Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has two distinct styles: Gi (with the kimono) and No-Gi (rash guard and shorts). Each requires different gear, and walking into your first class with the wrong kit is a rite of passage no one needs.
Here's exactly what you need for both.
Gi vs No-Gi: The Difference
| Gi BJJ | No-Gi | |
|---|---|---|
| **Clothing** | Kimono (gi) + belt + rash guard underneath | Rash guard + grappling shorts/spats |
| **Grips** | Gripping the gi fabric (collar, sleeve, pant) | Gripping wrists, ankles, neck — no fabric |
| **Pace** | Slower, more technical | Faster, more scrambly |
| **Best for** | Technical development, traditional training | MMA crossover, faster pace |
Which should you start with? Most gyms recommend Gi first — it forces you to develop proper technique because you can't rely on speed and slipperiness. But many gyms run both, and you'll likely end up training both.
Gi BJJ: The Essential Kit
1. The Kimono (Gi)
The most important purchase you'll make. A BJJ gi consists of:
• Jacket — thick cotton weave, reinforced collar, skirt that tucks into the pants
• Pants — cotton or cotton-blend, drawstring closure, reinforced knees
• Belt — white belt for beginners (everyone starts here)
What to look for in a first gi:
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| **Weave** | Pearl weave — durable, lightweight, competition-legal |
| **Weight** | 350–450gsm for beginners (lighter is more comfortable) |
| **Colour** | White, blue, or black (check your gym's rules) |
| **Brand** | Kingz, Tatami, Bad Boy, or Hayabusa |
Don't buy a judo gi — they're cut differently with wider sleeves that are easier for your opponent to grip.
2. Rash Guard (Under the Gi)
Most gyms require a rash guard under your gi jacket. It prevents gi burn and keeps sweat off your training partner.
Recommendation: Short or long sleeve — your choice. Hayabusa, Engage, or Venum. GoodNYT rash guards are a solid budget entry at $35.
3. Mouthguard
Some gyms require a mouthguard even in Gi training. Accidental knees and elbows happen.
What Most Beginners Get Wrong: The Gi
Buying the wrong size because you went by t-shirt measurements. Gi sizing is its own thing — an A2 in one brand might fit like an A1 in another. Always check the brand's specific size chart. And don't buy a judo gi — wider sleeves are a gift to your opponent's grip game.
No-Gi BJJ: The Essential Kit
1. Rash Guard (Long Sleeve Recommended)
No-Gi means no jacket to grip — your rash guard is all you've got up top.
Recommendation: Long sleeve. Reduces mat burn on your elbows and makes escaping submissions slightly harder for your opponent.
2. Grappling Shorts or Spats
| Grappling Shorts | Spats | |
|---|---|---|
| **Style** | Board short style, no pockets | Full-length tight leggings |
| **Best for** | Hot gyms, traditional look | Skin protection, cooler months |
| **Pockets?** | Absolutely not — pockets catch toes | None |
Recommendation: Start with shorts. Add spats later if you want extra leg coverage.
The White Belt Starter Kit
| Item | Gi Training | No-Gi Training |
|---|---|---|
| Gi (kimono) | ✅ Required | ❌ |
| White belt | ✅ Included with gi | ❌ |
| Rash guard | ✅ Under gi | ✅ Required |
| Grappling shorts | ❌ | ✅ Required |
| Spats | Optional | Optional |
| Mouthguard | Recommended | Recommended |
| Finger tape | Nice to have | Nice to have |
BJJ Belt System
For reference — you'll be here for a while:
White → Blue → Purple → Brown → Black (10+ years for most people)
Don't rush. The journey is the point.
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