Things You'll Need:
- Judo uniform, or judogi
- Belt, or obi
- Pants with an elastic or drawstring waistband
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Step 1
Ask if your class has a required dress code. Many training centers offer a customized uniform, or gi, with the logo of the facility on the back. While this may seem like a ploy to generate additional income for the facility, it actually creates more uniformity during drills and training.
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Step 2
Purchase a practical gi. Most instructors recommend that you use a judo uniform, or judogi, which is made of heavier and more durable fabric than a traditional karate gi. In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, grappling and throwing moves may rip the fabric in a thinner gi or kimono.
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Step 3
Wear your jiu-jitsu belt properly. The belt should ride high enough on your waist to close the front of your gi. In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, colored belts reflect the level of your training, and these belts should be worn with pride and honor. Check with your instructor on the preferred way to tie your Brazilian jiu-jitsu belt, and ensure that the two ends of the belt are always hanging at equal length.
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Step 4
Use pants that are lightweight and loose. Choose a pair of pants that can be tightened around the waist with a drawstring or an elastic band. Ensure that the pants are loose enough to allow for high kicks and grappling moves, and tight enough so that they will not slide off during ground fighting maneuvers.
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Step 5
Go barefoot. It is considered disrespectful in most martial arts disciplines to walk on the practice mat in shoes. Wearing socks on the mat will compromise your footing and balance.
