Do I Need a Gi? Beginner Gear Guide Gracie Barra Northridge Jiu-Jitsu

 

When you join Gracie Barra Northridge, you are joining a professional team with a standardized uniform policy. Unlike some casual gyms where you can wear whatever you want, GBN requires specific gear to maintain safety, hygiene, and team unity.

 

Here is the breakdown of what you need, why you need it, and what is optional.

 

1. The Essential: The Official Gi (Kimono)

Do I need it? Yes. You cannot train in a t-shirt or a Gi from another school.

What is it? A heavy-duty two-piece cotton uniform (jacket and pants) designed to withstand grabbing and pulling.

 

 The “Red Shield” Policy: You must wear an official Gracie Barra Gi. These are sold directly at the academy’s Pro Shop. They feature the red Gracie Barra logo patches in specific locations.

 Fit: BJJ Gis are sized differently than street clothes (A0, A1, A2, etc.). Staff will size you on your first day.

     Tip: Gis shrink. It is often wise to size up slightly or hang-dry your Gi to prevent it from becoming too small.

 Color: Gracie Barra generally uses White or Blue Gis. Blue is often preferred by beginners because it does not show dirt or sweat stains as easily as white.

 

2. The Belt (Faixa)

Do I need it? Yes. It keeps your jacket closed and signifies your rank.

What to buy: As a beginner, you will purchase a White Belt. This is usually included in the starter package.

 

3. The Rash Guard (Under-layer)

Do I need it? Yes.

What is it? A tight, moisture-wicking athletic shirt worn underneath the Gi jacket.

 

 Hygiene & Safety: It prevents “Gi burn” (chafing from the heavy cotton) and creates a barrier between your skin and your training partner.

 Policy: At GBN, you are required to wear a rash guard under your Gi. Men cannot be bare-chested under the jacket, and women must wear a rash guard or high-neck sports top.

 No-Gi Classes: If you attend No-Gi submission grappling classes, you must wear the official Gracie Barra rash guard and board shorts (which have no pockets or zippers to protect fingers and toes).

 

4. Mouthguard

Do I need it? Highly Recommended.

Why? Even though there is no punching in Jiu-Jitsu, accidents happen. A knee or elbow can slip during a scramble. A mouthguard prevents you from chipping a tooth or biting through your tongue.

 Type: A simple “boil-and-bite” mouthguard from a sporting goods store (like SISU or Shock Doctor) is sufficient.

 

5. Flip-Flops or Slides

Do I need them? Mandatory.

Why? You will be barefoot on the mats, but you never walk barefoot off the mats (e.g., to the restroom or locker room). This spreads bacteria like Staph or Ringworm to the training area.

 Protocol: Wear slides that are easy to slip on and off quickly at the edge of the mat.

 

6. What You Do NOT Need (Yet)

 Knee Pads: Only necessary if you have a pre-existing injury.

 Ear Guards (Headgear): Most beginners do not need these. They are usually for wrestlers or people prone to cauliflower ear who are sparring very intensely.

 A Cup (Groin Protection): Most BJJ practitioners do not wear a cup. Some tournaments actually ban them because the hard plastic can injure training partners during leverage moves (like an armbar). Tight compression shorts are usually sufficient.

 

Checklist

When you sign up at the front desk, you will typically purchase a “Starter Kit” which includes:

1. One Gi (Jacket & Pants)
2. One White Belt
3. One Rash Guard

 

Pro Tip: If you plan to train more than 2-3 times a week, you will eventually want to buy a second Gi. Heavy cotton takes a long time to dry, and you must wash your Gi after every single class. Having two in rotation makes life much easier.

 

Gracie Barra Northridge Location & Contact:

 

Address: 19520 Nordhoff St 10th, Northridge, CA 91324

 

Phone: +1 818-357-4074

 

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Website: gbnorthridge.com

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

Do I Need a Gi? Beginner Gear Guide Gracie Barra Northridge Jiu-Jitsu