Gi Review - BJJ Globetrotters Travel Gi

Short Review: In a fitting move, BJJ Globetrotters have released a 100% ripstop travel gi. In terms of its construction, it's comparable to the Gorilla Hitman, though not quite as light. In terms of design, the Globetrotter gi is very different. There is a huge patch on the jacket, printed birds on the inside, an embroidered plane on the top of the back and stylish 'BJJ Globetrotter' emblems on the arm and trousers.

The Globetrotter is also much pricier than the Gorilla: this is definitely not a budget gi. Its available to buy here, currently for the introductory price of $149 (full price is $179). Impressively, it does mention a life time guarantee and that it includes worldwide shipping, so if they stick to that, the price is at least partially justified. I don't think I've ever seen that much confidence before from a gi company.

Full Review: 'BJJ Globetrotter' has developed into a brand over the last few years, following a trajectory which as far as I'm aware is unique. That began with a blog, written by a Danish BJJ instructor who did a lot of travelling. Christian Graugart has been blogging for around as long as I have: the earliest of his sites I'm aware of is The Viking Experience, mainly an opportunity for him to share his love of photography. After several other photoblogs detailing his BJJ travels, Graugart's blogging evolved into the much more substantial Shogun HQ.

Graugart often talked about travelling on those blogs, specifically for BJJ. This all culminated in what is unquestionably his most famous blog, BJJ Globetrotter, later turned into a book (a free ebook version is apparently included when you buy this gi). It was an expansion of the BJJ travelling he'd done before, but this time on a far bigger scale, essentially 'matsurfing' around the world. This got a lot of attention, which Graugart was able to eventually direct into another extension of his original travel blogging: a new BJJ team.

Or rather, sort of a team: Graugart gave an illuminating interview on that topic in a recent BJJ Brick podcast (after you skip past the long intro by the hosts). A more accurate term, from what I've seen of it so far, would be a BJJ community rather than team. The links back to those early blogs can be seen in the Globetrotter team/community's focus on meeting up and training, with an inclusive and laid-back ethos. It's one that appeals to me, hence why I signed up my own club (you can sign up as an individual too), Artemis BJJ. Unlike every other affiliation, becoming a member of BJJ Globetrotters appears to involve almost zero obligation (beyond being welcoming to visitors).

The team runs regular camps, increasingly diverse and well attended. A number of the people who have attended my GrappleThons are frequent campers, like Chris Paines from Fighting Fit, as well as Jodie Bear. There are various other people I've met through BJJ who pop down too, like Braulio's first black belt, Chiu Kwong Man (who since I trained with him has founded an independent club, Team Renegade BJJ). I'll be going to the Belgium camp in August, as that gives me a good excuse to finally return to the land of my birth (and the land of many, many excellent art galleries ;D).

Given that travelling is such a big part of the team identity, releasing an official team gi in super light ripstop makes perfect sense. There's a massive patch on the front of the jacket, something normally found centrally on the back. Either way, speaking from first hand experience it is easy enough to remove, which also reduces the weight slightly. Removal leaves behind a number of needle sized holes, but after a month of rolling and multiple washes, I haven't noticed that cause any problems.

For a truly super-light gi, adding large patches is arguably counter-productive due to the additional weight, but on the other hand it adds to the funky design vibe Graugart and now his team have built up over the years (I can remember some impressive patches in his repertoire, cut out from t-shirts). I've got increasingly into that mode myself, after eight years of only wearing plain white gis with no patches: as you can see from my gi wardrobe, things have changed. So, whereas I previously would have said the Globetrotter travel gi is far too bling for me, now I like those touches (apart from the large patch).

In terms of colour scheme, the travel gi I was sent is in grey. There's a contrasting orange, yellow and red in the logos and patches, as well as white int he drawstring, side vents and belt loops. Presumably inspired by the blinged out Kauai gi he wore on his famous trip, Graugart has added a multitude of little details to the Globetrotters travel gi. Even before you get to the gi, there is BJJ Globetrotters merchandise in the packet, like a keyring, bottle opener and stickers.

On the gi itself, there is a stylised plane embroidered on the upper back. Perhaps the most attractive feature is a fancy wave pattern flowing along the rear hem, picked up in the design on the cuff and hem tape (importantly, this isn't abrasive, as can be the case with some other gis). Another cool touch is a printed flock of birds on the inner jacket. The BJJ Globetrotters logo appears in several places, with a nifty patch on the upper trousers plus embroidered versions on the arms and lower on the trousers.

Needless to say, this gi would make an IBJJF gi checker's brain explode, but then it's intended for travel, not the formal atmosphere of IBJJF competitions. In terms of weight, according to my weighing scales the Gorilla (which is an A2 Gorilla, so the A1 is presumably even lighter) is still the champion of travel gis at a mere 900g, not including a belt. The A1 BJJ Globetrotter is 1.2kg, the same weight as my other travel gis, which are an A1 adidas Response and a size 3 Gimono in BJJ cut, which is roughly equivalent to an A1.

Unlike the Response and Gimono, the Globetrotter has armpit reinforcements, adding slightly to the weight, but then the Gorilla has them too. There is also reinforcement on the side vents, along with the standard extra fabric from the knees down to the shin. You might think that the printed birds on the inside would fade after multiple washes, but so far they are holding up (though that's only after a month of washing).


If you've been on my Instagram recently, you may have noticed my Globetrotter travel gi is no longer grey. I wanted a more interesting colour, so turned it an International Women's Day shade of purple (incidentally, you can still donate to the International Women's Day GrappleThon, supporting the wonderful charity Equality Now). To achieve that, I started by putting the gi in a 60 degree celsius cycle on my washing machine with a pack of Dylon pre-dye to remove its current colour. That results in a sort of khaki shade, which I could then dye purple. The Dylon Intense Violet dye in another 40 celsius cycle did the trick. Of course, that much heat did shrink the gi a bit, but fortunately (for my tastes) it started off a little baggy.

Originally, the wingspan was 156cm, the shoulder to hem length was 75.5cm and the trousers were a lanky 97cm. That shrinks down a bit after the recommended 30 degree celsius washes, but if you prefer a tight fit like me, it's worth considering a hotter wash. After a month of washing at 30 and 40 degrees, followed by the aforementioned 60 degree wash, the measurements are now 75cm shoulder to hem, 150cm cuff to cuff and a trouser length of 92cm.

The gi is available to buy here, currently for the introductory price of $149. That will rise to a hefty $179, almost double what I paid for my Gorilla Hitman (though it incudes worldwide shipping and a lifetime guarantee). However, it is still less than the $190 a Kauai will set you back. If I'm right in thinking that Graugart took some inspiration for this gi from the Kauai, then selling for a similar price is understandable, if still expensive.

Gi Review - adidas 'Response'

Short Review: The budget offering from adidas is impressive, functioning both as a high quality entry-level gi and an ideal addition to your holiday packing if you want to train abroad. It is unusual for a budget gi to be 100% ripstop, meaning that not only is this great for training trips, it dries super-fast and works perfectly for hot weather.

It's plainer than the already fairly plain adidas 'Contest', lacking the three stripes down the arm. Be aware that this doesn't really shrink at all, so pick your size carefully. Available to buy here for £57 in blue/black or £55 in white, meaning it matches the Tatami Nova on price. US customers can go here. Black is $115, blue is $110, white is $100.

Update Dec 2016: The adidas Response looks to be even cheaper now, at £47.

Full Review: When I think of a budget BJJ gi, up until now the one that has immediately sprung to mind is the Tatami Nova. That's the BJJ gi against which I judge most others: it's cheap, it fits well (on my 5'7 and 66kg frame, at least), it's light, it's plain and it's also durable. It is therefore the gi I always end up recommending to beginners, if they don't want to go with a basic judogi (at around £20 to £30, that's probably always going to be the cheapest option).

Thanks to adidas, there is now another contender for the prize of best budget BJJ gi. The adidas Response gi is the same price as the Tatami Nova (£55 in white, a few quid more in black or blue). With the new Tatami Minimo, there isn't too much difference in terms of design, as both are equally plain. What marks the Response out is that it's a full ripstop gi, so the jacket can boast a mere 265gsm compared to the Nova's heftier (at least by comparison) 425gsm.

That means as well as an entry level gi, the Response also fits into the travel gi category. Previously there was not a lot of choice in the UK. My own travel gi wardrobe consisted of the Gimono from New Zealand and the Gorilla 'Hitman' from Canada. Cimac sent me the adidas Response in December: Birmingham is rather closer than NZL or North America. Fellow keen BJJ travellers in the UK will be pleased to hear that they can get hold of a 'Hitman' equivalent from a local reseller rather than paying shipping and tax costs for the alternatives.

Comparing the two, the Response is slightly heavier at 265gsm rather than the Hitman's 250gsm, but that's a very minor difference. The Hitman also appears to crease a lot more than the Response, but it's possible the creases are less noticeable on the adidas gi because I have a black one. Like the Gorilla 'Hitman', the collar on the Response feels beefy. I'd rate the Gimono as my best travel gi, but given it's far more expensive than the adidas, that's possibly an unfair comparison.

For a beginner looking for a budget gi, I would say the Nova still edges ahead as the best choice, because on top of its quality and low price, you also get a free white belt. There's also the plus of both women's and men's sizes. To be fair to the Response, it comes in kids sizes too, so also has a decent range. The Response also has a few advantages over the Nova, such as additional belt loops: the Response includes four, as opposed to the Nova's two.

The Response gi is much lighter due to the ripstop, ideal for both travel and hot weather training, as well as drying very fast. With the ripstop weave allowing the gi to be so thin, I can fit the adidas Response on both sides of a radiator, decreasing the drying time even further. Of course, do be careful of dust if you do that, especially on a black gi. Easy enough to brush off, but it goes without saying that you'll want to check the cleanliness of the back of your radiator before you follow my example. ;)

In terms of shrinkage, the gi is advertised as pre-shrunk: I didn't notice any significant shrinkage, after over of month of regular use and weekly washes at either 30 or 40 degrees celsius. From the reviews on the adidas Combat Sports site, there are several people complaining about the lack of shrinkage, which is odd (given it says quite clearly that it's pre-shrunk), but does confirm that my experience of no shrinkage isn't unusual. A more valid criticism, at least of the web copy, would be that the size for A3 is listed as suitable for those from 5'8 to 6'0. That's a massive variance, perhaps a mistake. A1 and A2 have a more reasonable 3 inch difference. On the Cimac site, the Brummies are more sensible, with 10cm height difference as you go up each size, starting at 160cm for an A1.

For some reason, the trousers on my gi did not come with a stretchy drawstring rope, as it proclaims on the site, but a standard drawstring. The included string is supposed to be the same bungee cord as the Contest, from what I gather. Presuming that to be the case, it is also probably just as long as the Contest drawstring, which for me is too long. However, it is easy enough to chop a cord to your desired length then singe the ends with a candle (I'm speaking from experience here, as I do that with all my bungee cord drawstrings). The extra padding on the knees extends to the shins. When I kneel down, that's just enough to cover my kneecap, same as on the Contest.

The sleeves with three stripes, a striking part of the Contest gi's design, have gone from the Response. That means there is no potential abrasion from wiping your face (although with ripstop, it's less likely you'd do that given how thin and therefore less absorbent it is). Another change is no inner seam tape. The embroidered adidas logos on the shoulder and trouser legs are much the same, as is the array of reinforcements on the usual stress points: according to the website, these are also all triple-stitched.

Like many other gi companies, adidas have plumped for a rubber collar, repeating the common (and I assume reasonable) claim about reducing bacteria as a result. You also get the same satin carry bag as with the Contest (this one was a different colour, as I got a black gi this time rather than blue). The smooth material inside the yoke of the Contest gi, with the same print as the satin bag, is not present in the Response. I would guess that is down to both the reduced cost and in the interests of reducing weight.

The Response is almost the best budget BJJ gi I've tried so far, beaten (just) by only one other gi, the Tatami Nova. For a travel gi, the Response is a particularly excellent option, especially if you're in the UK and your choice is therefore limited. If you are looking for something that works both as a beginner gi and a travel gi, then the Response is a must-have decision. Also, wearing a plain black gi makes you look like a ninja, so there's that. ;p

Available to buy here for £57 in blue/black or £55 in white. US customers can go here. Black is $115, blue is $110, white is $100. For reference, I'm wearing an A1, a good fit on my 5'7" and 145lbs frame.

Gi Review - Kingz Ripstop

Short Review: If you want an ultra lightweight gi, but don't feel comfortable with the extremely thin ripstops like Gorilla and Kauai, then the Kingz Ripstop serves as a happy medium. It is still ripstop, and therefore lightweight and quick-drying, but at 420gsm it is also much thicker than either the Gorilla or Kauai. In addition, the trousers are not ripstop, but sturdy standard cotton, with the same unusual flexible crotch panel as other models in the current Kingz product line. Available to buy here.

Full Review: I enjoy training while I'm travelling, which is why I picked up a Gorilla 'Hitman' ripstop a little while ago. I was very pleased with that gi when it arrived, as it fulfilled all my requirements: plain, super-light, quick-drying and fairly cheap. I was therefore intrigued by the prospect of comparing it with another ripstop offering, from Canadian company Kingz Kimonos.

When other gi companies use ripstop in their products, they will often opt to go with ripstop trousers and a lightweight gi top. A few companies, like Gorilla, also offer a completely ripstop gi. Kingz has taken a different route, as their ripstop gi has a ripstop jacket, but standard cotton twill trousers. These appear to be the same trousers which are included with the heavier 550 Comp model, with that same flexible crotch panel. They're superb trousers, as I mentioned in my review of the 550 Comp, but they're certainly not ultra-light.

This meant that for my purposes, the Kingz Ripstop is slightly less convenient, as I was hoping to use it when training further afield. Another option, which I tested out during my recent trip to Scotland, was to switch the Kingz trousers for a ripstop alternative: in my case, I went with the ripstop trousers from my Black Eagle Predator (reviewed here). However, at 420gsm, the Kingz Ripstop jacket is beefier than typical ripstop, meaning it does not pack as tightly as I would have liked. The Gorilla ripstop jacket is almost half the thickness at only 250gsm.

Of course, not everybody is looking for a gi to take travelling. If you simply want a light gi for training at your home club, then this remains a good choice, particularly if you're nervous about the thinner varieties of ripstop gi currently available. It's possible that the combination of ripstop stitching with a heavier material is particularly durable, but I can only speculate as I haven't had the gi very long. It's also possible that this thicker ripstop is more common than I'm assuming, given that I've so far only worn two ripstop gi jackets (Kingz and Gorilla) and rolled with training partners who were wearing two other brands of ripstop jacket (Kauai and Koral).

In terms of patches and embroidery, the design across the four models (Women's, 550 Comp, 420 Light and Ripstop) in the Kingz line is currently very similar. The only difference is the secondary colour, which on the Kingz Ripstop is blue, along with the model name included on the patches. As with the 550 Comp, they're understated, so will appeal to those who like a minimalist gi. For those who like me are more obsessive and want something even plainer, again as with the 550 Comp, the patches are not difficult to remove (and because the Kingz ripstop jacket is thicker than average ripstop, the needle holes won't show, unlike the patches I removed from the Predator trousers), with two exceptions.

Firstly, the shoulder patches are stitched underneath the collar, so you won't be able to get rid of that last edge. You'll be left with a dark line of black fluff under the collar, though it isn't especially noticeable unless you're right up close. Secondly, the tape around the bottom of the jacket cannot be removed at all, as it is holding together a fold of unhemmed material. I guess you could unstitch it and then replace it with a plain white tape, but that's beyond my sewing comfort zone. ;)

Given that similarity of design, almost everything I said in my 550 Comp review applies to the Ripstop as well. There is the same reassuring level of reinforcement on all the major stress points and a generous six belt loops to keep your trousers up. The collar is rubber, which Kingz states will not warp under typical levels of heat in a washing machine. In my garden on a sunny day (although this is in the UK in March, so it still wasn't especially warm), the gi took about seven hours to go from soaking wet to completely dry.

Yet another similarity between the 550 Comp and the Ripstop is that there isn't much shrinkage, at least at the 30 degree Celsius temperature I use to wash my gis. My A1 stayed at 156cm cuff to cuff on the jacket, while the trousers retained their 92cm length. For my frame (5'7 and about 65kg) that was comfortable, though I would be happy enough with a couple more centimetres off the sleeves. As long as you don't throw this in the tumble drier on a high heat, then as it's pre-shrunk, the figures on the size chart should be an accurate reference.

Several gis use ripstop for reinforcement to help lighten the weight, such as the ripstop cover for the Padilla Ultra-Light collar. The Gorilla Ripstop also uses ripstop over the collar, but the Kingz Ripstop opts for tougher cotton twill, in keeping with the more orthodox gi jacket. This is a little heavier, but should presumably mean the Kingz collar is less prone to fraying.

The Kingz Ripstop is a quality product relatively free of bling. So, I'd still recommend this if you want a light gi for training, but there are better options if you're looking to take it with you travelling. Available to buy here.

Gi Review - 'Hitman' Ripstop (Gorilla Fight Gear)

Short Review: A jiu jitsu gi tends to be a bulky item. It's normally thick cotton, which makes for a volume-munching lump in your backpack. However, gis made out of ripstop roll up nice and tight, dry quickly and weigh hardly anything (the Hitman is a tiny 900g). In terms of speed-drying and packability, it lived up to my expectations. The extremely thin fabric also means it would be great for hot weather. Available here.

Update June 2015: It appears that Gorilla unfortunately no longer sell the Hitman. Closest thing made by Gorilla is the Journey, a little heavier at 280gsm.

The main disadvantage of that material is that it is much easier for your opponent to grab. I don't particularly mind that personally, as it just means I have to get better at breaking grips. So overall, I've been happy with this gi from Gorilla Fight Gear so far, as it does exactly what I wanted it to do, fulfilling the 'travel gi' role admirably. In terms of cost, the Gorilla ripstop is very afforable at only $89 USD (although shipping outside of Canada will of course bump that up considerably).

Full Review: I've been interested in picking up a ripstop gi for a while now. Although they've somewhat fallen out of favour recently, seen as a passing trend, my reasons for wanting one haven't changed: I need a travelling gi (hence why I have a section for reviews of travel gis, here). That means something very light, quick-drying and compact. The ripstop perfectly fits the bill.

If you've never heard of ripstop, its history apparently dates back to World War II, when it was used to make parachutes. Ripstop is commonly used for things like sails, hot air balloons and tents. From what I gather it is not so much about the material, but the stitching method using nylon threads. That results in a trademark pattern of small squares, which are supposed to prevent rips spreading (hence the name). The ripstop gi uses cotton, but you can also get ripstop nylon, ripstop polyester, ripstop silk, etc.

As much as I don't like to quote Wikipedia, I didn't see a whole lot else on the internet (pretty much just this, this and this). At least the following part of the wiki claims to be taken from what sounds like a legitimate source, judging by the footnote referencing Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles, 7th edition, p474:

Ripstop fabrics are woven fabrics often made out of nylon, whilst using a special reinforcing technique that makes them resistant to tearing and ripping. During weaving (thick) reinforcement threads are interwoven at regular intervals in a crosshatch pattern. The intervals are typically 5 to 8 millimeters (0.2 to 0.3 in). Thin and lightweight ripstop fabrics have a 3-dimensional structure due to the thicker threads being interwoven in thinner cloth. Older lightweight ripstop-fabrics display the thicker interlocking thread patterns in the material quite prominently, but more modern weaving techniques make the ripstop threads less obvious. A similar effect can be achieved by weaving two or three fine yarns together at intervals.

The best known ripstop gi brand is easily Kauai Kimonos. However, they're fairly expensive, and they're also a bit busy for my liking, with multi-coloured trim, patches and huge text along the shoulders. Gorilla Fight Gear's ripstop gi, despite the bling potential of the 'Hitman' name, is almost entirely plain (the picture on the right also gives you a close-up of the weave). There is just one patch on the arm, which isn't even easy to see, as it is light grey against a white gi. Aside from that, it also has two small Gorilla Fight Gear logo labels, on the trousers and the lapel.

The Gorilla ripstop gi has some areas of contrast, such as in the stitching, a grey rope drawstring and side vents, but it's relatively subtle. In what appears to be another possible cue from fashionable brands, there is an inside pocket (on the site, it says this is 'chest level': presumably that's a mistake, as it is clearly above the hip). I don't compete, so I doubt it is something I'll ever have much use for, but a potentially useful addition for holding your gumshield or phone (as long as it doesn't catch fingers and toes). It also comes with a white belt, which hasn't been the case for most of the gis I've bought.

I've read that on many ripstop gis, the collar can be thin and flimsy. That is definitely not the case with Gorilla Fight Gear's offering, which is decidedly beefy. The collar is made out of rubber, so I wouldn't recommend putting this gi in the dryer. Reinforcements are in all the usual places, by the trouser gusset, armpits, knees and on the side vents. The trouser and sleeve cuffs also look heavily fortified with stitching.

The trousers are secured with a bungee cord rather than the typical flat drawstring I'm used to. There are also five loops, meaning the rope is unlikely to move once you've tied it in place. I've read some reviews which say how ripstop trousers can become unpleasantly slimy and stick to the skin, but I haven't found that with the Gorilla ripstop. They certainly feel different to typical heavy cotton trousers when they get drenched in sweat, but I didn't notice any of the waxy stiffness some people have reported regarding other brands.

As with any ripstop weave, the material is much thinner than a standard gi: according to the website, it's 250gsm ripstop fabric. That has the advantage of reduced weight and less sweat, but it does mean rather less padding for throws and the like (which I definitely noticed when I wore it at RGA Bucks, as the mats are much thinner and harder than those at where I'm training in Bristol). In terms of weighing scales, that comes out at a ridiculously light 900g for both the jacket and trousers (not including a belt). The jacket is made out of a single piece of cloth, so there aren't any large seams on the back. There were a few loose threads, such as on the armpit reinforcement, but nothing major.

Rolling in the gi was comfortable, particularly during hot weather (which conveniently happened the first month I wore it, providing a good test). However, as with most ripstop gis, it is easier to grip. I also felt the collar digging into the back of my neck more than usual during one lesson, although that was probably more due to that particular training partner: I haven't noticed it during other rolls. At one point a sparring partner went for about five cross-chokes in a row, so I think I can safely say it isn't easier to get choked in this ripstop, or I would have been tapping. ;)

I washed it at 40 degrees Celsius with a spin setting of 900, then hung the jacket and trousers on door hooks. Four hours later, it was mostly dry, getting completely dry two hours after that. This was in an unheated bathroom in the UK, which isn't exactly known for its blazing temperatures. Either way, that means the gi would definitely dry overnight, so even if this was your only gi, you could easily wash and dry after training and still have a clean gi for the next day. I didn't notice enormous shrinkage, as you can see from the pictures.

To work out how small this gi packs up, I pulled out a rucksack from the cupboard and laid out a bunch of shirts, a hoody, a book and a couple of DVD boxsets for bulk. I'm not quite sure what kind of awesome training trip would include watching the entirety of Mysterious Cities of Gold plus a season of Hercules, but hey: the Gorilla Ripstop left enough room for everything except the large book. By comparison, the Padilla & Sons single weave, which is a fairly typical size for a standard gi, couldn't manage my belt or the DVDs. I rolled up each of the gis in the same way: the ripstop gi jacket effectively packs like a belt, as the fabric is thin enough to wrap tightly around it.

The 'Hitman' ripstop is relatively inexpensive, at $89 USD, especially as my sister's mother-in-law kindly took delivery of the gi at her home in Vancouver, then brought it with her during a recent visit to the UK. You can also get them in black, for $10 USD extra. I thought it was in Canadian dollars when I looked a few months ago, but either they've changed it or I just misremembered.

I should note that when I just checked, most of the smaller sizes were sold out (I bought my A2 back in April, when only A1 was unavailable: clearly they've been selling well), so unless you're a bigger grappler, you may need to wait for new stock. Mike provides good customer service, judging by the email he sent me, so worth checking with him if you're uncertain about sizing.