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Buying a judo gi in the UK is harder than it should be. Most retailers carry two or three options with minimal product information. Most “reviews” are copied from manufacturer specs. And nobody explains the things that actually matter — GSM, weave, pre-shrinkage, IJF approval — in plain English.
This guide does. We’ve been making and selling judogi since 2010. We know what holds up in randori, what falls apart after six months, and what the referees are looking for at competitions.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Makes a Good Judo Gi?
GSM — the most important number nobody explains
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It tells you how dense and heavy the fabric is.
- 350–450GSM — lightweight judogi. Cooler to train in, easier to travel with, but less durable under heavy gripping. Better for casual training and younger players.
- 550–650GSM — mid-weight. The balance point. Good for regular club training.
- 750GSM+ — competition weight. Heavy, stiff, extremely durable. Built to handle thousands of hours of grip fighting without thinning out. This is what serious judoka and competitors need.
The Valor Sento 750 sits at 750GSM double weave. It’s competition grade without the competition price tag.
Single weave vs double weave
Single weave is lighter and cheaper. Double weave is heavier, denser, and significantly more durable. For regular training and competition, double weave is the correct choice. Single weave gis are fine for beginners or casual practice — they wear out faster under frequent training.
IJF Approval
For competition under British Judo or IJF rules, your gi may need to be IJF-approved. This means it meets specific weight, colour, and construction standards. Always check your competition’s specific requirements — local and regional events often don’t require IJF approval, but national and international events typically do.
Sizing
Judo gis are sized by height in centimetres rather than the A/F/M system used in BJJ. This makes sizing more straightforward — find your height, find your size. The fit should be generous: judo requires a full range of throwing and grip-fighting motion, and the sleeves and skirt need to meet minimum length requirements for competition.
The Best Judo Gi in the UK — Valor Sento 750
From £84 | Available in White and Blue | Sizes 160cm–200cm
The Sento 750 is our flagship judogi and the best-selling product in our entire range. It outsells every BJJ gi we carry, which tells you something about the quality of the UK judo market’s appetite for a serious product at a fair price.
Construction:
- 750GSM double weave cotton — competition-grade density
- Rope drawstring trousers with reinforced knee panels
- Reinforced collar — built to withstand thousands of grip repetitions
- Triple-stitched seams throughout
- Pre-shrunk — what you order is what you get
Who it’s for:
- Serious club judoka who train 3+ times per week
- Competitors at regional and national level
- Coaches who want a long-lasting everyday gi
- Anyone who’s frustrated with lightweight gis that thin out after a year
Colours: White and Blue — both £84
Sizing guide:
| Size | Height |
|---|---|
| 160cm | approx 5ft 2 |
| 165cm | approx 5ft 4 |
| 170cm | approx 5ft 7 |
| 175cm | approx 5ft 9 |
| 180cm | approx 5ft 11 |
| 185cm | approx 6ft 1 |
| 190cm | approx 6ft 3 |
| 200cm | approx 6ft 6 |
For a complete guide to sizing including what to do if you’re between sizes, see our Gi Sizing Guide.
What GSM Do I Need?
This is the question most buyers get wrong. Here’s a simple decision framework:
Buy 350–450GSM if:
- You’re a beginner or recreational player
- You train once or twice a week
- You prioritise comfort and light weight over durability
- You train in a warm gym and need breathability
Buy 750GSM if:
- You train 3+ times per week
- You compete or plan to
- You’ve had lightweight gis wear out on you before
- You want a gi that lasts 3–5 years of regular training
There’s no advantage to buying a lightweight gi if you train seriously. The extra weight is worth it in grip resistance and longevity.
Judo Gi vs BJJ Gi — Key Differences
A question we get regularly, especially from parents signing their child up for martial arts and trying to work out which gi to buy.
| Feature | Judo Gi | BJJ Gi |
|---|---|---|
| Cut | Loose, longer skirt and sleeves | Tighter, shorter skirt and sleeves |
| Weight | Typically heavier (550–750GSM+) | Typically lighter (350–550GSM) |
| Weave | Usually double weave | Usually pearl weave |
| Collar | Thick and stiff | Thinner, more flexible |
| Trousers | Wider leg opening | More tapered |
| Competition rules | Different grip and technique restrictions | IBJJF rules allow more grip variations |
Can you train BJJ in a judo gi? Yes, especially as a beginner. The gi is legal at most recreational clubs. You’ll find it heavier and baggier, which some grapplers actually prefer for training — less fabric management, more focus on technique.
Can you train judo in a BJJ gi? Technically possible at casual club level, but not for competition. BJJ gis don’t meet judo construction standards and won’t pass inspection at a judo event.
Judo Gi FAQ
What judo gi should a beginner buy?
The Sento 750 is suitable from beginner to advanced — it’s not overcomplicated or fragile, and it’ll last long enough that you won’t need to replace it as you progress. Buying a cheap lightweight gi to start and then replacing it within a year is a false economy.
How should a judo gi fit?
The sleeve should reach no higher than 5cm above the wrist. The jacket should cover the hips. The trouser leg should reach to mid-calf. These aren’t just stylistic preferences — they’re the minimum requirements for competition legal fit under most rulesets.
Do I need an IJF-approved gi?
For most club training and local competition, no. For national or international competition under British Judo or IJF rules, check your specific event requirements. If in doubt, contact the organiser before buying.
How do I wash a judo gi?
Cold wash (30 degrees), inside out, no fabric softener. Fabric softener degrades the cotton weave over time. Air dry — tumble drying will shrink even a pre-shrunk gi and wear down the fabric faster. Hang to dry immediately after washing to avoid odour setting in.
How long does a judo gi last?
A 750GSM double weave gi, washed and dried correctly, training 3x per week, should last 3–5 years before showing significant wear. Lighter gis at the same training volume will typically last 12–18 months.
Does Valor ship judo gis across the UK?
Yes — we ship from within the UK to all mainland addresses. Standard delivery and express options available at checkout. No import fees, no customs delays.
Is the Sento 750 suitable for children?
The Sento 750 is sized for adults (160cm–200cm). For younger judoka, email us at sales@valorfightwear.com and we’ll advise on the best option for your child’s age and height.
The Bottom Line
The judo gi market in the UK is full of cheap options that look fine until the first month of serious training. The Sento 750 is built for grapplers who don’t want to replace their gi every year.
Shop the Valor Sento 750 — from £84 →
Questions? Email us at sales@valorfightwear.com — we train and we’re happy to help you find the right gi.
Valor Fightwear — Making judogi and BJJ gis since 2010. Based in Cumbria, UK.