AESTHETICS: gi dos and don'ts for a noob

ohmalley · 10-15-2009, 03:42 AM

so i'm curious about those unspoken gi rules in bjj. i know that technically a lot of folks don't really care what you wear, they just care that you train hard/well. but i've heard peeps here and there about things that look douchy, and i'm wondering what some of the more seasoned grapplers think.

ie, is it really poor form to wear an expensive gi (lucky, etc) if you're a white belt even if you know you're going to stick with the sport for a long time? and should one wait until they are a blue belt to wear a colored gi?

i know the answers i get are likely to be highly subjective. i'm more curious about the range of opinions. also, i take personal hygiene as a given here. for the record, i get the feeling i could roll up in a tutu and the master wouldn't give a hoot. my school is pretty laid back.

Duorok · 10-15-2009, 03:53 AM

Depends on your school, at my school you can wear whatever the hell you want.

revad3 · 10-15-2009, 04:23 AM

just wear what you want, even you sucks or ure pro.

if u sucks and wear really expensive gi, just that some green eyed idiots who watch by the side in jealousy will talk crap, but then any humans with mouth talks/gossip/crap u see.. so just be happy and get what u want as long u remain humble on the mat and have a good learning ettique

Chalito · 10-15-2009, 09:37 AM

I say wear whatever you want. It really won't matter as long as you train. I would however recommend you stay away from a camo gi, those are just tacky.

nykayfabe · 10-15-2009, 04:01 PM

Other than obviously following your school's rules, I'd stay away from non-traditional colors (yellow, camo, etc.) and maybe even avoid black. I just think black makes a bit of a statement as a white belt, but that's me.

I don't think having an expensive gi like a Lucky is necessarily bad form, but be aware that just because it's more expensive doesn't mean it's the "best" gi. IMO, it's cut for a very specific body type and if you're not real lean, a different gi might be the one for you.

Lastly, I think you can also make any gi tacky if you decide to put skulls and shit on it, like I saw one white belt do to his Lovato. I wonder how badass a white belt you have to consider yourself to do something like that?

My .02.

HEAVY GRAPPLER · 10-15-2009, 05:05 PM

In my opinion, you should always buy a white gi first, in case you ever want to travel or could possibly switch gyms.

A white gi is good everywhere. There is a very small number of gyms that don't like blue gis (and old school judo guys.) There is a larger number who dislike black even though it is now legal. Places where you won't get at least a little ribbing over a flourescent yellow or camo gi are in the minority, IMO.

Also, the white gi is just classic. I have a black gi, but it was the third I bought and only after I got my blue. I know for a fact Jorge Gurgel doesn't like them, so I never wear it when he is in town.

ECS123 · 10-16-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohmalley

so i'm curious about those unspoken gi rules in bjj. i know that technically a lot of folks don't really care what you wear, they just care that you train hard/well. but i've heard peeps here and there about things that look douchy, and i'm wondering what some of the more seasoned grapplers think.

ie, is it really poor form to wear an expensive gi (lucky, etc) if you're a white belt even if you know you're going to stick with the sport for a long time? and should one wait until they are a blue belt to wear a colored gi?

i know the answers i get are likely to be highly subjective. i'm more curious about the range of opinions. also, i take personal hygiene as a given here. for the record, i get the feeling i could roll up in a tutu and the master wouldn't give a hoot. my school is pretty laid back.

I wish that I could help you out with some really current nifty information on the BJJ gi question, but my gi experience is limited to old school, Okinawan, hard style, Karate-do, Japanese Kendo, and Iaido. Just make sure that the little size tag between the shoulders on the keikogi/uwagi is on the inside when you put it on, and that your obi is properly tied, and you should be fine.

Just kidding.

Seriously, IMHO you should probably get the nicest quality gi that you like, that you can afford, that meets your dojo and instructor's standards, and not be overly concerned about what anyone else may have to negatively say or think.

Good luck with your training.

**bowlingotter** · 10-16-2009, 04:07 PM

I'm new to it as well but my school made it easy by pretty much ordering the gi for me. wouldn't have been my first choice and it'll be annoying if it doesn't fit well, but at least i know there'll be zero questions about what I'm wearing. I'm a bit nervous about getting acclimated and comfortable with everyone there while I'm really green as well but safest bet would probably be to just go with a white gi

aarongaskill · 10-16-2009, 04:50 PM

Agree with most people here. It's whatever is comfortable and go according to your school rules. Check with your instructor, they will help you pick a gi.

dietrich11b · 10-16-2009, 05:00 PM

Wear whatever the hell you want. It's your money and to hell with anyone that tells you any differently. Unless it is strictly forbidden by your school, wear whatever gi makes you happy. I'm a little tired of the jiu jitsu fashion police. Glad I go to a school where everyone is more worried about jiu jitsu than the make, model, and color of gi you are wearing.

Ok, off the soap box for me.