Most people buy their first BJJ gi based on price. After a few years on the mat, they realise that was the wrong question to start with.

The right question is: what do you actually need this gi to do? Train five days a week in a warm gym in Madrid? Compete at the IBJJF European Open in Lisbon? Roll hard twice a week and last three years without the seams coming apart? Each answer points to a different fabric weight, a different weave, a different construction philosophy.

This guide was written by ATAMA Europe, a brand founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1989. We have been making kimonos since before most of the brands currently sold in Europe existed. Royce Gracie wore an ATAMA gi when he submitted his way through UFC 1 in 1993, the event that introduced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the Western world. Kyra Gracie won four World Championship titles in our kimonos. Bruno Malfacine, ten-time IBJJF World Champion and one of the most decorated competitors in the history of the sport, competed in ATAMA throughout his career. Bernardo Faria (5x World Champion), Rômulo Barral (5x World Champion), and multiple generations of World Champions have trained and competed in ATAMA kimonos. That is not nostalgia. It is 35 years of empirical evidence about what makes a kimono perform and endure.

What follows is everything a serious adult practitioner needs to know before buying a BJJ gi.

What Makes a BJJ Gi? The Anatomy of a Kimono Built for Grappling

A BJJ gi is not a karate uniform with different branding. The two garments share a visual language but are engineered for entirely different stresses. Karate involves strikes and minimal grip work. BJJ involves sustained, full-force gripping, pulling, twisting, and dragging across the mat for extended rounds. The structural demands are categorically different.

Most practitioners only start to understand the anatomy of a gi after one falls apart mid-training. A seam that opens under a hard collar grip, a collar that compresses too easily, trousers that tear at the knee during a scramble: these failures are always traceable to a specific construction decision. Understanding the four primary components helps you read a product page before something goes wrong on the mat.

A competition-grade BJJ kimono consists of four primary components, each with its own functional requirements.

The jacket. This is the most technically demanding piece. The jacket fabric must withstand thousands of collar grips, sleeve grips, and lapel controls per session. It needs to resist tearing at the seams where the most torque is applied, particularly around the armpits, collar base, and sleeve attachments. The jacket fabric weight and weave type determine how the garment handles heat, how it moves with the body, and how long it survives daily training. A jacket that heats up quickly in a warm gym is not a minor inconvenience over a two-hour session: it is a performance and comfort variable that compounds over hundreds of training days.

The collar. Often overlooked by beginners, the collar is one of the most contested pieces of real estate in BJJ. A well-constructed collar uses anti-bacterial rubber filling wrapped in the jacket fabric. IBJJF rules specify minimum thickness (1.3 cm compressed) and minimum width (5 cm) for competition. A collar that is too thin becomes easy to grip and manipulates poorly under pressure. A collar that is too stiff becomes a liability on the mat and uncomfortable outside of it.

The trousers. BJJ gi trousers take different punishment from the jacket. They need reinforcement at the knees, which spend enormous time on the mat during guard play and passing. The drawstring system must hold under force. The fabric can be lighter than the jacket, and ripstop is now widely used for trouser panels, including in IBJJF-approved competition gis.

The stitching and construction. A gi is only as strong as its weakest seam. Premium construction uses double or triple stitching at all high-stress points. The reinforcement panels at the armpits, collar attachment points, and knee areas indicate the manufacturer's understanding of where gis fail under real training conditions.

Gi Weaves and Constructions: What the Fabric Actually Does

The weave is the structural logic of the fabric itself. It determines weight, texture, breathability, durability, and grip resistance. Understanding constructions is the single most important technical knowledge a BJJ practitioner can have when buying a gi.

There are practical questions behind every weave decision: which kimono holds up to hard training five days a week? Which one overheats least in summer? Which one lasts the longest before the stitching starts to go? The answers are built into the fabric structure before you ever put it on.

The table below reflects the constructions used in ATAMA's current collection, each engineered for a specific training and competition purpose.

The four constructions in the current ATAMA collection. All four jackets are cotton weave; all four are IBJJF-approved.

Construction	GSM	ATAMA model	Best for	IBJJF legal (jacket)?
Single Weave	500	Classic	Daily training, warmer climates, all-round use	Yes
Ultra Light Weave	400–445	Ultra Light / Infinity Colab 2.0	Competition, weight management, hot environments	Yes
Hybrid Weave (Single + Double)	600	Mundial 10	High-frequency training, competition, maximum longevity	Yes
Ripstop	250–350	Pants and collar (Mundial 10, Ultra Light, Colab 2.0)	Fast-drying, lightweight pants and collar construction	Jacket body: No Pants and collar: Yes

Single Weave is the foundation of ATAMA's Classic line. At 500 GSM, the open single-layer construction makes it breathable and comfortable in warm conditions, which is why it remains a consistent choice for daily training and for practitioners in southern Europe. The Classic uses 100% cotton in both jacket and trousers, making it the most accessible construction in the ATAMA range without compromising on IBJJF approval or build quality. It is the right starting point for practitioners who want a genuine kimono without the weight of a competition-oriented build. The trade-off versus heavier constructions is straightforward: single weave will show wear before a denser jacket does under daily hard training.

Ultra Light Weave is ATAMA's construction for practitioners who need to compete without carrying unnecessary fabric weight. At 400 GSM (Ultra Light) and 445 GSM (Infinity Colab 2.0), both models sit comfortably above the IBJJF minimum while delivering a finished weight of approximately 1.2 kg in A2. The Ultra Light Weave uses 100% cotton in the jacket body; the trousers and collar use Military Ripstop, which makes both components faster-drying and lighter without affecting IBJJF compliance. This is the construction for competitors who monitor their weight before events and for practitioners training in warm, humid conditions year-round.

Hybrid Weave is ATAMA's proprietary construction for the Mundial 10: a fusion of Single and Double weave developed exclusively by the brand over more than two decades of competitive use. At 600 GSM, it is the densest jacket in the current line and the most durable. The construction absorbs the punishment of high-frequency training without the full weight penalty of a traditional double weave. The Mundial 10 pairs this jacket with Military Ripstop trousers and collar, combining longevity in the jacket body with lightness and fast-drying in the pants and collar components. The Mundial series has been the kimono of ATAMA champions across multiple generations of competition: the construction behind the brand's longest-standing competitive line.

Ripstop warrants a separate explanation because it is widely misunderstood in the context of BJJ kimonos. Ripstop is a woven fabric reinforced with a grid of heavier threads to resist tears. ATAMA uses it in specific components across three models: the trousers and collar construction of the Mundial 10, Ultra Light, and Infinity Colab 2.0. ATAMA has never manufactured a kimono jacket body in ripstop. This is a construction decision. The jacket body in every ATAMA model is a cotton weave, because that is what the demands of the jacket require. IBJJF rules permit ripstop for gi trousers and collar components; they prohibit it for the jacket body. Where ATAMA uses ripstop, it is because the material performs better in that specific component: lighter, faster-drying, and more resistant to abrasion without affecting the structural integrity of the jacket.

ATAMA Collection: Full Model Comparison

The four kimono models in the current ATAMA collection are built for different purposes. The table below provides a direct comparison across the key variables a practitioner needs to evaluate before purchasing.

Model	Construction	GSM	IBJJF legal	Ripstop components	Durability	Ideal for
Classic	Single Weave	500	Yes	None (100% cotton jacket and trousers)	High	Beginners, daily training, warmer climates
Ultra Light	Ultra Light Weave	400	Yes	Pants and collar	Medium	Competition, weight management, hot environments
Infinity Colab 2.0	Ultra Light Weave	445	Yes	Pants and collar	Medium-High	Competition, training, collectors edition
Mundial 10	Hybrid Weave (Single + Double)	600	Yes	Pants and collar	Very High	High-frequency training, competition, instructors

All four models are IBJJF-approved for adult competition. The ripstop components listed apply to the trousers and collar construction. No ATAMA jacket body uses ripstop fabric.

Mundial 10 vs Ultra Light: The Key Buying Decision

The two most common questions ATAMA practitioners ask are variations of the same problem: "Do I want the Mundial 10 or the Ultra Light?" It is the central buying decision in the ATAMA collection, and it depends entirely on what you are optimising for.

Both models are IBJJF-approved. Both use Military Ripstop in the trousers and collar. The difference is the jacket: 400 GSM versus 600 GSM. That 200 GSM difference is the weight, the warmth, the hand feel, and the lifespan. Practitioners who train every day typically own both. Those who need to pick one should ask a single question: is weight at the scale a variable in your next competition? If yes, Ultra Light. If no, Mundial 10.

Explore the full ATAMA Europe collection: Classic, Ultra Light, Infinity Colab 2.0, and Mundial 10.

Understanding GSM: Why Fabric Weight Changes Everything

GSM stands for grams per square metre. It is the standard unit for measuring textile weight, and in the context of BJJ gis, it is the most objectively useful number on a product page.

Higher GSM means a heavier, denser fabric. Lower GSM means a lighter, more open construction. Neither is inherently superior. The right GSM depends on how and where you train.

Why GSM matters in practice. A 400 GSM Ultra Light jacket will feel noticeably lighter and cooler than the 600 GSM Mundial 10 jacket. Over a two-hour session in a warm gym in July, that difference is significant. Conversely, that same lighter jacket will show wear faster than its heavier counterpart when subjected to daily training over two to three years.

GSM and IBJJF compliance. The IBJJF currently requires a minimum jacket fabric weight of 380 GSM for adult competition. Any jacket below this threshold is not legal for competition, regardless of weave type. This is worth verifying when purchasing a gi marketed as both a training and competition option.

Thermal regulation. European training environments vary considerably. An academy in Glasgow will feel different from one in Seville, and both will feel different from a heated competition hall in January. Practitioners who train across multiple environments, or who compete heavily in summer months, often keep gis of different weights in rotation. A single-weight jacket is not the optimal solution for every context, and serious competitors typically own at least two gis of different constructions.

The weight-cut dimension. For competitors who are monitoring body weight, a heavy gi can represent a meaningful difference on the scale. The ATAMA Mundial 10 at 600 GSM will weigh meaningfully more than the Ultra Light at 400 GSM. Over the course of a tournament day, that is not trivial. Competition-specific constructions are engineered to be as light as IBJJF rules allow, which is why the 380 GSM minimum exists as both a floor for protection standards and a ceiling for competitive weight management.

Adult Gi Sizing: The Official ATAMA Size Chart

The BJJ gi sizing system uses letter-number codes rather than the S/M/L/XL system found in most clothing. Adult male ATAMA kimonos use the prefix A, followed by a number from 1 to 5, with Long variants (A1-L, A2-L) for taller frames within the same weight range. The table below is based on the official ATAMA Europe size chart.

Size	Height (m)	Weight (kg)	Notes
A1	1.60 – 1.72	50 – 64	Standard cut
A1-L	1.67 – 1.78	59 – 65	Longer cut for taller frames at lighter body weight
A2	1.70 – 1.83	63 – 80	Most common size
A2-L	1.78 – 1.88	77 – 86	Longer cut
A3	1.78 – 1.91	80 – 95
A4	1.87 – 1.95	90 – 113
A5	1.96 – 2.05	113 – 127+

Source: atamaeurope.com/pages/size-chart. ATAMA sizing differs from other brands. Height and weight ranges overlap between sizes. When in doubt, refer to the full size chart or contact ATAMA customer service.

How to use the chart. Height is the primary reference point. Weight determines where on the spectrum within a size range you fall; note that adjacent sizes have overlapping ranges. A practitioner who is 175 cm and 90 kg is within A2's height range (1.70–1.83 m) but above A2's weight range (63–80 kg). A3 (80–95 kg) is the correct size. If height and weight point to different sizes, err toward the larger option: collar and arm length are harder to accommodate than waist. When you fall between sizes, the Long variants (A1-L, A2-L) offer additional length without a significant increase in overall volume.

The shrinkage factor. ATAMA cotton-weave kimonos will shrink after washing. All practitioners should pre-wash a new gi before wearing it to the academy for the first time. Cotton weave fabric can reduce by approximately 3–4% after the first wash, particularly if washed in warm water or tumble dried. The standard recommendation is a cold machine wash followed by air drying, which minimises shrinkage while still cleaning the gi effectively.

A note on women's sizing. ATAMA Europe produces dedicated women's kimonos using a separate sizing system (F1–F5), designed for female anatomy rather than adapted from men's cuts. Women's sizing is available at atamaeurope.com/pages/size-chart alongside the men's chart. The adult A-series described in this guide applies to men's kimonos only.

Training Gi vs Competition Gi: The Differences That Go Beyond Price

The distinction between a training gi and a competition gi is real, but it is frequently misrepresented as a purely financial division. The actual differences are technical, and understanding them helps practitioners allocate their equipment budget correctly.

Construction priorities differ. A training gi is engineered to absorb punishment over time. Multiple washes per week. Daily mat contact. Friction from drilling the same sweep a hundred times in a row. The construction prioritises longevity: thicker collar reinforcement, additional stitching at high-wear zones, fabrics that retain structural integrity after heavy use. A premium training gi from a manufacturer with serious construction standards may outlast two or three mid-market competition gis.

A competition gi is optimised for performance on a specific day. The jacket fabric is as light as IBJJF rules allow, typically sitting at the lower end of the 380-450 GSM range. The cut is precision-tailored to the legal minimums for sleeve and pant length, ensuring the competitor is not carrying unnecessary fabric weight. The collar meets the 1.3 cm compressed thickness standard but is not over-engineered beyond that. Every gram saved is intentional.

Grip texture matters differently. Competition constructions are typically tighter and denser, which provides less grip purchase for opponents. In training, this is less critical. Some practitioners find that training primarily in a slicker competition fabric creates a false sense of security: when competing, the opponent's gi provides different friction than what they have trained against. Many coaches recommend training in slightly heavier constructions and competing in lighter ones precisely for this reason.

The dual-purpose gi exists, and it works well. A high-quality gi in the 450-500 GSM range, built to IBJJF specifications, is a legitimate option for both daily training and competition at the national and regional level. The ATAMA approach has always been to refuse the false choice between durability and competition readiness. A gi built on 35 years of mat-validated construction knowledge does not need to be two separate products for every practitioner.

Price and provenance matter. The training and competition gi distinction is sometimes used by new brands to sell two mid-quality products where one excellent product would suffice. A competition gi from a brand with a manufacturing heritage carries different guarantees than a competition gi from a brand that sources anonymous OEM fabric and adds a logo.

The Right Gi for Your Training Profile

A gi is not a generic piece of equipment. The right choice depends on what your training week looks like, where you are in your journey, and what you need the gi to do consistently. Four profiles account for the majority of adult practitioners.

How Many Gis Should You Own?

The answer depends on how often you train. The logic is straightforward: a gi needs to dry completely between sessions. A damp gi put back in the bag breeds bacteria, breaks down fabric at the fibre level, and creates hygiene conditions that no one benefits from. Two gis is the absolute minimum for any active practitioner. One trains. One dries.

Beyond that minimum, the calculation is frequency-driven.

• Minimum for any practitioner: 2 gis. Non-negotiable regardless of how often you train.
• Serious practitioner (3-4 sessions per week): 3 gis provides enough rotation to wash properly and dry fully between uses without rushing the process.
• Active competitor: 4-5 gis. At least one is a dedicated competition gi that does not see regular training. The competition gi should arrive at the venue clean, dry, and rested.
• Professor or instructor: 5-6 gis. The rotation is not a luxury at this level: it is the only way to maintain consistent presentation and extend the lifespan of each individual gi.

The point here is not that everyone should own six gis. It is that each additional gi is a decision about how much wear gets distributed across the set. More gis means less wear per gi, which means each one lasts longer. That is the logic. You apply it to your situation.

IBJJF Adult Kimono Requirements (2026)

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation publishes detailed uniform regulations for all IBJJF-sanctioned events (see the IBJJF official rules). These rules apply to all adult competitors, and non-compliance at check-in results in disqualification. The following reflects the current requirements for adult competitions, including events such as the IBJJF European Open, held in Lisbon, Portugal in January 2026.

Practitioners preparing for their first IBJJF event should purchase their competition gi at least four to six weeks before the event. This allows time to wash and wear the gi, confirm fit after any shrinkage, and ensure all measurements comply before arriving at check-in. Arriving at an event with an illegal gi is an avoidable outcome.

How to Care for Your Gi and Make It Last

A premium BJJ gi is a significant investment. Correct care extends its functional lifespan considerably. The following practices apply to all ATAMA cotton-weave kimonos, across the Classic, Ultra Light, Mundial 10, and Infinity Colab 2.0 constructions.

Wash after every session. This is non-negotiable from both hygiene and fabric longevity perspectives. Leaving sweat, bacteria, and mat contamination in the fabric overnight accelerates fibre degradation and creates conditions for skin infections. A gi washed promptly after training will outlast one left damp in a bag.

Cold water washing is the default. Washing at 30-40°C preserves colour, minimises shrinkage, and reduces stress on stitching. Washing above 60°C should be reserved for sanitation purposes and used sparingly.

Air dry when possible. Tumble drying is the fastest way to shrink a gi and degrade elastic components. Hanging the gi to dry, slightly stretched to shape, preserves dimensions and prolongs the life of stitching and reinforcement panels.

Turn the gi inside out before washing. This reduces abrasion on the outer fabric surface and protects embroidery, patches, and woven labels from friction against other garments.

Do not use bleach on coloured gis. Bleach will strip pigment from blue and black gis and weaken fibres across all colours. For odour management, a small amount of white vinegar in the rinse cycle is effective and gentle on fabric.

Store dry and fully aired. A gi stored while still damp will develop mildew. After drying, store the gi folded or hanging in a ventilated space.

Inspect seams regularly. A loose thread at a seam is easy to repair if caught early. Left unaddressed, it becomes a torn seam that weakens the structural integrity of the jacket or trousers and may not be repairable to competition standard.

The Most Common Mistakes When Buying Your First Gi

Most gi-buying mistakes are recoverable. Some are just expensive. A few can end your competition day before it starts. These are the six errors that come up most often.

1. Choosing the cheapest option available. A gi built to the lowest price point rarely survives long enough to justify the saving. Two cheap gis in two years cost more than one well-made gi that lasts four. The real cost of a gi is purchase price divided by months of reliable use.
2. Skipping the pre-wash. Cotton weave fabric can shrink approximately 3–4% on the first wash cycle, particularly in warmer water. A gi that fits correctly off the shelf may be noticeably short after a single machine wash. Pre-wash before the first session. It takes one wash.
3. Sizing by weight alone. A practitioner who is 80 kg and 170 cm will fit a gi differently from a practitioner who is 80 kg and 185 cm. Height is the primary sizing indicator. Weight adjusts within the size range.
4. Using the same gi for training and competition. A collar that has been gripped and stressed repeatedly can deform enough to fail the 1.3 cm compressed thickness requirement at gi inspection. A competition gi reserved for competition eliminates this variable entirely.
5. Buying a ripstop jacket for IBJJF competition. Ripstop is legal for gi trousers and collar components. It is not permitted for the jacket body under current IBJJF regulations. Competitors who arrive at an IBJJF event in a ripstop jacket fail gi inspection.
6. Not verifying IBJJF specifications at home before the event. Collar thickness (min. 1.3 cm compressed), collar width (min. 5 cm), and sleeve opening (min. 7 cm) are measurable at home with a tape measure. Sleeve length (must reach within 2 cm of the wrist) and pant length (must reach within 2 cm of the ankle bone) are also verifiable before leaving for the event. Verifying these weeks in advance is entirely within any practitioner's control.

Why ATAMA Stands Apart

Most BJJ brands in the European market were founded in the late 2000s or early 2010s, established in an era when BJJ was already mainstream, when the market existed and the demand was clear. ATAMA was founded in 1989, in Rio de Janeiro, when BJJ was still largely unknown outside Brazil and the international competitive scene did not yet exist.

When Royce Gracie stepped into the cage at UFC 1 in November 1993 and submitted four opponents in one evening, introducing BJJ to a Western audience that had never seen it, he was wearing an ATAMA kimono. That is not a marketing narrative constructed after the fact. It is part of the historical record of how the sport reached the world. ATAMA did not enter the market when the sport became successful. ATAMA was in the room when the sport was being defined.

That timeline matters in concrete terms. More than 35 years of feedback from competitive practitioners at the highest levels of the sport has been incorporated into every construction decision ATAMA makes. Bruno Malfacine won ten IBJJF World Championships in ATAMA: one of the most decorated competitive records the sport has produced. Bernardo Faria won five. Rômulo Barral won five. Kyra Gracie, four-time World Champion and a defining figure in the growth of women's competitive BJJ, won her titles in ATAMA. These are not sponsorship arrangements constructed in a marketing meeting. They are decades of feedback from practitioners who needed a kimono that would perform at the highest level of the sport, across multiple generations of competition.

ATAMA Europe's headquarters is in Portugal: the same country where the IBJJF European Open is held each January in Lisbon, the largest BJJ tournament in Europe. The proximity is not incidental. The brand is present in over 60 countries. The European operation is positioned at the centre of a continent where the sport is growing faster than anywhere outside Brazil.

ATAMA does not need to claim superiority. The 35-year record on competitive mats, the practitioners who wore the kimono when the sport was still being invented, and the construction standards that have survived that entire period are the argument. They do not require amplification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ATAMA gi should I buy?

The right ATAMA gi depends on how you train. For beginners: the Classic (Single Weave, 500 GSM), a durable all-round training gi at an accessible entry point. For competition: the Ultra Light (Ultra Light Weave, 400 GSM), the lightest IBJJF-legal jacket in the ATAMA collection, with ripstop pants and collar for fast drying and weight management. For daily high-frequency training: the Mundial 10 (Hybrid Weave, 600 GSM), the most durable construction in the range, built for practitioners who train four or more sessions per week. For instructors and professors: the Mundial 10, without question. If you are deciding between the Ultra Light and the Mundial 10 specifically: choose the Ultra Light if you compete frequently and weight on the scale is a factor; choose the Mundial 10 if you train hard every day and need a gi that survives it.

What is the best ATAMA gi for competition?

The ATAMA Ultra Light is the competition-oriented choice in the current collection. At 400 GSM, it is the lightest jacket ATAMA produces while remaining comfortably above the IBJJF minimum of 380 GSM. The trousers and collar use Military Ripstop for fast drying and reduced weight. The Infinity Colab 2.0 (445 GSM, also Ultra Light Weave) is a strong alternative for competitors who want marginally more fabric density while maintaining a competition-ready weight. Both models are fully IBJJF-approved. Serious competitors typically keep a competition gi clean and unworn outside competition.

What is the best BJJ gi for beginners?

The best BJJ gi for beginners is one built to survive the learning curve: regular washing, varied mat conditions, and the kind of use that comes from being new to grip breaks. The ATAMA Classic (Single Weave, 500 GSM) is the right starting point. It is IBJJF-approved, 100% cotton in both jacket and trousers, breathable for warm training environments, and built to last under consistent use without the higher cost of a competition-specific construction. Most beginners are better served by a versatile training gi before investing in a competition-specific model. The priority in the first year is a gi that holds up, fits correctly after the first wash, and does not need to be replaced in six months.

How many BJJ gis do I need?

Two gis is the absolute minimum for any active practitioner. A gi needs to dry completely between sessions: a damp gi put back in the bag damages fabric at the fibre level and creates hygiene risks. One trains, one dries. Beyond the minimum: practitioners training 3 to 4 times per week need 3 gis for proper rotation. Active competitors need 4 to 5, with at least one kept specifically for competition and never worn in regular training. Professors and instructors benefit from 5 to 6, because their gis take more punishment than anyone else's in the room. Additional gis are not a luxury: they distribute wear across the rotation, and each gi lasts longer as a result.

What is the difference between BJJ gi weaves?

BJJ gi weaves refer to the structural pattern of the fabric used in the jacket. Within the ATAMA collection, three constructions cover the full range of training and competition needs: Single Weave (500 GSM, used in the Classic) for daily training and warmer climates; Ultra Light Weave (400–445 GSM, used in the Ultra Light and Infinity Colab 2.0) for competition and weight management; and the Proprietary Hybrid construction (600 GSM, used in the Mundial 10), a fusion of Single and Double weave engineered for maximum durability under high-frequency training. Ripstop is used in the trousers and collar components of several ATAMA models but is never used for the jacket body.

What does GSM mean in a BJJ gi?

GSM stands for grams per square metre, a standard textile measurement that indicates fabric weight and density. In BJJ gis, higher GSM fabrics are heavier, more durable, and warmer. Lower GSM fabrics are lighter, cooler, and more suitable for hot training environments or competitions where weight is a factor. The IBJJF requires a minimum of 380 GSM for competition jackets.

How do I know what size BJJ gi to buy?

ATAMA adult men's kimonos use the A-series sizing system, from A1 to A5. Use height as the primary reference: A1 suits 1.60–1.72 m (50–64 kg), A2 suits 1.70–1.83 m (63–80 kg), A3 suits 1.78–1.91 m (80–95 kg), A4 suits 1.87–1.95 m (90–113 kg), and A5 suits 1.96–2.05 m (113 kg+). Long variants (A1-L, A2-L) are available for taller frames within the same weight range. When height and weight point to different sizes, choose the larger. Always pre-wash before wearing, as cotton weave fabrics can shrink approximately 3–4% after the first wash. Consult the official ATAMA size chart before ordering.

Can I use ripstop fabric for IBJJF competition?

Ripstop fabric is permitted for gi trousers and collar construction in IBJJF competition but is not permitted for the jacket body. ATAMA uses Military Ripstop in the trousers and collar components of the Mundial 10, Ultra Light, and Infinity Colab 2.0, all of which carry full IBJJF approval. The restriction applies specifically to the jacket body: ripstop does not meet the 380 GSM minimum required for competition jacket fabric. ATAMA has never manufactured a kimono jacket body in ripstop: this is a construction philosophy, not a regulatory workaround. Competitors who wear ripstop jacket bodies to IBJJF events will fail gi inspection and may be disqualified.

How much does a BJJ gi shrink after washing?

ATAMA cotton-weave kimonos can shrink approximately 3–4% after the first wash, as indicated on the product tags. The degree of shrinkage depends on water temperature and whether a tumble dryer is used. Washing in cold water and air drying minimises shrinkage. All ATAMA kimonos should be pre-washed before the first use. After the first two to three washes, the fabric stabilises in size.

What colours are allowed in BJJ competition?

IBJJF-sanctioned competitions permit only three gi colours for adult competitors: white, royal blue, and black. Mixed-colour gis, where the jacket and trousers are different approved colours, are not permitted. Coloured patches and embroidery are allowed within IBJJF guidelines, but the base fabric of both jacket and trousers must be a single approved colour.

What is the difference between a training gi and a competition gi?

Training gis prioritise durability and longevity, with heavier fabric weights and reinforced construction at high-wear points. Competition gis are optimised for legal minimum weight, with lighter constructions and precise tailoring to IBJJF sleeve and pant length specifications. A high-quality gi in the 450-500 GSM range can serve both purposes effectively. The key is to confirm IBJJF compliance (minimum 380 GSM jacket, correct dimensions) before using any gi in sanctioned competition.

How long should a good BJJ gi last?

An ATAMA kimono, washed correctly and cared for properly, is built to last three to five years of regular training for a practitioner training two to four times per week. Daily high-intensity training may reduce this to two to three years before visible wear appears at the seams and collar. ATAMA speaks from its own construction standards: 35 years of manufacturing and competitive feedback have been built into every reinforcement decision, from the collar filling to the knee panel stitching. Kimonos that fail within the first year under normal use are a product of construction shortcuts that ATAMA does not make.