Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Clothing

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu clothing isn't very different than clothing worn in other styles in many respects and includes traditional items like gi's and shorts and t-shirts for grappling. Before you ever fight it out on the mat at your local martial arts school you're going to need to dress for success. Like with many sports Brazilian Jiu Jitsu evolved and developed its own unique equipment and clothing, but in the beginning it used Judo gi's or cut down kimonos.

The traditional Japanese kimono is a straight-lined robe that goes to the ankle, with collars and wide full-length sleeves, and is worn by both sexes. Not at all suited for workouts martial artists in Japan created the gi which means dress clothes or clothes, and uniforms are often referred to as a keikogi or practice gi. When the Gracies first learned Judo though kimonos were still being used in training, and that is why BJJ uniforms are still called kimonos to this day. Over time though they would adapt like other martial arts and would adopt the more rugged gi's that would hold up to both ground fighting and standing grappling that is a big part of their sport. Now it is possible to get a gi that is almost any color and many manufactures offer a variety of patterns including national flags and other logos besides the traditional white.

The gi's and kimonos aren't the only type of clothing used in training though. Like a traditional boxing workout sweats are used for road work and weight training workouts. With the advent of Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) few fighters including members of the Gracie family wear gi's to fight. Most wear grappling shorts designed for the matches in the ring while others wear rash guards that help sweat evaporate faster so a fighter stays more refreshed. The rash guards also have the added bonus of making it hard to grapple, and can be worn with or without a gi. In order to make an effective decision you have to decide if a piece of clothing will keep you not only comfortable during the brief but brutal matches, but will it also help you when you're grappling with another fighter. If you can evaluate a piece of clothing and it meets those standards and you can afford it you have a good piece of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Clothing.