Why Do You Wear a Gi in Jiu Jitsu?

The Gi is one of the essential things in your Jiu-Jitsu practice. The Gi itself is a heavy cotton uniform that is used when training and competing.

A Gi will come in different qualities, be made by different brands, and come in different colors too. But in the end, the Gi is worn for the same purpose.

The founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano, wanted to have all of his students in the same uniform, to show that there was part of the same practice.

The inspiration came from Japanese garments and was created to withstand the rugged nature of Jiu-Jitsu.

So why do you wear a Gi?

The word Gi simply means clothes or address - it can also mean uniform.

A Jiu Jitsu GI is made up of an Uwagi, zubon, and obi.  Or, jacket, trousers/pants, and a belt.

They are designed to be heavy so that they are durable and they are made to an exact standard.

Uniformity

Wearing a Gi helps to identify where the practitioner lives or trains. It helps that, when you walk into a training center, you remove your everyday clothing and switch into wearing something that unites you with your team.

You can also organize the ranks by colors, and that can help people to understand where they fit in and the next part of their training.

State of Mind

A Gi reminds you of where you are and the connection you have with your practice. Your aspirations within the dojo, and that when you are wearing the Gi, you are committed to that time and that place.

You can focus on your mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of your training and know that you are in that state of mind when you wear the Gi.

Your Gi is a connection between you and your practice, and although you can practice in other clothing, the Gi will have a more profound link.

History

Jui-Jitsu has a long history, and the history of your practice should be respected at all times. The Gi is a link to that history and will help you acknowledge the past and respect practitioners’ work and dedication before you. The uniform is a reminder of everything that Jiu-Jitsu is.

Commitment

After a few sessions of Jui-Jitsu, when you understand the sport and if you wish to take part on a more regular basis, you will often invest in your Gi.

Your Gi is a commitment to arriving promptly, to taking part in the practice, to listening and respecting your Master, Coach, Sensi, Sifu, Professor, or instructor.

Upon getting your Gi, it will have a meaning attached to it, as a sign of respect from your sport, and that you acknowledge you will subsequently be taught the ways of Jui-Jitsu.

When you place value in your Gi and respect history and what it signifies, your Gi will become something that you respect and wish to wear for every practice.

Your Gi is a symbol for everything you gain from Jui-Jitsu.