BJJ Beginner FAQ: Gis, Gear & Getting Started

New to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? These answers cover the sport, the gear and how to choose it, written for beginners. Last updated October 2026.

BJJ Basics

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling martial art built around ground fighting, leverage and technique. You win by controlling your opponent and finishing with a submission, such as a choke or joint lock, instead of striking. Because technique matters more than size or strength, people of all sizes and ages train it.

What is the difference between gi and no-gi BJJ?

In gi BJJ you train in a heavy cotton jacket, pants and belt, and you can grip the fabric to control and submit your opponent. In no-gi you wear a rash guard and shorts or spats, so there is no fabric to grip and the pace is usually faster. Many schools teach both, and the skills carry over. See our no-gi gear checklist for beginners or shop our no-gi gear.

Do I need to be in shape or flexible to start BJJ?

No. You get in shape by training, and nobody expects you to know anything on day one. Start at your own pace and tell your coach about any injuries. Wondering if you are too old to start? Read Too Old to Start Jiu-Jitsu? Science Says Otherwise. New to the mats as a woman? See BJJ for Women: What to Expect When Starting Out, and parents can read BJJ for Kids: Benefits and What Parents Should Know.

What happens in a first BJJ class?

Most classes start with a warm-up, then your instructor teaches a few techniques, you drill them with a partner, and many classes end with positional sparring or live rolling. As a beginner you can take sparring slowly. The most important habit is to tap early and tell your partner if something hurts. Learn the etiquette in our top 4 unspoken rules of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

How do BJJ belts work?

Adult belts go white, blue, purple, brown, then black, and your instructor decides when you are promoted based on skill, attendance and time on the mat. Kids have extra colors in between, such as gray, yellow, orange and green. Promotion speed varies, and getting from white to blue often takes about 1 to 3 years of regular training. For tips on improving faster, read How to Get Better at BJJ Faster.

Gear for Your First Class

What gear do I need for my first BJJ class?

For a gi class you need a gi (jacket and pants) and a belt, plus a water bottle, a towel, and slides or sandals for off the mat. Keep your nails trimmed. A rash guard under your gi is optional, and a mouthguard is optional for beginners. If you want everything in one purchase, our Jiu Jitsu Starter Kit includes the Starlyte III gi in white, a Core White Belt sized to match, and a Core Rash Guard.

Should I start with a gi or no-gi?

Follow your school, since some academies start beginners in the gi and others in no-gi. If your school teaches both, you will eventually want both setups: a gi and belt, plus a rash guard and shorts or spats. A lightweight gi like Starlyte is a comfortable way to start in the gi.

How many gis do I need?

One is enough to start. If you train three or more times a week, a second gi lets one dry while you wear the other, so you always train in a clean gi.

Choosing a BJJ Gi

What makes a BJJ gi IBJJF legal?

IBJJF does not keep a list of approved brands. A gi is IBJJF legal when it meets the federation's uniform rules, which cover color (white, blue or black), fabric, how the jacket, sleeves and pants fit, collar thickness and patch placement. Uniforms are checked at the event, so read the rules on ibjjf.com and confirm legality for the specific gi you buy. Every Hyperfly gi page states whether that gi is legal, and our IBJJF legal gis collection groups them in one place.

What is the best BJJ gi for durability and price?

The best gi depends on how you train, but three things drive durability: the weave (pearl weave is a durable, common choice for competition gis), the weight (a higher gsm is heavier and tougher, but warmer), and the stitching and reinforcement. A gi that survives daily training saves you money because you replace it less often. At Hyperfly, the Hyperlyte 3.5 is our classic lightweight competition gi (380gsm pearl weave), and the Icon VI is a lightweight competition gi with a simple, clean design, built for everyday training and competition. We replace or repair a gi that rips within 60 days of purchase. See current prices in our gi collection.

What is the difference between Hyperfly gi models?

Starlyte (275gsm Star weave) is our ultra light training gi, great for hot weather and travel, and it is training only, not IBJJF legal. Hyperlyte (380gsm pearl weave) is our classic lightweight competition gi. Icon VI (380gsm pearl weave) is a lightweight competition gi for everyday training and competition. ProComp (380 to 450gsm) is our elite competition series, and the ProComp Lyte is a lightweight, fitted competition gi. JudoFly X (650gsm pearl weave) is our heaviest, built for grip fighting, cold weather and durability. Compare them side by side in our gi model guide.

What is a good lightweight women's gi for summer training?

Look for a low gsm, a breathable weave and sizing made for women. Hyperfly gis come in F (women's) sizes as well as A (men's and unisex) sizes. Starlyte, at 275gsm, is our lightest option and is training only. Hyperlyte and Icon VI, at 380gsm, are lightweight competition gis, and ProComp Lyte is a lightweight, fitted competition gi. Browse our lightweight gis and check the F column of our size chart.

How do I size a BJJ gi, and do gis shrink?

Use our size chart: find your weight band, then your height within it. Our gis are not pre-shrunk. Washed cold and hung dry, they stay close to the chart measurements. Washed warm or dried in a dryer, expect to lose up to 3 inches in the jacket body, sleeves and pant length. When in doubt, size up, because a slightly big gi can be shrunk to fit and a small one cannot be fixed.

How do I wash and care for my BJJ gi?

Wash cold, hang dry, and skip bleach and fabric softener. Wash your gi after every session. Read our full gi care guide for more.

No-Gi Gear

What gear do I need for no-gi BJJ?

You need a rash guard and either shorts or spats (compression pants). Choose stretch fabric and avoid hard buckles or zippers that can hurt a training partner. Our no-gi gear checklist for beginners covers everything, and you can shop our rash guards and shorts and spats.

What are the best no-gi shorts for BJJ that will not ride up?

Look for four-way stretch fabric, a compression liner that stays in place, a secure waistband and a cut that moves with your hips. Many grapplers also wear spats under shorts for extra security. Hyperfly examples: the Icon Combat Shorts use quick-dry 4-way stretch fabric, a full-mesh inner compression layer with an extra liner panel to keep it in place, a higher side cut and an adjustable drawcord waistband. The ProComp Supreme 4.0 shorts use 6-way stretch fabric, a neoprene elastic waistband made not to slide, an internal drawcord and an 8-inch inseam, and are competition legal. The Core Training Shorts pair a 140gsm 4-way ripstop shell with a flexible inner mesh liner.

What is the best rash guard for daily BJJ training?

Look for sweat-wicking four-way stretch fabric, a close compression fit and graphics that will not crack. The Hyperfly Core Ranked Rash Guard is lightweight and sweat-wicking, with a slightly roomier cut through the hips for mobility, in belt-rank colors. The ProComp Supreme Edge adds a seamless neck, HyperCompression panels, 12 laser-cut panels and mesh across the back and arms, and is made for daily training and competition. We recommend ordering the Edge one size up if your usual size fits tight or just right.

What is the best rash guard for sensitive skin and mat hygiene?

No rash guard prevents skin infections on its own, but a snug, sweat-wicking long sleeve rash guard reduces direct skin contact with mats and partners and helps manage sweat. Look for flat or seamless construction where it touches your neck and underarms, like the seamless neck on our ProComp Supreme Edge. Habits matter more than any fabric: shower right after training, wash your rash guard and shorts after every session, keep your nails short, cover cuts, and do not train with open wounds. See a doctor for any rash, patch or sore that does not look right, and skip training until it is cleared. We do not make medical claims about our fabrics, and this is general information, not medical advice.

BJJ Belts

Where can I find durable BJJ belts that will not fray quickly?

Look for a dense weave and rows of stitching along the belt. Every belt frays a little over years of use, and that is normal. The Hyperfly Core Belt is made from a durable 8 stitch cotton twill blend. The Hyperfly Comp Belt is an ultra light, soft pearl weave belt in blue to black, sized A0 to A6. Belts are sized to match your gi size. Shop all of our BJJ belts, including kids belts.

How do I tie my BJJ belt?

Wrap the belt around your waist so both ends hang evenly, cross them, and finish with a square knot so it stays tight through training. Your instructor can show you your school's preferred way.

Your First Tournament

What BJJ gear do I need for my first tournament?

Bring a clean, rip-free gi in an allowed color that meets your event's rules, the belt that matches your rank, a water bottle, snacks, slides, athletic tape and any base layer or mouthguard your event requires. Weigh-in and uniform checks vary by event, so read the rules in advance. For a full walkthrough, read What to Expect at an IBJJF Tournament.

Are Hyperfly gis allowed at IBJJF tournaments?

Our competition models are made to be IBJJF legal, and Starlyte is training only. Legality is stated on each product page, so confirm it for the specific gi and color you want, since IBJJF allows white, blue and black gis. Shop our IBJJF legal gis collection to see them together.

About Hyperfly

Who is Hyperfly?

Hyperfly is a family-owned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear brand founded in 2011 in San Diego, California, by Kerstin and Pascal. We make gis, rash guards, no-gi shorts, spats, apparel, accessories and kids gear, and our gis have been worn at the IBJJF World Championships. Our motto is You Can't Teach Heart. Read our story on the About page.

How does Hyperfly compare to other BJJ brands for quality?

We would rather you judge on what you can check. We publish the weight, weave and IBJJF legal status of every gi. We have been making gis for 15 years. The Hyperlyte 3.5 has a 4.76 star average from more than 1,200 customer reviews. We replace or repair a gi that rips within 60 days, and we accept returns and exchanges within 30 days of receiving your order (see our Returns and Exchanges page). Different brands favor different fits, weights and prices, so match the gi to how you train, and use our size chart to pick your size.

Should I buy a gi from Hyperfly or a more established brand?

Compare fit, weight, IBJJF legality, price, reviews and support. Hyperfly has been around since 2011, so we are an established brand, and we are still family-owned. We focus on lightweight gis, from the 275gsm Starlyte to the 380gsm Hyperlyte and Icon VI, with clear legality information on each page. If you are unsure about fit, message us in live chat or email orders@hyperfly.com before you order.

Does Hyperfly sponsor athletes?

Visit our Ambassador Program page and tell us about yourself. We read every application, but we cannot sponsor everyone.

Where can I get help choosing gear?

Message us in live chat or email orders@hyperfly.com. Our customer service team is available Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 4:00pm. For shipping, returns and payments, see our store FAQ.