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The best BJJ gis for beginners (2026).
Your first gi only needs to do three things: fit, survive the wash, and not cost a fortune while you find out whether you are sticking with BJJ. This guide ranks the best beginner BJJ gis in stock on Amazon, from a black belt who has handed a lot of white belts their first gi.
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The best beginner BJJ gis right now
Best first gi
Sanabul Essential V2
The default first gi.
Check price on Amazon
Buy once
Fuji All-Around
The gi I hand to anyone who asks for one recommendation.
Check price on Amazon
Try it cheap
Elite Sports Ultra Light
The cheapest gi most people should consider.
Check price on AmazonHow to choose your first BJJ gi
Keep it simple: buy a preshrunk pearl weave in white, blue, or black, in your size off the brand’s height and weight chart, and do not overspend before you know you will stick with it. A roomy, durable gi like the Sanabul Essential or Fuji All-Around covers training and your first local comp without any fuss.
The best beginner gis
Ranked for value, fit, and how forgiving they are out of the bag.
Sanabul Essential V2
SanabulThe default first gi. It is cheap, it is preshrunk so it barely moves in the wash, and it survives years of three-times-a-week training.
Quick facts
- Pearl weave, preshrunk
- Sizes A0-A5
- Comes with a white belt
- Dozens of colorways
What stands out
- Hard to beat on price for the build quality
- Preshrunk cotton means almost no surprise shrinkage
- Roomy enough for most beginners straight out of the bag
Watch out for
- Lapel is softer than a Fuji All-Around, so grips are easier to break
- Embroidery and patches are minimal
What reviewers say
“Their kimonos tend to run bigger than most of the Gi's in the market.”
– BJJ Informer
“It's breathable and soft against the skin, and the single weave ensures it's not too heavy.”
– James de Lacey, Sweet Science of Fighting
Best for: Your first gi, a cheap backup, or anyone who does not want to overthink it.
Skip if: You compete at IBJJF events and want a stiffer, grip-frustrating lapel.
Fuji All-Around
FujiThe gi I hand to anyone who asks for one recommendation. A traditional single-weave cut that just fits, from a brand that has been making honest gear for decades.
Quick facts
- Single weave cotton
- Sizes A0-A6 (rare big/small range)
- Traditional roomy cut
- Reinforced stitching
What stands out
- Single weave is close to bombproof for the price
- Genuinely wide size range, including A6 and kids
- Classic relaxed fit suits most body types
Watch out for
- Runs warmer than a pearl weave like the Gold BJJ Aeroweave
- Plain looks if you want something flashy
What reviewers say
“The Fuji All Around is the Honda Civic of BJJ gis-reliable, affordable, and it just works.”
– Jameson Ryan, BJJ Gear Guide (Fuji All-Around review, 9/10)
“All stitching remained intact. Reinforcements showed no wear. Fabric maintained thickness. Collar stayed firm. No tears or holes.”
– Jameson Ryan, BJJ Gear Guide (after 7 years / 600+ hours)
Best for: One do-everything gi for training and the occasional competition.
Skip if: You train in a hot room and overheat easily.
Elite Sports Ultra Light
Elite SportsThe cheapest gi most people should consider. It is light and basic, but for a first month on the mats it does the job.
Quick facts
- Light pearl weave
- Very low price
- Easy returns/exchanges
- Sizes A0-A4
What stands out
- About the lowest price for a wearable gi
- Light and easy to break in
- Painless sizing exchanges
Watch out for
- Thinner and less durable than the Sanabul Essential
- Basic materials and stitching
What reviewers say
“It was an A3 like my other Gi's but I couldn't bring my arms in front of me.”
– James de Lacey, Sweet Science of Fighting
“Can a very affordable gi (read cheap) be a worthwhile part of your training rotation?”
– Ruben Avila, The Gentle Artist (thegentleartist.com)
Best for: Trying out BJJ without spending much, or a cheap spare.
Skip if: You already know you are sticking with the sport (buy once, cry once).
Venum Contender 2.0
Venum
A recognizable MMA brand's beginner gi. Affordable, light, and fine for your first stripes, with the usual budget caveats.
Quick facts
- Light pearl weave
- Recognizable brand
- Affordable
- Sizes A0-A4
What stands out
- Cheap entry from a known brand
- Light and comfortable for beginners
- Looks better than most budget gis
Watch out for
- Sizing can run inconsistent, check the chart
- Not as proven as the Sanabul Essential long term
What reviewers say
“350 GSM pearl weave jacket that allows you to stay cooler when training hard”
– Attack The Back
“EVA foam soft collar is also a great addition as these kinds of collar keep their shapes much better when washing than some other gi's do”
– Attack The Back
Best for: Beginners who like the Venum look on a budget.
Skip if: You want the most bombproof budget option (get the Fuji All-Around).
Gold BJJ Foundation
Gold BJJ
A clean, no-logo-spam pearl weave that punches above its price. Gold BJJ's everyday gi for people who want quality without paying brand tax.
Quick facts
- Pearl weave jacket
- Ripstop pants
- Understated design
- Sizes A0-A4
What stands out
- Balanced weight that works year round
- Minimalist look with no loud patches
- Strong value for a pearl weave
Watch out for
- Smaller size range than the Fuji All-Around
- Less proven longevity than a single weave
What reviewers say
“Best for Everyday Use… A good option for an everyday bjj gi. Features a medium weight 450gsm Pearl Weave jacket (with super comfortable rash guard liner) and 10oz Ripstop pants, fully IBJJF competition legal.”
– Grapplers Graveyard
Best for: A second gi or a clean upgrade from a budget starter.
Skip if: You need an A5/A6 or want the lightest possible jacket.
Compare the gis
| Gi | Weave / weight | Best for | Tier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanabul Essential V2 | Pearl weave | Your first gi, a cheap backup, or anyone who does not want to overthink it | Budget | Check price → |
| Fuji All-Around | Single weave cotton | One do-everything gi for training and the occasional competition | Mid | Check price → |
| Elite Sports Ultra Light | Light pearl weave | Trying out BJJ without spending much, or a cheap spare | Budget | Check price → |
| Venum Contender 2.0 | Pearl weave | Beginners who like the Venum look on a budget | Budget | Check price → |
| Gold BJJ Foundation | Pearl weave | A second gi or a clean upgrade from a budget starter | Mid | Check price → |
More gi guides
- Best BJJ gi: full buyer’s guide
- BJJ gi size calculator
- How should a BJJ gi fit?
- Best BJJ gi brands compared
FAQ
What is the best BJJ gi for beginners?
The Sanabul Essential V2: cheap, preshrunk, durable, and beginner-proof. If you already know you are committed, the Fuji All-Around is the buy-once option that lasts for years.
How much should a beginner spend on a gi?
Around $70-100 buys a gi that lasts for years. You do not need a premium competition gi to start, and a $40 gi will wear out faster.
What size gi should a beginner buy?
Use our gi size calculator and the brand’s height and weight chart. Cotton gis shrink slightly, so they are cut a touch large; sleeves and pants should reach your wrist and ankle bones.
What color gi should I get first?
White is the safest first gi: it is legal everywhere and many gyms expect it. Blue and black are also IBJJF legal. Ask your gym if they require a specific color.
Do I need a belt with my first gi?
Most beginner gis like the Sanabul Essential include a white belt. If yours does not, any white belt in your size works to start.