Okay, so I’ve been meaning to get into better shape, and a friend of mine suggested checking out UFC stuff. He’s all about that MMA life, and I figured, why not? So, I started looking into what gear I’d need, and that’s where the “gi” came in.
At first, I was like, “What the heck is a gi?” Turns out, it’s basically the uniform you wear for certain martial arts, like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). And since BJJ is a big part of UFC training, it made sense to learn more.
My First Steps: Finding a Gi
I started by searching online. I just typed in “UFC gi” and saw tons of options. I quickly realized there’s a big difference between a BJJ gi and, say, a karate gi. The BJJ ones looked way tougher, with thicker material.
I didn’t want to spend a fortune, since I’m a total beginner. I read some reviews and looked at different brands. Some were super expensive, like special “competition” gis. I definitely didn’t need that!
Choosing the Right Size
This part was tricky. The sizing charts were all over the place. Some used letters (like A1, A2, etc.), and others used numbers. I had to measure my height and weight, then compare it to each brand’s chart. It felt like buying clothes online, but even more confusing!
- My Height: I’m about 5’10”.
- My Weight: Around 180 lbs.
Based on that, I think I’m an A2 in most brands, but I still wasn’t 100% sure.
Picking a Color and Material
Most of gi that I found were white, blue, or black. Those seem to be the standard colors. I read somewhere that white is the most traditional, but blue is also super common. Black is okay too, but some gyms might have rules about it,I decided to get classic white gi.
As for the material, most were made of cotton. Some were “single weave,” others were “double weave.” Double weave is supposed to be more durable, but also heavier and hotter. Since I live in a warm place, I thought single weave would be better to start.
Actually Trying It On
I ordered that gi, and After a long wait the package finally arrived. Put on the gi, the pants felt a bit long, and the jacket sleeves seemed a little baggy. But overall, it felt pretty comfortable. The material was definitely thick, but not too stiff.
I did some basic movements, like stretching and bending. It felt a little restrictive at first, but I guess that’s normal.
Washing and Shrinking
One big thing I learned is that cotton gis shrink. A lot. So, you have to wash them carefully. I read that you should wash it in cold water and hang it to dry. Never put it in the dryer, unless you want it to turn into a gi for a child!
I haven’t washed mine yet, but I’m already a little worried about it shrinking too much. I might need to get it altered if that happens.
So, that’s my UFC gi journey so far. It’s been a learning experience, for sure. I’m still a total newbie, but at least I have the right gear (I hope!). Now I just need to actually start training…
