I have been meaning to do this article for a while now. But reviewing and narrowing down the best judo gis takes time. It takes even longer to understand what makes a judo gi not just good but amazing.
The Gi is fundamental for every martial art. Judo is not the exception. I learnt how important it was after my very first sparring session. My first gi ripped after a few pulls and pushes during my first randori. It was an embarrassing moment for me. But, it helped me learnt that you can’t just wear any gi. It’s almost a requirement to have a good one whether you’re a beginner or expert.
I have put together this guide to avoid you an embarrassing moment at your dojo. You don’t have to look any further. Here are the best 5 judo gis available in 2022 at a glance:
| Brand | Weave | Color | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mizuno | Double | Blue | – |
| Fuji | Double | Blue | Check Current Price on Amazon |
| Ronin | Single | White | Check Current Price on Amazon |
| Ultimate | Single | Multiple | Check Current Price on Amazon |
| Yamato Sakura | Single | White | Check Current Price on Amazon |
Best Judo Gi
It’s time to present the best judo gis available on the market at this very moment. I hope my recommendations will be helpful to you.
Mizuno Double Weave Gi
Mizuno is without a doubt one of the most well known brands in sports. It’s not shocking that most professional Judokas use their gis.
They are known for their durability and also how well they fit athletes. They feel very light and don’t limit your mobility.
Price is the only setback for their gis. They’re usually on the upper end. But, this is without a doubt the best judo gi if you plan to take this sport seriously and have the money to afford one.
Fuji Double Weave Gi
Fuji is one of the most reputable brands out there for judo gis. It’s not a question that their gis are among the most durable. Moreover, they also meet the IJF standards.
The double weave and thick collar make it a bit heavier than other options on this guide. However, it doesn’t really limit the mobility of the athlete.
I personally believe this is the best judo gi for an intermediate person. It’s not the cheapest option, but the durability makes it money well spent. You can use it on official competitions as well as in practice sessions.
Ronin Single Gi
This set comes with everything you need to get started on your journey as a Judoka: jacket, pant, and white belt. It’s the best judo gi for a beginner.
A beginner will mostly focus on conditioning their body for judo and learning the basic throws and ne-waza techniques for the first couple of weeks.
However, I would recommend upgrading after you’re ready for official competitions.
Ultimate Single Gi
The Ultimate Single Gi is another great option for beginners. It also comes with a white belt.
I really like that they offer multiple color variations. I personally would recommend getting the blue one.
But, again, I would only recommend this gi if you’re trying to test out the waters and see how you like Judo. I wouldn’t use this gi to compete in an official tournament.
Yamato Sakura Single Gi
The Yamato Sakura is another option to consider for beginners. It’s made out of 100% bleached cotton. Making it a breathable and durable option. It also comes with a white belt, so it comes with everything you need to get started.
However, I would look at their sizing chart very carefully. Also, please only wash them by hand and air dry them. You don’t want your gi to shrink!
What to look for in a Judogi?
There are many different factors to consider when looking for a judogi. Here are the main things to look for when picking the right one for you:
What’s the best material for a judo gi?
The best judo gis are usually made out of 100% bleached cotton. They are breathable and resistant. However, you should try to wash them by hand if possible. You don’t want to it to shrink and be too tight for you.
Single vs Double Weave Judo Gi
This is a question I usually get from beginners. Single weave gis tend to be lighter and cheaper. They rip more easily, however they usually allow you to move a bit faster. I personally recommend double weave gis if you can afford them and plan to practice this sport regularly. They are totally worth the money since they last much longer.
Complies with the IJF Standards
The International Judo Federations (IJF) publishes guidelines for gis and belts. This helps reduce the risk of injuries to judokas while sparring and during official competitions. It’s in the best interest of your safety to only use gis that follow the size and weight guidelines established by the IJF. All the gis listed on this guide are compliant with these standards.
What’s the best color for a judogi?
There are many color options for judo gis today. The most popular ones are white and blue. However, only blue gis can be used officially for domestic and international competitions. It’s also important to note that the gi color doesn’t correlate with the Judoka’s rank. The judoka’s color belt is the one that determines their rank. I personally only own blue judo gis.
Conclusion
There you have it! The best judo gi will depend on several factors such as budget, skill level, and even weight and height. For advanced judokas the Mizuno gis will be without a doubt the best one. For intermediate athletes the Fuji gis will be the best option. Last but not least, the Ronin gis are the best to get started on this amazing sport. There are many other options out there, but I assure you that the best one is on this list. You don’t have to look elsewhere!