Custom BJJ gis and rash guards for your academy: what to look for

A branded gi and rash guard is one of the easiest ways for an academy to build identity and add a steady line of revenue. Here's what to think about before you order.

Choosing the gi

Weave and weight

Pearl weave is the most popular choice for academy gis. It's strong but light enough for long training sessions. Our standard BJJ gi is a 450 gsm pearl weave, which suits most students for everyday training.

Fit and sizing

BJJ gis are sized A0 to A6 for adults, with separate youth sizes. Order a sample in a couple of sizes and have students of different builds try them before you commit to a full run.

Branding

Most academies use a mix of embroidery and patches: a chest logo, a shoulder or back patch, and sometimes the academy name down the pant leg. Keep in mind that federation competitions have rules on patch placement, so check them if your students compete.

Choosing the rash guard

For rash guards, sublimation is the clear winner. The design is printed into four-way stretch fabric, so it won't crack when the fabric stretches during rolling. You can use your academy colours, rank colours, or a fully custom pattern.

• Long sleeve for gi and no-gi training, short sleeve for warmer climates.
• Rank-coloured versions are popular for no-gi classes.
• Match the rash guard design to your fight shorts for a complete no-gi set.

Ordering tips for academy owners

1. 01Start with a sample of each item and let your coaches train in it for a week.
2. 02Pre-sell to students with a sign-up sheet before ordering bulk, so you know your sizes.
3. 03Keep a few of each popular size in stock for new members.