If you want to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the gi, then a good quality gi is a must. The issue is that typically, BJJ can be costly, to begin with. So, even though it may be tempting to go cheap on a lesser-known gi, this could come back and bite you if it falls apart quickly.
In this article, we shall look at how long a BJJ gi is meant to last. Thankfully, there are a few tricks that may make your gi last longer so that you don’t have to spend even more money on your favorite hobby.
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The average BJJ gi lasts around 3 years
Let’s imagine that you mostly train in the gi. Let’s also imagine that you train roughly 3-4 times per week. This means that if you use the same gi on a daily basis, it should last for around 3 years. Therefore, if you do spend $100 on a gi then although it’s quite a big upfront cost, it should see you through the next 3 years. If your’re lucky, it could even last 5 years in some cases. With this in mind, you’ll probably go through around 3-4 gi’s by the time you reach black belt.
Usually, BJJ gi’s die after a few years from wear and tear. Whether it’s the pants that start to wear thin, or whether it’s the lapels that rip, at some point – the reality is that your gi will break over time.
It depends on how much you train
By this logic, if you train the gi once a week then it means that your gi could potentially last you around 10 years. This means that after the one-off cost of buying the gi, you don’t need to worry about anything else. Some people naturally prefer no gi which certainly has its benefits (such as quicker drying times).
Therefore, if you train more no gi or if you can only train in the gi once per week, then realistically your gi will last for a much longer time. This makes sense, considering it’s ultimately about the time spent in them, rather than the years.
Washing tips to prevent your gi from breaking
One of the easiest way to ruin a BJJ gi is by putting it in a hot wash, as opposed to a cooler temperature. The issue with this is that the heat can be too much for a gi to handle. If too hot, it can easily destroy the inner lapel and warp the surrounding material.
Also, if it’s too hot then your gi can also shrink, which is how an A3 gi can seemingly turn into an A2 overnight. With this said, treat your gi with care and it will go a long way. Similarly, sometimes people throw in a little bleach to try and remove stains (which is more common with white gi’s). This can also ruin the fabric and make it more likely to break if pulled whilst training.
If you’re poor, train no gi instead
Without sounding too blunt, if you’re struggling financially then training no gi is probably a better option. The reason for this is that you can literally train in a t-shirt and shorts in most gyms which won’t cost you much.
Similarly, washing and drying a rash guard is incredibly quick and simple. Lastly, if you live in a cold climate and need heated racks or radiators to dry your gi, then this can cost a lot in terms of energy bills. This isn’t the case for rash guards which can often dry quickly without needing them to be heated.
Sometimes you’re unlucky
There have been cases where new gi’s have broken due to bad luck. For instance, there is a famous video on Youtube where Roger Gracie literally breaks his opponent’s gi due to his incredibly strong grips. This can also happen in training, and it depends on who you’re training with. For instance, if you’re against an MMA fighter in the gi, the chances are that they won’t grip your lapels. However, if you’re against a lapel specialist who is over 100KG, it’s more likely to result in a ripped gi. Sometimes, you’re just the victim of bad luck.
Some gis last longer than others
At the same time, paying a little extra may ensure that your gi lasts longer. Typically, most gi’s are manufactured in countries such as Pakistan, but there are some brands that tend to last longer than others. For example, over the years – the brand Fuji has built a solid reputation for releasing affordable gi’s that also have longevity. This means you don’t have to break the bank to assure quality.
The issue with buying cheaper, lesser known brands is that they could have taken shortcuts on quality, such as less stitching which could lead to easier breaks. So, the best idea is to buy brands such as Fuji or Sanabul – which aren’t the most expensive yet still carry a great reputation.
Pants will often break before your gi jacket
Arguably, the most common part of the gi to break is the pants – as opposed to the jacket. The reason for this is that they typically use less fabric which means there are fewer layers of defense against grips. Ironically, this seems to be the case with ‘rip stop’ pants which can be quite light. Although this lightness may be good for sparring, it can also mean they break down over time, due to knees rubbing the material off the floor, or due to torreando passes. If you want replacement pants, it’s tough to find a pair – so you may need to buy a used pair on sites like eBay.
