Best BJJ Gi Brands: The Complete Brand Comparison
Choosing the right BJJ gi brand can feel overwhelming with dozens of options now available to UK buyers. From established UK-based manufacturers like Tatami Fightwear and Progress BJJ to international powerhouses like Hyperfly and Kingz, each brand brings its own strengths in construction quality, sizing consistency, and value for money. This guide compares every major BJJ gi brand available in the UK, organised by price tier, so you can find the perfect match for your budget and training needs.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ UK-based brands like Tatami, Progress, Scramble, and Valor ship domestically with faster delivery and no import duties
- ✓ BJJ gi prices in the UK range from under £40 to over £200 depending on brand and model
- ✓ Mid-range brands (£80-£150) offer the best balance of quality and value for most practitioners
- ✓ Every brand featured in this guide ships to the UK or is stocked by UK retailers
In This Guide
- → Overview of the BJJ Gi Market in the UK
- → What Makes a Great BJJ Gi Brand?
- → Premium Brands (£150+)
- → Mid-Range Brands (£80-£150)
- → Budget Brands (Under £80)
- → UK-Based Brands Spotlight
- → International Brands with UK Shipping
- → Quick Comparison Table — All Brands
- → Brand Selection Guide
- → Where to Buy BJJ Gis in the UK
Overview of the BJJ Gi Market in the UK
The BJJ gi market has grown rapidly over the past decade, driven by the sport's surging popularity worldwide. What was once a niche market dominated by a handful of Japanese and Brazilian manufacturers now features dozens of brands competing for practitioners' attention and wallets.
For UK buyers, the landscape is particularly favourable. Several prominent BJJ gi brands are headquartered in the United Kingdom, meaning faster delivery, straightforward returns, and no import duties or surprise customs charges. International brands have also stepped up their UK distribution, with many operating dedicated UK warehouses or partnering with established UK retailers.
Prices range from under £40 for entry-level gis to well over £200 for premium and limited-edition models. The sweet spot for most practitioners lies in the £60-£130 range, where you'll find gis that balance quality construction, durable materials, and thoughtful design without breaking the bank.
For a complete overview of what to look for in a BJJ gi beyond brand, see our ultimate BJJ gi guide.
What Makes a Great BJJ Gi Brand?
Not all BJJ gi brands are created equal. When evaluating a brand, consider these key factors:
- Construction quality — Look for reinforced stitching at stress points, durable collars (EVA foam or rubber core), and quality drawstrings. These details separate gis that last years from those that fall apart in months.
- Material quality — The weave type, fabric weight (measured in GSM), and cotton quality all affect how a gi feels, performs, and ages. Learn more in our weave types guide.
- Sizing consistency — The best brands offer reliable size charts with consistent cuts across their range. Some brands also offer long (L), short (S), and husky (H) variants for non-standard builds.
- Value for money — A £60 gi that lasts two years of regular training offers better value than a £40 gi that needs replacing after six months.
- UK availability — Brands with UK warehouses or stockists mean cheaper shipping, faster delivery, and hassle-free returns.
- Customer service — Important for sizing exchanges and warranty claims. UK-based brands typically excel here, with Tatami Fightwear scoring 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot from over 1,100 reviews.
- Community reputation — What real practitioners say on forums and social media matters more than marketing copy.
Understanding the materials each brand uses can also help you make a more informed decision.
Mid-Range Brands (£80-£150)
The mid-range tier is where most UK practitioners will find their ideal gi. These brands offer excellent construction quality, reliable sizing, and strong customer service at prices that represent genuine value for money.
Tatami Fightwear
Tatami Fightwear is arguably the UK's most recognised BJJ gi brand. Founded in 2009 in South Wales by Gareth Dummer (a BJJ black belt) and Lee Jones, Tatami has grown into a global brand with a massive product range and UK-wide operations.
Their lineup spans every price point: the entry-level Nova Absolute starts at just £59.99, the mid-range Elements Ultralite 2.0 sits around £53-£60, and the flagship Estilo Black Label retails at £109. Tatami also offers one of the broadest size ranges in the industry, including A0-A6 with L, H, S, and XL variants.
With a 4.9/5 Trustpilot score from over 1,100 reviews, Tatami's customer service is consistently praised for fast responses and hassle-free exchanges. They run 30% off Black Friday sales and offer year-round 20% discount codes for military, NHS, and student customers.
Tatami primarily uses pearl weave construction across their range. Their gis are manufactured overseas (primarily Pakistan) but designed and quality-controlled from their UK headquarters.
Read our in-depth Tatami Fightwear review for a full breakdown of every model.
Best for: All levels. The go-to brand for UK practitioners wanting reliable quality with excellent customer service.
Progress BJJ
Progress BJJ was founded in 2012 in Manchester, England, and has built a loyal following through clean aesthetics, functional design, and strong competition-scene presence. The brand philosophy centres on adding value to the jiu jitsu community.
Their product line covers three main tiers: the Academy Gi at £68 (including a free white belt), the Featherlight competition gi at £119.50, and the flagship M6 series. The latest M6 Mark 6 features a 450 GSM pearl weave jacket and cotton twill trousers in a refined competition cut, priced around £120.
Progress offers a generous 90-day returns policy and guarantees to replace damaged products within the first 6 months. Their gis are manufactured in Pakistan and designed in the UK.
Read our complete Progress BJJ review for detailed model comparisons.
Best for: UK practitioners wanting a quality domestic brand with clean, minimalist designs.
Kingz
Kingz Kimonos was founded in 2011 by Bruno Munduruca, a BJJ industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in the grappling apparel space. Headquartered in San Diego, Kingz operates a dedicated UK store at kingz.co.uk for domestic shipping.
Their extensive range includes the entry-level The One V2 (400 GSM pearl weave, from £65), the mid-range Comp 450 V6 and Classic 3.0, the lightweight Ultralight 2.0 (420 GSM), and the premium Balistico 4.0 (480 GSM with Coolmax lining). UK prices range from approximately £65-£190.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced practitioners wanting competition-proven gis with a wide range of weight options.
Scramble
Scramble was founded in 2009 in the UK by Matt Benyon, a BJJ black belt who lived in Japan for four years, later joined by Ben Tong. The brand emerged from the UK grappling scene with a vision that BJJ gear should reflect the creative spirit of its practitioners, blending Japanese art influences with functional fight gear.
Their flagship Athlete Gi features a 450 GSM pearl weave jacket and 290 GSM ripstop trousers, retailing at just £65 — exceptional value for the quality level. Scramble has collaborated with combat sports legends like Kazushi Sakuraba and Mirko Cro Cop, and is deeply embedded with Polaris, one of the premier professional jiu jitsu superfight shows.
Best for: Practitioners who want creative, stylish designs backed by solid construction at competitive prices.
Budget Brands (Under £80)
Budget does not always mean low quality. Several brands offer genuinely capable gis at accessible price points, making them ideal for beginners or practitioners who need multiple gis for regular training without a large investment.
Fuji
Fuji Sports boasts one of the longest histories in martial arts equipment, founded in 1969 by Frank Hatashita (8th Dan). Now led by Olympic judoka Jimmy Pedro, Fuji brings decades of grappling expertise to their product line.
The Fuji All Around BJJ Gi is their most popular model — a mid-weight 550 GSM gi with twill cotton trousers that's 100% IBJJF certified. It's available in five colours (white, blue, navy, black, military green) with an extensive size range including L and H variants. UK pricing sits around £80-£100 through retailers like My Fight Gear and FightstorePro.
Fuji gis have been tested and endorsed by legends including Xande Ribeiro, Renzo Gracie, and Roger Gracie.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers wanting a proven, durable gi from a heritage brand.
Venum
Venum is the world's leading combat sports apparel brand, founded in 2005 and now serving as the official outfitter of the UFC. Originally based in France with offices in Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong, Venum brings massive brand recognition and wide availability.
Their BJJ gi range on Amazon UK starts from approximately £55 for the entry-level First BJJ Gi (325 GSM pearl weave) and Contender 2.0, rising to around £85-£91 for the Contender Evo (350 GSM) and Elite models. The Contender Evo offers particularly good value with reinforced construction at strategic points.
Best for: Beginners wanting an affordable, widely-available gi from a recognised combat sports brand.
Valor Fightwear
Valor Fightwear is a UK-based brand that has been producing premium BJJ gis for practitioners, teams, the British Army, and the RAF since 2010. They occupy the ultra-budget to mid-range segment with an impressive lineup.
Prices start at £65 for the Bravura (pearl weave, reinforced stitching), rising through the Valente at £70, the Premium Stealth and VLR Superlight at £85, to the In Actione at £130. The VLR Superlight is particularly noteworthy at just 1.2 kg in size A1, making it one of the lightest gis on the market.
All standard-colour Valor gis are IBJJF legal, and being UK-based means fast domestic shipping and easy returns.
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners and clubs looking for bulk orders from a reliable UK supplier.
UK-Based Brands Spotlight
Buying from a UK-headquartered brand offers several practical advantages: faster shipping (typically 1-3 days), straightforward returns and exchanges, no import duties or VAT surprises, and the satisfaction of supporting the local BJJ community.
Here is a summary of the major UK-based BJJ gi brands:
- Tatami Fightwear — Founded 2009 in South Wales. The UK's largest BJJ gi brand with a global presence. Gis manufactured overseas, designed in the UK.
- Progress BJJ — Manchester, England. Founded 2012. Clean, minimalist designs with a strong competition heritage. Gis manufactured in Pakistan.
- Scramble — UK-based. Founded 2009. Creative designs with Japanese art influences, embedded with the Polaris superfight series.
- Valor Fightwear — UK-based. Established 2010. Budget-friendly options trusted by the British Armed Forces.
While these brands design and quality-control from the UK, manufacturing typically takes place in Pakistan or other overseas facilities — this is standard practice across the industry and allows them to offer competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards.
International Brands with UK Shipping
Several international brands have made it easy for UK buyers to access their products, either through dedicated UK stores or established UK retailers.
Brands with UK warehouses or stores:
- Hyperfly — Official UK store (hyperfly.uk) ships via DPD Express. £4.99 delivery, free over £200.
- Kingz — Dedicated UK store (kingz.co.uk) with domestic shipping.
Brands available through UK retailers:
- Fuji — Stocked by My Fight Gear, FightstorePro, and other UK retailers.
- Venum — Widely available on Amazon UK and through UK combat sports retailers.
Import duty and VAT considerations:
When ordering from outside the UK (e.g., directly from US-based brands like Origin), be aware of the following costs:
- Orders under £135 (excluding shipping): no customs duty, but 20% VAT still applies.
- Orders over £135: approximately 12% customs duty plus 20% VAT on the total value.
- Courier handling fees typically add an additional £8-£15.
These additional costs can add 30-40% to the purchase price, making UK-stocked alternatives significantly more cost-effective in most cases.
Quick Comparison Table — All Brands
Use this table for a side-by-side comparison of every major BJJ gi brand available in the UK. For detailed sizing comparisons, see our BJJ gi size chart.
Brand Selection Guide
With so many options, here are our quick-pick recommendations based on your priorities:
- Best for beginners: Tatami Nova Absolute (£59.99) or Progress Academy Gi (£68) — both include a free white belt and offer excellent quality at entry-level prices. See our best beginner gi roundup.
- Best for competition: Hyperfly Starlyte III (£99.99) or Progress Featherlight (£119.50) — ultralight designs built for weigh-ins and performance.
- Best value for money: Scramble Athlete Gi (£65) — premium 450 GSM pearl weave construction at a budget price point. See our cheap BJJ gi roundup.
- Best premium option: Tatami Estilo Black Label (£109) or Kingz Balistico 4.0 — flagship quality without extreme pricing.
- Best UK-based brand: Tatami Fightwear — broadest range, best customer service, most widely available.
Your budget, experience level, body type, and training frequency should all factor into your decision. Practitioners training 3+ times per week may benefit from owning 2-3 gis from different brands to extend the lifespan of each. If you're wondering whether a gi is even necessary, check our gi vs no-gi comparison.
Where to Buy BJJ Gis in the UK
UK online retailers:
- Made4Fighters (made4fighters.com) — Stocks Tatami, Scramble, Progress, Kingz, Venum, and more. One of the UK's largest martial arts retailers.
- Minotaur Fight Store (minotaurfightstore.co.uk) — Wide selection of BJJ gis from Tatami, Scramble, Kingz, and other major brands.
- Fight Equipment UK (fightequipmentuk.com) — Stocks Tatami, Scramble, and other popular brands.
- FightstorePro (fightstorepro.com) — Carries Fuji, Scramble, and other BJJ brands.
- My Fight Gear (myfightgear.co.uk) — UK stockist for Fuji and other brands.
- Enso Martial Arts (shop.ensomartialarts.com) — Bristol-based shop with online store stocking Progress and Scramble.
Brand direct websites:
- tatamifightwear.com — Full range with UK shipping
- progressjj.co.uk — UK store with domestic shipping
- scramblestuff.com — UK-based, domestic shipping
- hyperfly.uk — UK warehouse, DPD delivery
- kingz.co.uk — UK store
- valorfightwear.com — UK-based
Amazon UK offers convenience and fast Prime delivery for brands like Venum, Tatami, and Fuji, though availability can be inconsistent and it's worth verifying authenticity through the official brand seller.
Best time to buy: Black Friday typically offers the best discounts (Tatami runs 30% off). January sales, end-of-season clearances, and brand-specific promotional periods also provide savings. Signing up for brand newsletters often unlocks immediate 10-20% discount codes.
For a complete guide to getting the best deals, see our BJJ gi sales UK page. To understand how shrinkage varies by brand, check our shrinkage guide.
Comparison
| Brand | HQ | Price Range | Best For | Weaves | UK Availability | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tatami | UK (South Wales) | £53-£109+ | All levels | Pearl, Gold Weave | Easy | 9/10 |
| Progress | UK (Manchester) | £68-£120 | Beginners to Advanced | Pearl Weave | Easy | 8.5/10 |
| Hyperfly | USA (San Diego) | £70-£100 | Competition | Pearl Weave | Easy (UK store) | 8.5/10 |
| Fuji | USA | £80-£100 | Budget/Heritage | Single, Pearl Weave | Moderate | 8/10 |
| Origin | USA (Maine) | £130-£180+ | Premium | Pearl Weave | Hard (import) | 8.5/10 |
| Kingz | USA (San Diego) | £65-£190 | Intermediate to Advanced | Pearl Weave | Easy (UK store) | 8.5/10 |
| Venum | France | £55-£91 | Budget/Beginners | Pearl Weave | Easy (Amazon UK) | 7.5/10 |
| Scramble | UK | £65-£145 | Intermediate | Pearl Weave | Easy | 8.5/10 |
| Valor | UK | £65-£130 | Budget/Beginners | Single, Pearl Weave | Easy | 7.5/10 |
Related Guides
Tatami Fightwear Review
In-depth review of every Tatami gi model with sizing and quality analysis.
Progress BJJ Review
Complete review of Progress BJJ covering the M6, Featherlight, and Academy gis.
Best BJJ Gi UK
Our top 10 picks for the best BJJ gis available in the UK right now.
Cheap BJJ Gi Guide
The best budget-friendly BJJ gis that deliver quality without the price tag.
BJJ Gi Weave Types
Understand the weave types each brand uses and how they affect performance.
BJJ Gi Size Chart
Compare sizing across brands with our comprehensive BJJ gi size chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best BJJ gi brand in the UK?
Tatami Fightwear is widely considered the best overall BJJ gi brand for UK buyers. Founded in South Wales, they offer the broadest range of models covering every price point (£59.99-£109+), have a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating from over 1,100 reviews, and provide fast UK shipping with excellent customer service. For those prioritising value, Scramble and Progress BJJ are also excellent UK-based alternatives.
Are expensive BJJ gi brands worth the price?
It depends on your priorities. Premium gis (£150+) typically offer superior materials, more refined fits, and prestige branding, but they don't necessarily last longer than well-made mid-range options. For most practitioners, the mid-range (£80-£130) offers the best balance of quality and value. The real difference between a £60 gi and a £100 gi is often more noticeable than between a £100 gi and a £200 gi.
Which BJJ gi brands are UK-based?
The main UK-headquartered BJJ gi brands are Tatami Fightwear (South Wales), Progress BJJ (Manchester), Scramble, and Valor Fightwear. These brands design in the UK and offer domestic shipping, easy returns, and no import duties. While manufacturing takes place overseas (typically Pakistan), quality control is managed from their UK operations.
What is the best BJJ gi brand for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend the Tatami Nova Absolute (£59.99) or Progress Academy Gi (£68). Both offer solid construction at entry-level prices and include a free white belt. The Scramble Athlete Gi (£65) is another excellent option that punches well above its price point with 450 GSM pearl weave construction.
Which brand makes the most durable BJJ gi?
Tatami and Fuji consistently receive praise for durability. Tatami's Estilo range uses 550 GSM pearl weave with reinforced stitching and has proven longevity over 1-2+ years of regular training. Fuji's All Around gi features a 550 GSM construction with multi-layered reinforcement. Origin offers a lifetime warranty, reflecting supreme confidence in their durability, though UK availability is limited.
What brand do professional BJJ competitors wear?
Professional competitors wear a variety of brands. Hyperfly, Shoyoroll, and Kingz are common on the international competition circuit. Tatami sponsors athletes worldwide and is frequently seen at European and world championships. Scramble is embedded with the Polaris professional superfight series. The choice often comes down to personal sponsorship deals rather than one brand being objectively superior for competition.
Are Amazon BJJ gis any good?
Amazon UK stocks legitimate gis from established brands like Venum (from £55), Tatami, and occasionally Fuji and Kingz. These are genuine products and perfectly good for training. However, be cautious of unknown brands selling extremely cheap gis (under £30), as these often have poor construction, thin fabric, and may not be IBJJF legal. Always buy from the official brand seller on Amazon when possible.
Which BJJ gi brand has the best sizing?
Tatami Fightwear offers the most comprehensive sizing system, with sizes A0 through A6 plus L (long), H (husky), S (short), and XL variants. This means most body types can find a good fit. Kingz also offers a good range of sizes with specific cuts. Progress BJJ uses sizes A0-A4 with long variants available on select models.
What is the best mid-range BJJ gi brand?
Tatami Fightwear and Progress BJJ lead the mid-range segment for UK buyers. Tatami's Estilo Black Label (£109) offers premium quality at a mid-range price with 550 GSM pearl weave construction. Progress's M6 Mark 6 (approximately £120) provides a refined competition cut trusted by world champions. Both are UK-based, ensuring hassle-free purchasing.
Do BJJ gi brands matter for training?
Yes, but perhaps not as much as marketing suggests. Any IBJJF-legal gi from an established brand will serve you well for training. Where brand choice matters most is in sizing consistency (getting a good fit), durability (how long it lasts under regular use), and comfort (fabric feel and breathability). Beginners can start with any reputable budget option and upgrade as they develop preferences through experience.
Ready to choose your brand? Read our individual brand reviews for in-depth analysis, or jump straight to our top 10 picks for the UK
See Top 10 UK Picks
Last updated: 1 February 2026