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A Complete Guide to BJJ Gi Colors Etiquette

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Whether you’re a seasoned grappler or just starting out on your jiu-jitsu journey, gi colors can seem confusing at first. From traditional white belts to advanced black belts, the various shades and hues carry meaning in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). In this article, I’ll breakdown bjj gi colors etiquette so you know which gi to wear and when. Let’s dive in!

Gi Colors by Belt Rank

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  1. White Belt – As a beginner, you’ll want to stick with a plain white gi. This classic color signifies that you’re new to the gentle art.
  2. Blue Belt – Once you’ve put in your time on the mats and earned your blue belt, blue-colored gis are fair game. Navy, royal, and sky blue shades are all appropriate.
  3. Purple Belt – Purple belts graduate to wearing purple gis, of course. Variations like lavender and lilac purple look slick too.
  4. Brown Belt – Right before black belt, brown gis show you’re nearing the end of your journey. Colors like chocolate brown and tan work well here.
  5. Black Belt – Only those who have mastered BJJ techniques wear the prestigious black gi. Opt for pure black or gray tones.

From my experience, it’s best to stick to gis that match your belt rank. Wearing the “wrong” color can come off as disrespectful or confuse others on the mats. At competitions, the uniform gi color also helps judges and referees quickly identify competitors’ ranks from a distance.

Special Colored Gis

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Now, there are some exceptions to the gi color rules:

  1. Promotional Gis – It’s common for gyms to offer special edition gis for belt promotions. These might have things like “Promoted to Blue Belt” printed on them.
  2. Team Gis – Many teams design unique colored gis to represent their affiliation. Just be sure to also bring a regular white or colored gi as a backup.
  3. Limited Edition Gis – Brands occasionally release gis in funky colors as collector’s items. These aren’t meant for everyday use but can be worn if the occasion calls for it.

Unless specified by your instructor, avoid wearing promotional or team gis to open mats where you may roll with visitors from other schools. Stick to traditional gi colors to avoid any confusion over ranks.

From my experience, it’s never a bad idea to check with upper belts or coaches about special gi colors before wearing them to class. Better safe than sorry when it comes to etiquette stuff.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

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No matter what color gi you train in, proper cleaning is crucial to keep it in good shape. Here are some maintenance tips I’ve picked up over the years:

  1. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle to prevent fading and protect graphics.
  2. Air dry completely to avoid musty odors. The dryer can cook gis faster than you want!
  3. Spot clean pit stains with hydrogen peroxide or a stain remover. Soak problem areas before throwing in the wash.
  4. Wash light and dark colors separately. Yeah, I learned that one the hard way…
  5. Treat fresh blood stains ASAP before they set in. Peroxide is your friend here.
  6. Skip fabric softener – it can coat the weave and interfere with grips over time.

With some TLC, your gi should last for years of competition-level rolling. Taking care of gear is part of being a good training partner, in my opinion.

Common Gi Faux Pas to Avoid

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Every sport has its taboos, and BJJ is no different. To keep things chill on the mats, here are a few gi no-nos to steer clear of:

  1. Wearing a dirty gi reeks, literally. No one wants to roll in another person’s stank!
  2. Torn or altered gis can rub people the wrong way. Keep hems intact and patches secured.
  3. Fresh tattoos may seep through the cotton. Let ink heal fully before training to avoid infections.
  4. Oversized gis can be hazardous if sleeves or pants slip during sparring. Sizing down prevents this.
  5. No gi at all? Nudity is a no-go, my friend. Cover up with shorts and rashguard at minimum.

By sticking to traditional gi etiquette, you show courtesy for your training partners and school. It kinda goes without saying, but we all have room for improvement sometimes, yeah?

I hope this guide has given you a clear sense of bjj gi colors protocol! As your skills advance over the years, having the right colored gi to represent your rank will feel like a badge of honor. Keep up the good work on the mats – I’ll see you out there.

“Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi Color Etiquette”

Gi Color Belt Level Description
White Beginner White belt is for students with less than 6 months training experience.
Blue Intermediate Blue belt is awarded to students who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to learn more advanced moves.
Purple Advanced Purple belt signifies a high level of skill and experience in BJJ techniques.
Brown Advanced Brown belt is one promotion away from black belt and represents leaders on the mat.
Black Master Earning a black belt takes many years of dedicated study and marks the pinnacle achievement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

FAQ

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  1. What gi colors are appropriate for a beginner?

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    White is generally seen as the safest choice for a newcomer to bjj. White is kinda like the default color that everyone starts with. At the same time, blue or grey are also good safe choices that won’t stand out too much. I’d stay away from really bright or unusual colors till you’ve been training for a while.

  2. Why are black belts allowed to wear colored gis?

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    Black belts have put in a lotta hard work over the long run to achieve that rank. So as a way to reward them, they get to show off a little and choose from a wider range of colors compared to lower belts. However, it’s still recommended that black belts choose more muted shades rather than bright neon colors.

  3. Should I avoid wearing a red gi?

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    Basically, it’s inadvisable for lower belts to wear red since that color is traditionally reserved for instructors. People might get confused and think you’re a teacher! Maybe save red for when you’re a high level brown or black belt. Other bright shades like orange or pink are also best left for experienced players.

  4. Can girls wear colorful gis?

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    Absolutely! The gi color rules are more loose for ladies. Strong ladies who train jiu-jitsu are allowed to proudly show their styles through fun colors. This is sort of a double standard but it gives gals some freedom of self-expression. Go for it – wear purple, teal, or that pastel pink gi if you really want to! Your skills are what matters most.

  5. Is a digital camo gi ok?

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    A camo print gi seems kind of unusual for BJJ. I’d say go for it if you really love the style! Just be aware some old-school instructors might see it as too “tactical” or intense. Mostly it comes down to the school’s rules and your instructor’s preferences. Camo isn’t a traditional BJJ look, yet who’s to say what’s “traditional” these days with all the new crazy gi colors around? Do you, player! As long as you train hard, the other peeps will respect your skills over what you wear.

  6. What if I wore a bright colored gi to a tournament by mistake?

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    If you accidentally show up to a tourney in a loud purple gi as a white belt, don’t sweat it too much. Stuff happens, right? Just compete and try to win despite the bright fashion faux pas! Afterwards maybe have a chuckle about it with your training partners. As long as your heart’s in the game, one colorful gi isn’t the end of the world. Make the most of the experience and focus on improving for next time when you’ll pick a more suitable color.