What is your BJJ Gi size? This is the one question every Gi grappler will ask at a certain point in time. for most, it comes the moment you decide you’re serious about Jiu-Jitsu and start asking about getting that first Gi. That’s the moment when you realize that BJJ can actually get even more complicated. On top of all the technical stuff you’re trying to figure out, now you get information on BJJ Gi size, Gi material, weaves, brands, etc. Well, most of this stuff is pretty individual, and we’ll touch on that a bit later on. However, if you mess up the BJJ Gi size, you’ll only end up selling it, and at a much cheaper price than the original. In reality, Gi sizes are not that hard to figure out, and all you need are a few pointers.

So what’s the big deal? can’t yoу just measure sleeves and waist and go for what the specifications say? Unfortunately, with BJJ Gi’s it is not that simple. Just trying to figure it out without trying it on (which is most often the case) will lend you either a Gi too small or too big. Not to mention issues with fitting, jacket length, pants tightness, etc. Choosing the right BJJ Gi size is a much bigger deal than you think. The reason is simple – BJJ Gis are made to last. So when you buy one that’s a bad fit, you probably won’t be able to buy another straight away, given the price. So, apart from a functional, there’s also a financial aspect to it.

BJJ GI Size Charts

In terms of BJJ Gi size, all manufacturers usually include charts. The charts contain a host of different sizes that usually overlap in certain regions. Plus тхере arе all these abbreviations with letters and numbers that’ll surely make you feeл lost. to be honest, I’m still having difficulties when ceratin companies decide to release Gi sizes marked with decimals. It is like straight out of a Harry Potter movie, and not at all fun when you need to cough up a couple of hundred bucks.

That said, all those things actually have a very precise meaning. the usual order of things has a letter, to begin with, followed by a number. The letters vary between A for Adult males, F for adult females, and M for both male and female children. The border between an adult and a child is 15 years of age when the  Adult Gi sizes start to fit better. In that sense, both with adults and children, you have to think in advance. there’s no point in buying a Gi that you’ll outgrow in a year, whether it is in height or in girth.

Getting a bit more specific in terms of BJ jGi charts, remember that each brand has their own size chart. And, despite the somewhat unified way of providing size information (as above) the actual sizes of Gis vary wildly between different types. That said, a common BJ Jcahrt will usually contain the Gi size, as well as info on the weight and height variances that are the best fit. Thre are also the ultra-complicated BJJ gi size chart, one that shows the size accompanied by sleeve length, pants length, weight, and even a comparison to usual apparel sizes. However, there are also several hugely important things that you won’t find in Gi size charts.

Gi Brands And Shrinkage Rates

Let’s talk a bit about brands before we move on to the one thing that’ll catch even the most meticulous grappler by surprise. Ther are hundreds of BJJ Gi brands out there, and as expected, not all of them make great Gis. However, this is pretty hard to quantify, as Gi’s choice is a very individual thing. I, for example, like lightweight Gis far more than any other type of gi. However, I know people that like really heavyweight Gis and so they focus on brands that make them. Once again, know that an A1 gi form one brand and from another might be a whole world apart. For example, I usually wear an A1 in any and all Manto variations I’ve tried. However, with an Atama Gi, I’m at A2, and probably to tight to make it through official Gi checks in most tournaments.

Speaking of different models, keep in mind that these can also vary. Within one brand, there can be models that have so many different features, that they require charts of their own for each. Moreover, make sure you read the charts carefully and pay particular attention to height and weight. Those are your two major references to getting the right BJJ Gi size, even when you’re ordering online.

Finally, there’s a shrinkage rate. Although most Gis nowadays claim they come pre-shrunk, this is not the case. And whit Gis, in particular, are subject to notable shrinkage. So much so, in fact, that you might end up with one, or even two sizes smaller Gi, depending on how you’ve been washing it. Even when following washing directions to a “T”, you should still expect some shrinkage from all Gis. that’s why teh charts usually list the same size for people that have a10 lbs weight difference and several inches height difference.

A Few More Gi Buying Tips And Tricks

The fact that Gis are usually sold online makes things particularly difficult as you need to trust measurements and charts. The best thing would be to try the same Gi you’re looking at from someone in the academy. that way you can gain at least a feeling of what size you should aim for. Moreover, you can actually feel the Gis material and cut, which are also hugely important when it comes to comfort.

When you’re trying to find the perfect BJ jGi size for you, apart from charts and taking shrinkage into account, you’ll need to know a couple of other things too. For once, you need to understand weave.  Ther are several out there, from single, through double to pearl and diamond weaves. All have different thickness, weight, and different tensile strengths. This is only in regard to the jacket, as the pants are usually ripstop and quite durable as such.

Moreover, you’ll need to watch out for color. Yes, “Hello Kitty” Gis are fun, as might camo ones be fro someone. However, competing is only allowed if you have a white, blue or black. Unless you fulfill this rule, there’s no stepping on th mats. So it would be smart to figure out the size chart, weight and height, shrinkage rate, weave (the type of Gi) and finally, color. Only then can you risk it and wait for a few days to see what you’re left with.

Guide

Conclusion

All in all, getting a new Gi si addictive. You’ll soon be well off building your own Gi collection. Until such time though, getting a different BJJ Gi Size other than optimal is going to really derail you. First, you won’t be able to train, then you’ll need to pay for a different Gi. Exchanges are possible within your academy but don’t rely on that too much. It is far better to be precise, and be particularly diligent when looking at BJJ Gi Charts. After, all, once you buy a couple of Gis this way, you’ll know exactly what your size and preferences are for future occasions.

The Best BJJ GIs in 2024

Cheap BJJ Gi and Jiu-Jitsu Gi in 2022 – Guide And Reviews

Best Lightweight BJJ Gi and Jiu-Jitsu Gi in 2024 – Reviews

The Best Women’s BJJ Gi 2021 – (Reviews and Buying Guide)

Are you getting annoyed with people when you roll? If that’s th case, you’re not the only one., Moreover, it would be very unusual if you weren’t getting frustrated. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be as much of a source of frustration as it can be fun and entertaining. Training JIu-JItsu is usually a positive experience, just as competing is a nerve-wracking one in most cases. However, there’s one aspect of Jiu-Jisu everyone universally enjoys, even when they can’t make a single thing go their way – rolling. As such, people mostly look at the fun factor of a BJJ roll and often miss the actual benefits of one. Of course, everybody knows you learn while rolling, but how exactly do you achieve this? Believe it or not, there are rules that you need to follow while you roll.

Remember that every time you slap and bump for a BJJ roll, you’re actually entering a social contract of sorts. You agree that you’ll look after your partner’s body, even though you’re simulating life or death combat as realistically as possible. Of course, safety is number one when rolling, and if you’re not respecting that you’ll end up kicked out of an academy. With most people, this is a no-brainer as nobody wants to get hurt. However, your duties as a good training partner don’t just end there. Rolling is only second to competition experience when it comes to the best ways to learn Jiu-Jitsu. So, how are you going to learn anything if you end up rolling with someone that just keeps on talking? Unfortunately, this is not such a rare occasion.

“Hanging Loose” and “Keeping It Playful”

Jiu-Jitsu is awesome! It is unlike any other martial art out there, in every sense of the word. It is the one sport in which you can compete in “all-out” and not get gravely injured. Moreover, it is a quite reliable and viable self-defense system, if that’s what you’re after. There’s also the option to train just for the fun of it, or even for the mental benefits. Whatever the case, BJJ is a real draw for all types of people.

A lot of this attraction can be attributed to the fact that Jiu-Jitsu is quite loose when it comes to the training atmosphere. Unlike traditional martial arts, you won’t find a lot of needless bowing, antiquated traditions or time-wasting. BJJ classes tend to be relaxed, quite informal, yet still, require a level of discipline. To that extent, the balance is somehow there in most academies around the world. However, there are still some glaringly obvious situations in which discipline is absolutely essential. Like the time an instructor is demonstrating a technique in class. Or, you’re doing drills with a partner. Or, during a BJJ roll.

Yeah, that’s right, rolling does not mean that everything goes out the window and you can shout, laugh and do whatever you want while you’re sparring. It’s not how BJJ rolling works. Phrases like “keep it playful’ or the ever-present “Hang Loose” are mainstays in BJJ, but they should not be taken out of context. Staying loose and playing refers to the technical part of rolling, not to your behavior while you’re doing so. After all, it takes two to roll, and your partner might not be in the mood to exchange stories about everyday life while doing so.

BJJ Roll Etiquette: “Chaos” Has Rules Too!

After you see your first share of rolls, you’ll probably think that there’s stuff happening that completely out of control. Some people are curious, some are scared, others are looking forward to the “chaos”. Well, that chaos actually has a perfect order to it. And with order come rules. Granted, compared to other martial arts they’re quite fewer, but they’re still there to be obeyed.

Talking is one huge thing that can derail every BJJ Roll. How can you presume that you can talk while you’re expected to solve everything that happens in a roll? If it was simply one person talking, maybe the roll would be able to go on. However, having to answer something to someone, as you’re trying to figure out how to deal with a spider guard is the last thing most people want. Talking, just like rolling, usually requires two willing parties. The thing is, these two don’t really mix together, and not just because of good rolling etiquette. Talking is simply a no-go when you roll – regardless if it is with a white or black belt.

And, while on the subject of talking, the same holds true for coaching. That should be understandable on its own but still merits specific mention. IF people talking are annoying, people trying to coach you while you’re rolling with them are insufferable. Don’t let me even get started on people that are of the same or even lower rank and try to coach. Or ask to be coached. Things alike drills and private lessons are there for a reason. Rolling is not the time to coach or look to be coached. When the rolling time comes, all you should hear is great Rock N’ Roll music on speakers, and the sounds of people rolling. NO talking, whatsoever, except yelling that you tap. Period!

Shut Up And Roll

Once again, a common BJJ phrase is “Shut Up And Roll”. If there’s one BJJ phrase that you need to take literally, it is this one. And it is easy! Let me tell you how. First, ask your partner if they have any injuries or things you should watch out for. Next, tell them the same about you. Slap and bump and for the next 5 to 20 minutes, or however long you roll, keep quiet and focus on the task at hand. It is hard enough and fun enough as it is.

The one major thing that you’ll disrupt while talking during a BJJ roll is the process of learning. Rolling in Jiu-Jitsu is very similar toa competition, just lower key. That means you’re robbing your partner of the ability to learn how to apply techniques in a setting that will massively benefit them when they actually compete. Moreover, you’re impeding your own progress by trying to make small talk or even technical talk during a roll. Even question asking should wait until a BJJ roll is over. How can someone learn an armbar if hallway through you start asking “what ifs” and “buts”?

Finally, there is the most annoying aspect of talking during rolling – using it as a submission defense. Starting to talk and explain once you’re caught is the one thing that’s as guaranteed to lose you, training partners, as is spazzing. Just accept that they got you instead of suddenly switching to coach mode and trying to explain things to everyone.

In the end, leave all the trash-talking for when you become a professional grappler. Trying to tell people what you’re going to do to them before or during a BJJ roll is not something most BJJ folks are into. Stay humble, have your fun, and keep your mouth shut. 

In Summary

While talking during a BJJ roll is a big no-no, it doesn’t mean you need to be all stuck up and acting like you’re a Samurai in ancient Japan. Stay relaxed, smile, be playful, just stay quiet during rolling. The odd laugh or two, or great job, when you get caught is perfectly okay. However, asking relationship advice or sharing stories about your pets is completely out of line while you roll. And the worst thing is trying to coach someone, whether it is genuinely or as an excuse. The solution is easy – shut up and train.