If you run a BJJ academy, you’ve probably seen a new student turn up in a Gi that’s clearly the wrong size. The sleeves are too long, the trousers bunch up around their ankles, and they spend half the class adjusting their jacket.
It’s a familiar sight, especially in beginners’ classes.
Now imagine choosing Gis for an entire academy. You’ve got beginners, regular members, competitors and perhaps a busy kids’ programme. Everyone has slightly different needs, and whatever you order needs to work for more than just a handful of students.
Choosing BJJ Gis for academies doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few things worth getting right before placing an order.
Choosing BJJ Gis for Academies: Start With Your Students
Before worrying about fabric weights or weave types, think about your students.
Are most of them beginners training a couple of evenings a week? Do you have a competition team that trains almost every day? Are you ordering for adults, children or both?
These things matter more than you might expect.
Someone training twice a week may simply want a comfortable, dependable Gi. A regular competitor might care more about the cut, weight and how the jacket feels during grip fighting. Children need something comfortable that can handle regular washing, and parents will naturally be thinking about how quickly they’ll grow out of it.
It also helps to decide what you’re actually ordering for. Is this a standard academy uniform, a Gi students can buy from your reception desk, or something specifically for your competition team?
Once you’ve answered those questions, choosing the right specifications becomes much easier.
Choosing the Right Fabric and GSM
Fabric plays an important role in how a BJJ Gi feels during training.
You’ll often come across the term GSM, which refers to fabric weight. It’s one of several factors worth considering when choosing Gis for your academy.
Some students prefer a lighter, more flexible feel, particularly in warmer training environments. Others prefer a more substantial Gi for regular training.
Different fabric and weave options are available, and the right choice depends on your academy’s preferences, intended use and budget.
If you’re unsure which option would suit your students, discuss your requirements with your manufacturer.
The aim is to choose a comfortable, dependable Gi that fits your academy’s needs without making the selection process unnecessarily complicated.
Fit Matters More Than You Think
A Gi might look great when it’s folded neatly on a shelf, but the real test comes when somebody puts it on and starts training.
Students need to move comfortably. They should be able to bend, turn, shrimp and work through normal training movements without constantly adjusting their uniform.
Pay attention to the shoulders, sleeve length, jacket fit and trousers.
Some students prefer a closer athletic cut. Others feel more comfortable with a little extra room. Neither preference is wrong, but it’s worth understanding what your members are used to.
Don’t Rely on Size Labels Alone
Gi sizing can vary between manufacturers, so it’s worth checking the available size chart before placing an order.
Think about the general age groups and sizes commonly needed at your academy, whether you’re ordering for adults, children or both.
If you’re unsure about sizing, discuss your requirements with the manufacturer before confirming your order.
A little planning can help you choose a practical size range that suits your academy’s needs.
Quality That Works for Everyday Training
A good academy Gi needs to feel comfortable, hold up to regular training and give students confidence on the mats.
Fabric, fit and overall construction all contribute to how a Gi performs. Rather than focusing on individual technical details, think about the experience you want your students to have.
When speaking with a manufacturer, explain how often your members train and what matters most to your academy. This makes it easier to discuss suitable options without getting lost in technical specifications.
The aim is simple: a dependable Gi that students enjoy wearing, whether they’re attending their first class or training several times a week.
Keep Your Academy Branding Simple
There’s something special about seeing your students lined up on the mats wearing the same academy Gi.
It creates a sense of belonging, particularly for newer members.
But good branding doesn’t mean putting your logo everywhere.
A clean design with a well-positioned chest logo, back patch or sleeve detail can look professional without being excessive. Often, a simple design is easier to recognise and looks better over time.
Think about your academy colours too. White, blue and black are familiar choices, but your preferred design may depend on your academy’s identity and how the Gis will be used.
If students compete, check the current uniform rules of the relevant competition organiser before deciding on colours, patches and placement.
For academies wanting something more personal, custom BJJ Gis offer the flexibility to develop a design around their own colours, logos and preferences.
The goal is to create something your students will genuinely enjoy wearing, not just something that looks impressive in a product photograph.
Before You Place a Bulk Order
When ordering BJJ Gis for academies, getting the sizes and quantities right is just as important as choosing the fabric and design.
This is where a little preparation can make a big difference.
Before placing a bulk order, consider the general size range and quantities your academy may need.
Think about whether you’re ordering for existing members, new students or both. For children’s programmes, it’s also worth considering how your academy’s requirements may change over time.
Discuss your preferred sizes and quantities with the manufacturer to help keep the ordering process clear and straightforward.
Review Your Sample
A sample helps you get a better feel for the Gi before placing a larger order.
Take a look at the overall appearance, comfort, fit and branding. Make sure the design reflects what you had in mind and suits your academy’s needs.
Any requested changes should be discussed with the manufacturer and agreed upon before the final order is confirmed, subject to production feasibility.
Keep the Ordering Process Clear
Good communication makes ordering easier for everyone.
Discuss your preferred colours, sizing and branding with the manufacturer. Production timelines can then be estimated based on the agreed order requirements. If you’re planning an academy event or team launch, mention your intended date early.
A clear understanding of your requirements helps both sides move forward with confidence.
So, Which Gi Should You Choose?
The right Gi for your academy isn’t necessarily the lightest, heaviest, or most feature-rich.
It’s the one that suits your students.
Think about who will wear it, how often they’ll train and what they expect from their uniform. Choose a comfortable fit, sensible fabric and a design that represents your academy well.
And if you’re placing a larger order, take the time to check a sample first.
Your students probably won’t spend much time thinking about fabric specifications once they’re training. They’ll just notice whether their Gi feels comfortable and does its job.
That’s exactly how it should be.
At Nine Valor, we work with academies and brands developing custom BJJ Gis. If you’re considering a new academy uniform, you’re welcome to get in touch and discuss your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GSM is best for an academy BJJ Gi?
There isn’t one ideal GSM for every academy. Lighter fabrics may be more comfortable in warmer training environments, while some students prefer the feel of a heavier jacket. Consider the weave, fit and construction alongside the fabric weight.
Should every student wear the same Gi?
Not necessarily. Many academies prefer a consistent design, but different sizes, cuts or fabric weights may work better for children, adults and competition teams. The important thing is finding a practical balance between comfort and academy identity.
How should I choose sizes for a bulk Gi order?
Consider the age groups and general size range of your academy members before placing an order. Your manufacturer can provide an available size chart to help you select suitable options. Confirm your preferred sizes and quantities before finalising the order.