Gi Etiquette

[drmickey]

Hi all - I have read on some post here and on other forums that some clubs/schools have a gi policy regarding what gi to wear in their club while training - i.e. colour, make. Is that true?

What happens when someone moves to another city and wants to train in new bjj school - do they have to purchase another gi, because their cameo, multi-patched blue/white or black gi is not permitted as the clubs 'uniform'?

Surely what Gi is worn on the mat doesnt matter? What differentiates BJJ from the more formal traditional MAs is that it is not formal!

[Josh Palmer]

Varies - we're pretty chilled about Gi's and patches. One of our guys used to train at Yamasakis academy and he mentioned that if you wear a different patch (or possibly a gi without a club patch) they hit you with a stick once or twice when they notice it, to jog your memory!

[drmickey]

I can understand wearing club patches in different clubs - it's a loyality thing - but having a club gi?? I heard that some GB clubs make students wear their Gis!

[FlameBoy]

As much as I would like someone to wear the club patch, and I feel that wearing a different affiliations gis is not quite right, espescially if you train regularly, Id have to say that as long as it isnt filthy, stinky or staph ridden, Im gonna go pretty easy on them for 6 to 8 months.

After that I might start, suggesting maybe its time they picked up a new gi or got rid of the old patches -in a jokey way that actually puts across my real feelings.

cleanliness, above the patches comes a distinct 1st in my priority list.

A guy turned up last night, brand new, never trained bjj before, with a spanking new black koral lightweight and white belt. Little bit flashy,but completely ok by any standards.

[david5]

just scrap

[drmickey]

I just got one of those Gis - lovely gis - that's one of the reasons I posted this post... I was reading how if someone came to a BJJ class first time wearing a black gi -they would attract 'attention' - It's a GI...A GI -

As you said FlameBoy - so long as it's clean!

I have 4 good qualitiy bjj gis now and I dont want to spend anymore money on another one - they have no club patches, just the brand patches that come with the gi....(note to those who know me: I am NOT moving to another club - just curious about the politics of Gis).

[piratebrido]

What does it matter? Can't understand people who get wrapped up in so much politics.

[Rob T]

If I was visiting a new academy for the first time, I'd wear my plainest gi. Most places seem pretty relaxed about it but I just figure it's better to go plain just in case.

For the rest, I pretty much agree with FlameBoy.

[drmickey]

Just train and fight I say!

[Bateman]

As much as I would like someone to wear the club patch, and I feel that wearing a different affiliations gis is not quite right, espescially if you train regularly, Id have to say that as long as it isnt filthy, stinky or staph ridden, Im gonna go pretty easy on them for 6 to 8 months.

After that I might start, suggesting maybe its time they picked up a new gi or got rid of the old patches -in a jokey way that actually puts across my real feelings.

cleanliness, above the patches comes a distinct 1st in my priority list.

A guy turned up last night, brand new, never trained bjj before, with a spanking new black koral lightweight and white belt. Little bit flashy,but completely ok by any standards.

did you make him pay for being so flash ?

I was up your way friday seeing Paul D