How to Choose the Right Judo Gi

Looking to invest in a quality judo gi? Once you make the right choice, a judo gi will be your companion for many years on the tatami. Which judo gi should beginners buy? What fabric weight should you choose? What color gi is required for competitions? Budo-Fight, combat sports expert since 1963, shares some tips to help you choose your judo gi! 

What’s the difference between a kimono and a judo gi?

But first, what exactly are we talking about? It’s more accurate to use the term judo gi, since “kimono” actually refers to all traditional Japanese clothing, not specifically martial arts. So you could be talking about an elegant silk kimono: that’s definitely not the same thing!

A judoka wears a judo gi, consisting of a jacket (uwagi), pants (zubon), and a belt (obi). However, it’s true that most people are more familiar with the term kimono when referring to a judoka’s outfit! 

Choosing from our gi brands

How much does a judo gi cost? Many beginner judokas ask this question... But there’s no universal answer! It all depends on the brand you choose. On our site, you’ll find a range of prices with our different judo gi brands: Budo-Fight, Mizuno, as well as Adidas, Noris, and KuSakura judo gis. 

Our budget-friendly gis

Just signed up for judo classes? Thinking of enrolling your child in a dojo? We recommend choosing a beginner judo gi model. Why not try our Adidas Training judo gi? For under €100, it offers excellent value for money. 

Did you know? While most of the time you’ll buy the full gi with jacket and pants, some brands or models can be purchased separately. Budo-Fight also offers judo pants sold individually. This can be a great way to stay within your budget for a judo outfit, or to replace a worn-out jacket or pants at a lower cost! 

Our mid-range gis

For advanced juniors or adults, Budo-Fight recommends the Mizuno Keiko 2 judo gi. This judo gi for under €100 combines flexibility and durability. Available in white, it comes in several sizes. 

The added bonus of these all-purpose judo gis? They’re suitable for both training and competition. With high resistance to wear, they’re a smart long-term investment.

Our premium gis

Have you moved past the brown belt rank? Ready to invest in one of the best judo gis available?

We’ve got what you need! KuSakura is the undisputed number one reference: it’s even the official supplier of the International Judo Federation. 

Entirely made in Japan, the KuSakura Sensei IJF Japanese judo gi is arguably the best judo gi on the market. Highly durable and comfortable, it’s worn by top-level judokas. 

Choosing the fabric weight of your judo gi based on your skill level

As per Japanese tradition, most gis on Budo-Fight are 100% cotton (some models also feature polyester). Their unique “rice grain” weave provides great resistance to your opponent’s grips. This is where the fabric weight of a Japanese gi comes into play! 

The higher the fabric weight, the more robust the gi. However, a gi that’s too heavy for a beginner or a child may restrict movement... So which weight should you choose for a judo gi? Here’s what you need to know.

The more flexible a gi, the easier it is to train. For a beginner adult, go for a lightweight, flexible fabric like our Budo-Fight Training judo gi.

Competing in judo tournaments? Choose a thicker fabric weight, which is more durable and harder for your opponent to grip. Experienced judokas especially appreciate the Adidas IJF Champion II judo gi.

With reinforced areas like the collar and a weight of 730g/m², it stands up extremely well to your opponent’s grips.

What color judo gi should you choose?

There are two main types of gi:

White gis and blue judo gis, designed to help distinguish competitors during tournaments. Ideally, you should own one of each color!

Why are most gis white? While it’s now a symbol of purity, white was originally chosen for hygiene and ease of washing... It’s as simple as that! 

Did you know? The judoka’s outfit is unisex: there’s no difference between a men’s judo gi and a women’s judo gi. However, one rule applies: in competition, women must wear a t-shirt under their gi jacket (a sports bra is not enough). Men, on the other hand, can go shirtless under their gi.

What size judo gi should you choose?

And finally, the last parameter for choosing your judo gi. On Budo-Fight, you’ll find a wide range of gi sizes for adults, as well as kids’ judo gis. Our junior models start at 90 cm and go up to 200 cm.

Our adult gis go up to 210 cm. Note that some Japanese brands offer numbered sizes (like for the Mizuno gi), not centimeters. Don’t worry: our Mizuno gi size guide is here to help!

So how do you choose the right size gi? To be completely comfortable on the tatami, your gi should be neither too tight nor too loose. Also keep in mind that a judo gi often shrinks after the first few washes: we recommend choosing a model that’s 5 cm longer than your height. To be sure you’re making the right choice, check out our gi size guide! 

How should a judo gi be worn?

Another factor to consider when choosing your Japanese gi size: there are specific regulations for national and international competitions. It’s important to check the requirements before your next match to make sure your gi has the required dimensions (such as sleeve width and length). Fun fact: some judokas have bought gis that were a bit too small so their opponent couldn’t grab their sleeve... Which is of course strictly forbidden! 

Also make sure your gi is properly fitted with an obi. Not sure how to do it yet? Budo-Fight has prepared a short video to help you tie your judo belt in just a few seconds! 

Now you have everything you need to choose your judo gi! Intense matches await as you work toward your black belt... To complete your judo outfit, don’t forget to get a judo belt and a pair of zooris. You’ll find all these accessories at the best price on the Budo-Fight website!