If you are serious and are looking to become a pro training 4-5 times a week look into spending at least $140 for a solid Gi. Brands around this price range are, Hayabusa, Venum, Vulkan, and Adidas.

***Please note: Before going out and purchasing a Gi from an authorized dealer be sure to ask the school you’re training at to see if you can use any gi. Some schools have restrictions about color, brands, etc that you can use.***

How many Gis should I own?

Typically you want to own a two Gis if you are competing (one for training and another for competing). You want to own one if you are just going to be doing it recreationally.

How does the sizing work?

Sizing for Gi are very different then you are accustomed to, its not going to be Small, Medium, Large they will follow a A0-A5 where the number indicates the size of the gi. Smaller numbers indicating smaller sizing and large representing larger sizes.

Here is a average sizing chart, please note these are just averages to give you an idea on how sizing works. All brands and manufactures have unique sizing that may be different then the one below. Before buying a gi make sure to check their sizing.

MSM Fight Shop BJJ Sizing Guide

 

How should the Gi it fit? Tight or loose fit?
Kimonos are not meant to fit like a suit or tux and because they will shrink over time with washing and drying so it always better to get the larger or looser size. All brands have there own cut and fit so don’t assume that and A3 that fits you in a Gameness Brand Gi will fit the same way as a Hayabusa A3 Gi. You should first try on some Gis at your local fight shop to have an idea and avoid the risk of having to return or exchange the kimono.

Can I compete with any Kimono?
If you plan to compete in the future make sure that the kimono you buy is IBJJF Approved if not they may not allow it. Ask your coaches and make sure your Gi is not shorter than 4 finger lengths on the cuff and the pants aren’t shorter than 4 fingers on the boot or ankle. For more info on IBJJF Rules click here as they can change frequently.

Should I buy a light weight or heavy weight kimono?
The light-weight kimonos are better for hotter tropical climates and better for competition because they are more comfortable to wear since they weight half of a double weave kimono. Another benefit of a light weight kimono is that it will help you qualify in your weigh in at competition with your Gi. On the downside don’t expect them to last as long, as they are made of a lighter fabrics that will compromise strength over time but are usually more affordable starting at around $89.99. Examples of Light Weight Kimonos

A heavy weight kimono are great for long term use and durability, we recommend it specially with heavier weight grapplers that use more force during training. With a heavier kimono you will also have a greater work out and sweat more but will also keep you warmer during winter training. Examples of Heavy Weight Kimonos

Nowadays with newer technology in manufacturing which offers hybrid weaves with different patterns like pearl weaves, gold weave, etc that will offer greater strength and durability with out the extra weight are one of the best options out there as you will get the best quality, comfort and durability for your money. Examples of Hybrid Weave Kimonos.

Here are closeup pics of the most common types of weaves used for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:

How to wash and take care for you Kimono? 

Wash your kimonos in cold water with Woolite or other gentile detergent and hang out to dry for minimal shrinkage but if your like most of us that doesn’t have the time to let it air dry then use the dryer in low tumble but expect more shrinkage. Do not use bleach on kimonos as they will weakened the fabric over time. For more tips on how to keep your Gi Clean and fresh go to this link.

We hope this article was useful for your future Gi purchase and please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions about this post or future posts!

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How To Choose The Correct Shinguard For Training

Choosing the right shinguard can be quite confusing if you don’t have much experience in the sport. There are a lot of companies out there that make good quality products to fit any budget but they don’t always describe the recommended use and it will come down to your decision. With this article our goal is to help buyers choose a pair shinguards that will meet their needs.

One of the most important questions you should ask yourself is, “What do I need the shinguard for?” For stand up? (stand up examples are Muay Thai, Kick Boxing) Or for Grappling (MMA or Vale Tudo)? This question may seem pointless but figuring out the style of shin guard you need can save you a lot of time and effort.

Below we will breakdown the different types of shinguards on the market. We will briefly describe the benefits of the different styles and how it can affect performance on your specific fighting style.

Types of Shin Guards

There are two types of shin guards that are common amongst fighters. Those for stand-up fighting or those for grappling. Each style has it’s own specific features that either help or hinder depending on the type of training.

Stand-up Shinguards

Lets begin with stand-up. As the name suggests these types of guards are mainly used for fighting styles that do not require ground work, such as kickboxing and Muay Thai. These shinguards come with either a velcro enclosure or a hook and loop system that keep them in place while striking. Over all they are thicker in padding and usually more rigid around the shin and foot area for more protection and does not have much foot flexibility (one of the reason they aren’t very useful for ground work). Some potential issues with using these shin guards for MMA is that they will be more uncomfortable to wear while doing ground work and may injure your sparring partner with the velcro closure and harder materials used. If you are on a budget we would suggest looking into synthetic materials which are usually more economical but sometimes can be less durable. If you are looking for top of the line protection look into thai brands that use top of the line materials (not necessarily leather) and they will last on average 2-3 times longer. Prices Range from $40 example DragonDo  – $120 example Hayabusa shin guards.

More Example of Stand-up Shinguards: Venum “Challenger” Shinguards, Fairtex Standup Shingurads, Throwdown stand up shinguards.
                 

Grappling Shinguard’s

Grappling shinguard are another style that are mainly used in MMA training, where ground work is vital. They are very different from the stand-ups, they normally come with a neoprene sleeve and velcro enclosure that surrounds your shin and calves, similar to a long sock that you slip on and fits tight. The padding material around the foot and shin area is also thinner and more flexible allowing the user more freedom of motion and the ability to bend the foot backwards while grappling. These style of shinguard’s can also be used for muay thai and kickboxing but they are better known for grappling.

A common issue that many fighters have with this type of in-step shin guard is that its harder to remove after training because the sweat on the neoprene acts like a suction cup and adheres to the skin making it harder to remove specially after long training sessions. To avoid this issue look for a MMA shinguards with hook and look closures in-stead of neoprene sleeve. If you are on a budget be sure to look into the synthetic leather. Prices usually range from $30 for basic Venum instep shinguard to $120 for a top of the line Hayabusa MMA Shinguard.

        

More Example of In-step mma Shinguards: Throwdown Grappling Shinguards or Revgear Leather MMA Shinguards.             

Thanks for reading this article. Please let us know if you have any questions from this article or any suggestions for another topic to do in the future.

Mouthguard Guide for New Buyers

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommend the use of mouth guards for children and adults when playing any sport with the potential for facial injuries.  They help protect your teeth and cushion your jaw from impact that can occur during sporting activities. This guide will help new buyers purchase the right mouth guard for their needs.

Types of Mouth Guards

 

·         Basic (Commercial Mouthguard)

Basic Mouth Guard – Price $4.99

Pros– They are made to be disposable, while giving some degree of protection against light contact sports. Most of them offer the ability to mold to your teeth by boiling them and then biting them. They are inexpensive and available in most sporting goods store.

Cons – They are bulky and will not feel as comfortable as a higher end mouthguard and can make breathing and talking difficult.  They won’t fit braces properly because they are composed of a thinner rubber compound and they tend to fall out of place when mouth is open. Not the ideal mouthguard for those looking for good protection for their teeth. But having a basic mouth guard is far better than having no protection at all. It’s ideal as a backup mouth guard.

·         Gel Mouthguards

Venum “Challenger” Mouth Guard – Retail Price $14.99

Pros – Composed of a hard outer plastic shell and a thick gel inside layer to disperse impact. Doesn’t require boiling for fitment and molds easily to your teeth when bitten down on the first time. This style of mouthguards provides much better protection and comfort than the basic mouth guards. This type of mouth guards are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most martial arts stores.

Cons – On the downside to this type of mouthguard composed of gel will start to wear out after repeated use.

• Boil and Bite Mouthguards

Fight Dentist Mouth Guard – Blood Thirsty “Fangs” – Retail Price $19.99

Pros – As the name indicates. They are made from a thermoplastic material that can be boiled and re-boiled until proper fitment. They will mold better and adhere better to your teeth while in use for easier breathing and talking. The thermoplastic rubber compound will also absorb more shock thanks to its thicker outer barrier.
This style of mouth guard provides superior protection and comfort. They are as close as you can get to a custom made mouth guard without the expensive price tag. These types of mouthguards are the most used type by athletes.

Cons – If molded incorrectly, it can lead to damage to your teeth and jaw during sporting activities. Be sure to have someone who has experience with this type of mouth guards if this is your first time.

• Custom Made Mouthguards

Shock Doctor Custom Mouth Guard Kit – Price $199.99

Pros – They are good mouth guards money can buy. Some of these type of mouth guard may require the aid of a dentist to pre-mold your teeth and use a special polymer that will give the best protection for your teeth. They are very comfortable, don’t interfere with breathing and will last you longer if taken care of correctly.

Cons – Because of the work required to make them they come at a hefty price. They price range can be anywhere from $200 – $1000 depending on the company.

 Caring for your Mouthguards

Taking care of your mouth guard is essential to prolonging the life of the product and also for health and hygiene purposes.

• Store your Mouthguard in a case to keep it secure in gym bag and protect it from direct sunlight.

Be sure to dry the mouth guard correctly before placing inside a case. If left wet, it can lead to mold growth.

Fight Dentist Mouthguard Case – Price $9.99

• Keep Mouth Guard Away From Direct Sunlight

The heat from the sun can damage of the plastic and lead to incorrect molding.

• Do not store mouthguard wet or with dirty gym clothes.

It’s pretty self explanatory, keeping your mouth guard dry and not near dirty clothes can help prevent from causing growth of bacteria and mold which can potentially lead to health problems.

• Do not wash mouth guard in hot water.

Cleaning the mouth guard after every use is needed. Be sure to wash with cold water to preserve the plastic. Warm and hot water can damage the guard.

• Leave or soak in mouth wash to kill all the bacteria.

Sterilizing the mouth guard is a must. Bacteria naturally grows on it and using mouth wash sterilizes it.

Be sure to check out the wide selection of mouthguards @MSMFIGHTSHOP use the promo code: Blog01 to receive 10% off your purchase of any mouth guard or mouth guard accessories.