BJJ

The importance of Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a Gi

The importance of Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a Gi

History of BJJ Gis

If you have an interest in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) sport or if you practice this sport, then chances are you will already be familiar with what a training ‘Gi’ is. However, in case if you are new to the sports world and do not know much about the sportswear items then let us enlighten you. To start, the word Gi is derived from the Japanese word “Keikogi” that literally translates to “practice clothes”. There is also another Japanese word that goes something like “Kimono” that translates to “thing to wear”.

 Kimono BJJ Gi’s, BJJ uniform or BJJ-Gi’s are some of the names that are used to refer towards the heavy-duty, comfortable uniform that is designed for the BJJ practitioners so they can partake in their training classes or professional matches. Without wearing this attire, no one can be allowed to train or participate in this sport’s match.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi is a sacred attire or uniform that has a rich history that goes back to over 100 years. As this combat art is an ancient form of fighting itself. It is only natural that its rules, culture, and techniques have history to them. Want to know more about even after 100 years why this fighting art still is one of the most popular sports today, and why health experts encourage everyone to practice this sport? Continue reading…

The history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goes way back to its origin in Brazil, to be specific it made it name in the history books back in the 1920s but it was being practiced way back even in the ’90s. And there was no specific uniform requirement to practice this sport back at the beginning of the BJJ era. The concept of wearing proper uniforms to partake in different martial arts or fighting forms originated from Japan.

Jigoro Kano who was the founder of Judo was the first trainer who invented the concept of wearing official attire for practicing combat forms. He implemented and developed this practice by encouraging his students to wear proper attire during training sessions. The inspiration for making the first Gi was derived by Kano after seeing the Kimono Japanese apparel. The Kimono Gi became the first of its kind and universally used and adopted uniform that was not only used by Judo trainers but also by other martial art practitioners.

The birth of BJJ came into place when in 1917, Mitsuyo Maeda, a Judo practitioner and a prized fighter, made his way to Brazil and taught a couple of members of the famous Gracie Family. After learning what Maeda had to teach them, they decided to modify the Japanese art by changing the arts, techniques, chokes, grappling styles, and also modified the Gi. They made the outfits more fit instead of saggy and heavier, they trimmed down the clothing size and made it narrow and eventually, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and BJJ-Gis were born. And today, men, women, and children of all ages and physical sizes practice this fighting discipline to enjoy its health benefits.

Related: Why you are never too old or unfit to start Jiu-Jitsu

Importance of wearing a Gi

Wearing proper BJJ outfits or a Kimono-Gi during your practice sessions or matches is very important for multiple reasons. There are different forms of fighting in this hand to hand combat art. And to practice these different forms of fighting you will have to wear proper uniforms. Each fighting discipline has different types of uniform requirements and you will have to respect these traditional rules to be able to practice this combat art. More reasons as to why you need to wear proper uniform and other Jiu-Jitsu outfit items are given below.

Rules and Regulations

To cope with the rules and regulations of the sport it will be important that you wear proper uniform outfits that are required for you to wear according to this combat art’s rules. Without wearing a proper uniform, you will not be allowed to take part in training sessions, let alone be allowed to partake in the prized matches. Therefore, to ensure you not get barred from the ring or the fitness center for not wearing

To learn different forms of fighting

Unlike other forms of close combat arts like MMA, Boxing, Karate, Judo, etc, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers different forms of combat. Namely Gi-BJJ and No-Gi BJJ. Both of these forms require you to wear different types of uniforms. In Gi discipline, you wear proper Gi attire and in the other, you will have to wear No-Gi BJJ attire that consists of no-gi shorts and rash guards. The reason why you need different attire to learn different disciplines is that each form has a different set of rules, grappling techniques, chokes, and submission moves.

Where in one form, you can use the clothing of your opponent to deliver an offensive move. In the other, you cannot touch your opponent’s clothing. Therefore, to cope with the rules of each discipline you need to comply with the attire requirements. You can use the below guide to find out what type of martial arts is best for you.

Related: Steps to choose the right martial arts style for yourself

It helps you get in the right mindset

It is a psychological fact that when you wear workout attire outfits or athleisure wear you automatically feel motivated to exercise. Similar is the case with wearing workout uniforms. When you change your casual clothes and get into fighting Gi’s you feel different and feel motivated to train. Your brain automatically catches the hint that you are not in your comfort zone anymore, and you are here to partake in intensive physical activities and ultimately prepares your body for your training sessions.

Wearing BJJ workout attire helps you to push yourself more and get into the right mindset even if you exercise at home to improve your fighting skills during the state of the pandemic. 

It maximizes the health benefits

It is one of the most intense and physical exercises in the world. If you take a hard look around in a BJJ training facility, you will find that the BJJ trainers, coaches, and practitioners are one of the most active and healthy people on the earth. It is a combat fighting art in which you will have to give your absolute best to go face to face with your opponents in fighting matches. And wearing proper Gi during your exercises and matches helps you to move freely and feel comfortable.

Intensive workout regimens and exercises will put every single body part of your body to work and will require you to use all your might and focus to deliver various techniques, moves, submission locks, and grappling takedowns. In a nutshell, it is a full-body workout sport. You will get into great shape rapidly if you partake in BJJ training workouts while wearing a proper uniform.  

Related: How practicing martial arts can help with health-related issues

Enhances Mental health

Every type of physical activity is healthy and good for you. But does it mean that every type of physical activity can increase your mental health too? Unfortunately not! Many exercises and physical activities can boost your health but there are only a handful of sports that can also improve and enhance mental health. And luckily, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of those sports that can improve your mental health and boost your cognitive abilities.

Learning different types of techniques and going face to face with different opponents in fighting matches not only boosts your self-confidence but also gives you real-life lessons and skills. It teaches you to stay claim in stressful situations, encourages you to try harder after a failure, assists you to blow off steam, reduces stress, helps you develop a sense of respect for others, and aids you in building your personality and character. And you cannot enjoy all these mental health benefits unless you wear proper attire and perform at your best level during your training classes.

Related: Here is how to stay fit and active with martial arts

Sense of belonging

When you wear a proper Jiu-Jitsu Gi uniform along with the other training members. It helps you to feel connected and part of the community. It provides you the opportunity to meet and engage with the other people who share the same passion and interest of BJJ as you may have. Wearing the same attire as others will help you feel a sense of unity and belonging and you may also make new friends or relations that may last a lifetime.

To feel committed

Maybe you want to become a professional fighter, or just want to get in better shape. Whatever the reason may be that you have decided to learn this fighting discipline. You can stay motivated and committed if you buy sportswear items for this fighting art. When you invest in this sport you will automatically feel compelled to take action and will perform at the fullest capacity in your training sessions. By learning this sport not only you will get a healthy and fit body but you will also learn valuable self-defense techniques.

Related: The best self-defense martial art style for you?

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