Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is worldwide sport nowadays. There are many companies from different countries. Gear is often similar to each other. What distinguishes one company from another? What is so interesting about these labels? Interesting graphics?- Love for the sport? Maybe they want to make the world a better place?
Is a company from Brazil. The kimonos are made from high quality Brazilian cotton. The brand is sponsoring top level BJJ competitors like Rafael Navas or Vinicius Marinho. Also world famous trainers are representing Vulkan: Joe Moreira who is a 8th degree black belt, and Nino ‘Elvis’ Schembri former BJJ world champion known as the king of omoplata. Every gi is a good purchase but if you want to train and compete I would recommend the Vulkan Ultra Light Jiu Jitsu Gi White.
Some of you probably would like to have a kimono with your favorite superhero, or anime character from your childhood. The most interesting Gi is the Saiya-jin Dogi kimono which is based on the popular manga series Dragon Ball. It is made out of great sort material, but only the blue Saiya-jin Dogi can be used both for training and tournaments. There are also the Modern Flow Forever which is inspired by Batman, and the Cowabunga gi from The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stories.
Their equipment is made with care and precision. Bearing in mind not only the gear but also the sport. They sponsor BJJ classes for young people. They’re also in sponsorship with over 10 athletes. Adam Wardzinski is one of these athletes and a 3 times IBJJF European champion. They also help in organising local tournaments. If you’re looking for a gi that will last a long time and you are a white belt I suggest the Valor Bravura Gi with a free white belt.
A label from Poland that is widely known for their fight gear, which combines humour and great materials. The company that grows as fast as the BJJ/MMA scene in their country. They help a lot of athletes by providing them with their gear. There are many popular competitors fighting with their logo. Marcin Held and Jan Błachowicz are some of them. But there are also BJJ players in their team, f.e. purple belt European champion Jakub Zajkowski. Manto ‘Victory’ Gi is a great project with some good looking stitching on it. It comes in two color variations so you can choose the one that fits you most.
The brand that was created by a team of Nova Uniao black belts from the Hawaiian islands. They provide great gear, and are not only interested in selling their gear. In 2014 they started the Groundwork Project. The project’s focus is to help unprivileged youth to participate in Jiu-Jitsu programs in Hawaii and eventually around the world. The goal is to provide tuition and training equipment.100% donations and 50% of merchandise sales goes into the program. If you want to help you can pick the Groundwork Project Gi.
Your choice
Now you know that outside of buying your new apparel, you are helping in realization of the projects these companies have. Are there any Gi brands you particularly like?
