Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a sport that not only tests your physical limits but also demands commitment and discipline. One of the critical investments for any BJJ practitioner is their gi. This uniform, essential for training and competition, is more than just fabric; it's a symbol of your journey and dedication. Proper care and maintenance of your BJJ gi can significantly extend its lifespan, saving you money and ensuring that you always look your best on the mat. In this article, we'll explore eight essential tips for maintaining your BJJ gi, including the importance of using long sleeve rash guards and short sleeve rash guards.
1. Wash Your Gi Immediately After Training
Why It Matters
After an intense training session, your bjj gi is likely to be soaked with sweat, bacteria, and potentially blood. Leaving it unwashed can lead to unpleasant odors and can promote the growth of bacteria and mold, which can deteriorate the fabric and pose health risks.
Practical Steps
- Immediate Action: As soon as you get home, put your gi in the wash. If immediate washing isn’t possible, at least hang it up to dry to prevent bacteria growth.
- Use Cold Water: Washing your gi in cold water helps preserve the fabric and color. Hot water can cause shrinkage and fade the color over time.
- Mild Detergent: Use a gentle detergent that’s free of bleach and harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals can weaken the fabric and cause colors to fade.
2. Avoid Using the Dryer
Why It Matters
The heat from a dryer can cause your gi to shrink significantly and degrade the fibers, reducing its lifespan. Additionally, repeated exposure to high heat can weaken the fabric, making it more prone to tears and frays.
Practical Steps
- Air Dry: The best way to dry your gi is to hang it up in a well-ventilated area. This method preserves the fabric and prevents shrinkage.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: While air drying, avoid exposing your gi to direct sunlight for prolonged periods as UV rays can fade the colors.
- Indoor Drying: If outdoor drying isn’t an option, hang your gi indoors in a room with good airflow or use a fan to speed up the process.
3. Use Long Sleeve Rash Guards and Short Sleeve Rash Guards
Why It Matters
Wearing rash guards under your gi can significantly reduce the amount of sweat and bacteria that gets absorbed into the gi. Long sleeve rash guards and short sleeve rash guards serve as a protective barrier, keeping your gi cleaner for longer periods.
Practical Steps
- Choose the Right Rash Guard: Depending on the weather and your comfort, you can choose between long sleeve rash guards and short sleeve rash guards. Both offer excellent protection and can help prolong the life of your gi.
- Regular Washing: Just like your gi, rash guards should be washed regularly. Follow similar washing instructions—cold water, mild detergent, and air drying—to ensure they last longer and remain effective.
4. Repair Small Tears and Loose Threads Immediately
Why It Matters
Small tears and loose threads can quickly become larger problems if not addressed promptly. Regularly inspecting your gi and making minor repairs can extend its life and ensure it remains in good condition for training and competitions.
Practical Steps
- Inspection: After each wash, inspect your gi for any signs of wear and tear. Pay close attention to high-stress areas like the collar, sleeves, and knees.
- Sewing Kit: Keep a basic sewing kit on hand to fix minor issues. Reinforce seams and patch small holes before they become bigger.
- Professional Repairs: For more significant damage, consider taking your gi to a professional tailor who can make durable repairs.
5. Rotate Your GIs
Why It Matters
Wearing the same gi for every training session can quickly wear it out. Having multiple gis and rotating them allows each gi to have adequate rest and drying time between uses, which can prevent excessive wear and tear.
Practical Steps
- Multiple Gis: Invest in at least two or three gis. This investment not only extends the lifespan of each gi but also ensures you always have a clean gi ready for training.
- Rotation Schedule: Develop a rotation schedule that allows each gi to have at least 24-48 hours of rest and drying time between uses.
6. Proper Storage
Why It Matters
How you store your gi when it's not in use can also affect its longevity. Storing your gi properly can prevent mildew, mold, and unnecessary wrinkles.
Practical Steps
- Dry Completely: Ensure your gi is completely dry before storing it. Even a slightly damp gi can develop mold and mildew.
- Cool, Dry Place: Store your gi in a cool, dry place. Avoid places with high humidity or direct sunlight.
- Breathable Bag: Use a breathable garment bag to store your gi. This type of bag allows for air circulation and prevents moisture buildup.
7. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Fabric Softeners
Why It Matters
While it might be tempting to use fabric softeners or harsh cleaning chemicals to make your gi smell better or appear cleaner, these products can damage the fibers and reduce the gi’s durability.
Practical Steps
- Natural Alternatives: Instead of fabric softeners, consider using natural alternatives like white vinegar during the rinse cycle. Vinegar can help soften the fabric without causing damage.
- Stain Treatment: For stains, use a mild, bleach-free stain remover. Apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
- Eco-Friendly Detergents: Opt for eco-friendly detergents that are gentle on fabrics and free from harsh chemicals.
8. Understand the Material of Your Gi
Why It Matters
Different BJJ gis are made from various materials, each with its own care requirements. Understanding the material of your gi can help you tailor your maintenance routine to ensure maximum longevity.
Practical Steps
- Read the Label: Always read the care label on your gi. It contains valuable information about the specific washing and drying instructions for the material.
- Cotton GIs: Most BJJ gis are made from cotton or a cotton blend. These materials can shrink if exposed to high heat, so always wash in cold water and air dry.
- Specialty Fabrics: Some gis are made from specialty fabrics designed for competition or lightweight training. These may have unique care requirements, so follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.
Conclusion
Maintaining your BJJ gi properly not only extends its lifespan but also ensures that you always present yourself well on the mat. By washing your gi immediately after training, avoiding the dryer, using long sleeve rash guards and short sleeve rash guards, repairing small tears, rotating your gis, storing them properly, avoiding harsh chemicals, and understanding the material, you can keep your gi in top condition for years to come. Investing a little time and effort into gi maintenance can pay off significantly, both in terms of cost savings and in maintaining the professional appearance and performance of your gear. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these tips can help you get the most out of your BJJ gi.
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Have you are barely starting to train or simply thinking of training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
You must make certain that you have the right Jiu Jitsu gear.
There are a lot of gear choices you will find, however the most important Jiu Jitsu Gear you must have when training in Bjj includes BJJ Kimono or BJJ GI, BJJ Belt, Rash Guards and Ear Guards.
With the Bjj Gi you can enhance your game in many ways and develop many techniques thus the Bjj Gi is the most essential Ju Jitsu Gear you would need to train in Bjj.
Your Bjj Kimonos typically consists of a Gi top and Gi pants.
Second most important gear is Bjj Belt which depending on your rank is chosen as a Bjj belt to wear white, blue purple, brown or black.
