Kids BJJ Gi Guide: Everything Parents Need to Know

Your child's first BJJ gi is an important purchase that affects their comfort, performance, and enthusiasm for training. Unlike generic martial arts uniforms, proper BJJ gis are specifically designed for grappling with reinforced construction, appropriate fabric weight, and sizing that accommodates the dynamic movements of Jiu Jitsu.

What distinguishes a BJJ gi from karate or judo uniforms? BJJ gis feature thicker collars that resist gripping, reinforced knees for ground work, tapered pants that don't bunch during rolling, and specific construction standards that prevent fingers getting caught. Whilst some academies allow children to start in karate gis temporarily, a proper BJJ gi significantly improves the training experience.

UK youth BJJ participation continues to grow as more parents recognise the benefits of martial arts for children: discipline, confidence, physical fitness, and problem-solving skills. With over 300 BJJ clubs now operating across the UK, finding quality instruction and equipment has become easier than ever. However, parents face unique challenges when buying kids gis: children grow quickly, they're harder on equipment through rough play, and sizing can be confusing with multiple systems (M00, M0, M1, M2, M3, M4, and Youth sizing).

Before purchasing, confirm your child's academy doesn't have specific gi requirements. Some schools mandate white gis only for uniformity, whilst others allow any IBJJF-legal colour (white, royal blue, or black). Check whether the academy sells gis directly—often at competitive prices with the advantage of trying on for proper fit. Finally, consider your child's training frequency: 1-2 sessions per week requires one gi with proper washing between sessions, whilst 3+ sessions per week necessitates two gis in rotation.

Children's BJJ gis use the M-series sizing system, completely different from adult A-series sizing. The 'M' stands for 'minor' or 'youth', with numbers indicating progressively larger sizes. Some brands also use M000 or M00 for very small children.

Standard Kids Sizing Chart

M00 (M000): Height 3'9"-4'0" (115-122 cm), Weight under 50 lbs (under 23 kg), Approximate age 3-5 years

M0: Height 4'2"-4'4" (127-132 cm), Weight 50-65 lbs (23-29 kg), Approximate age 5-7 years

M1: Height 4'4"-4'6" (132-137 cm), Weight 65-80 lbs (29-36 kg), Approximate age 7-9 years

M2: Height 4'6"-4'9" (137-145 cm), Weight 80-95 lbs (36-43 kg), Approximate age 9-11 years

M3: Height 4'9"-4'11" (145-150 cm), Weight 95-110 lbs (43-50 kg), Approximate age 11-13 years

M4: Height 4'11"-5'1" (150-155 cm), Weight 110-125 lbs (50-57 kg), Approximate age 12-14 years

Important: These measurements represent general guidelines. Different brands have different sizing—for instance, Valor's M0 fits approximately 120 cm height, whilst Atos sizes M0 for age 7-8 and height 4'2"-4'4". This variation means you must check brand-specific charts before ordering.

Age vs Height/Weight

Never buy based solely on age. Children develop at vastly different rates—one 8-year-old might wear M0 whilst another needs M2. Always prioritise height and weight measurements over age recommendations. If your child falls between sizes, consider their growth rate: fast-growing children benefit from sizing up, whilst slower-growing children achieve better fit sizing to current measurements.

Brand-Specific Variations

Kids sizing varies more between brands than adult sizing does. Review these brand-specific considerations:

• Tatami: Generally runs true to size with comprehensive M00-M4 range
• Venum: Tends to run slightly smaller; consider sizing up if between sizes
• Progress: UK brand with reliable sizing; good customer service for sizing questions
• Valor: Budget brand with straightforward sizing but less detailed size charts

For comprehensive sizing information across all age groups, see our complete BJJ gi size chart including kids measurements.

The eternal parenting dilemma: buy a gi that fits perfectly now but will be outgrown quickly, or buy larger to grow into but deal with excess fabric in the meantime? Here's how to make the right decision:

The Trade-offs

Perfect Fit Now:

• Better performance with no excess fabric for opponents to grip
• Competition-legal immediately (important if your child competes)
• More comfortable and confidence-building
• Typically needs replacement in 12-18 months with regular training
• Requires more frequent purchases

Size to Grow Into:

• Longer usable lifespan (18-24 months potentially)
• Lower cost per year of use
• Excess fabric initially creates grip opportunities for training partners
• May violate competition regulations until child grows into it
• Can be uncomfortable and affect movement initially

IBJJF Youth Competition Rules

If your child competes, IBJJF regulations matter significantly. Updated 2025 requirements state: sleeves must end no more than 2 cm from the wrist when arms are extended parallel to the ground, and pants must end no more than 2 cm above the ankle bone. These measurements apply to youth divisions just as strictly as adult divisions.

A gi bought large to grow into will likely violate these regulations initially. Sleeves extending past the wrist and pants covering the feet aren't just performance handicaps—they'll disqualify your child from competition. If competition is a priority, buy for current fit and plan to replace as needed.

Practical Advice

For training-only children, buying 1-2 cm longer in sleeves and pants is reasonable. The gi will fit properly after the first wash (even pre-shrunk gis typically shrink 2-3 cm), and within 2-3 months of growth, the fit will be ideal. Rolling up sleeves and pants is acceptable for training though not for competition.

For competing children, buy to fit current measurements or very slightly longer. The cost difference of replacing a gi 6 months sooner is worthwhile to avoid competition disqualifications and ensure proper training experiences.

Growth Patterns and Gi Longevity

Children aged 4-8 typically grow 5-6 cm (2-2.5 inches) per year. At this rate, expect 12-18 months from a well-fitted gi before it becomes too short. Children aged 9-12 may experience growth spurts of 7-10 cm (3-4 inches) per year, reducing gi lifespan to 9-12 months. Teenagers going through puberty can grow even faster, sometimes outgrowing a gi in 6-9 months.

One parent reported buying their nephew a Tatami M0 that fit loosely, and two years later it finally fits perfectly with minimal wear despite rough treatment. This demonstrates that sizing up can work for slower-growing children, particularly those training 1-2 times per week.

Children are notoriously hard on equipment. Between rough play on the mats, improper washing and drying by young owners, and the simple wear from frequent training, kids gis face challenges adult gis don't. Understanding durability factors helps you choose gis that survive your child's training journey.

Why Durability Matters More for Kids

Children engage in rougher play than adults during training, pulling harder on grips and moving more erratically. Young students may not care for their gis properly—leaving them in bags overnight, washing in hot water despite instructions, or machine drying on high heat. Kids also train more frequently relative to their gi collection size; whilst adults often own 3-5 gis in rotation, children typically train with 1-2 gis, meaning higher wear per gi.

Key Durability Features

Reinforced Knees: Look for double or triple-layered knee reinforcement. Children spend enormous amounts of time on their knees during ground work, wearing through this area faster than adults. Quality kids gis feature extra fabric layers or patches at the knees.

Strong Stitching: Examine seam quality, particularly at stress points: collar attachment, shoulder seams, crotch gusset, and sleeve attachments. Reinforced stitching with multiple rows of thread at these points indicates better construction. Budget gis often use single-line stitching that fails within months.

Quality Collar: The collar endures constant gripping and pulling. A well-constructed collar maintains its shape and doesn't become floppy or thin. Foam-filled collars in kids gis should be dense and well-sewn into place.

Fabric Weight: For kids, 350-450 GSM (grams per square metre) provides good durability without excessive weight. Heavier isn't always better—overly thick gis are uncomfortable for children and slow to dry. Lighter weight gis (250-300 GSM) are fine for young beginners training once weekly but won't survive intensive training schedules.

Expected Lifespan by Brand

Based on parent reviews and community feedback, here's what to expect with regular training (2-3 times per week):

• Tatami kids gis: Excellent quality, 2-3+ years with proper care. Priced £40-£50, representing good long-term value.
• Fuji kids gis: 'Bombproof' durability according to parents. Survives multiple siblings across several years. £50-£80 range.
• Progress kids gis: Good quality, 2-3 years expected lifespan. UK brand advantage with 6-month damage guarantee. £50-£80.
• Venum kids gis: Reasonable durability for the price, 18-24 months typical lifespan. £60-£80.
• Valor/budget brands: Lower durability, expect 12-18 months. However, given children outgrow gis in this timeframe anyway, the reduced cost can make sense. £40-£60.

Remember that proper care significantly extends gi lifespan. Teach your child to wash their gi correctly: cold water, mild detergent, air dry, and prompt washing after training rather than leaving it in a bag overnight.

The financial reality of kids BJJ gis: children outgrow them before wearing them out. This fundamental truth shapes smart buying strategies that balance quality, longevity, and cost.

The Cost Reality

If your child frequents BJJ 2-3 times weekly, expect to replace their gi every 12-24 months due to growth, not wear. Compare this to adult practitioners who might use the same gi for 3-5+ years. This shorter lifespan changes the cost-benefit calculation for premium purchases.

Cost Per Year Analysis

Let's compare three scenarios for a child training 3 times per week over 2 years:

Budget Strategy (£50 gi lasting 18 months): Purchase two gis over 2 years = £100 total = £50 per year

Mid-Range Strategy (£75 gi lasting 18 months): Purchase two gis over 2 years = £150 total = £75 per year

Premium Strategy (£100 gi lasting 18 months): Purchase two gis over 2 years = £200 total = £100 per year

Since even premium kids gis don't last longer than budget options (child outgrows them regardless of durability), the budget strategy makes financial sense unless you plan to pass the gi to younger siblings.

When to Buy Cheap vs When to Invest

Buy Budget (£40-£60) When:

• Your child is trying BJJ for the first time (commitment uncertain)
• Child is experiencing rapid growth spurts
• No younger siblings to pass gis down to
• Training frequency is 1-2 times per week only
• Child is still deciding if they enjoy BJJ

Invest in Quality (£70-£100) When:

• Child is committed to long-term training
• Training frequency is 3+ times per week (durability matters more)
• Younger siblings will inherit the gi (multi-child value)
• Child competes regularly (better construction provides advantages)
• Growth rate has slowed (early/mid-teenage years)

Hand-Me-Down Viability

Gis can absolutely be passed between siblings, making quality purchases more cost-effective. A £100 Tatami kids gi used by three siblings over 4-5 years costs just £33 per child—better value than buying budget gis for each child.

To assess a used gi's remaining life, check: knee reinforcement for thinning or holes, collar firmness (floppy collars indicate wear), seam integrity at shoulders and crotch, and overall fabric condition (excessive pilling or thinness means end of life). Most quality kids gis survive 2-3 owners with proper care.

Hygiene considerations require proper deep cleaning before passing down. Soak the gi in a mixture of white vinegar and water (1:4 ratio) for 2-3 hours, then wash with baking soda and regular detergent. This eliminates odours and bacteria accumulated over years of training. For more detailed care instructions, see our comprehensive gi washing guide.

Second-Hand Market

UK options for used kids gis include Facebook Marketplace BJJ groups (search 'BJJ buy sell UK'), eBay UK (regularly lists kids gis £20-£40), local BJJ academy notice boards (often the best deals from training partners), and Reddit r/bjj marketplace threads. Expect to pay 30-50% of retail price for used gis in good condition.

When buying used, insist on photos showing collar, knees, and seam areas. Ask about number of previous owners and washing methods (hot water/machine drying accelerates wear). Don't buy gis with holes, separated seams, or excessively thin fabric regardless of price.

Several brands produce excellent kids gis readily available in the UK market. Here's what to expect from each:

Tatami Kids Range

Tatami offers one of the most comprehensive kids ranges in the UK. Their Nova Absolute Kids Gi features a 350 GSM pearl weave jacket and 10 oz cotton tapered pants, making it strong, durable, and lightweight. IBJJF approved for both training and competition. Available in multiple colours and sizes from M000 through M4. UK retailers stock them at approximately £40-£50, with Amazon UK showing some models around £49.22-£49.99.

The Elements Kids Superlite Gi provides an ultra-lightweight option with 300 GSM advanced pearl weave jacket and 8 oz ripstop pants. Priced around £39 at Fight Equipment UK when in stock. Comes with a free white belt. Available in black, white, blue, khaki, and navy colourways.

Parents consistently rate Tatami kids gis highly for durability. One parent reported their nephew's Tatami M0 surviving two years of regular use with minimal wear. The brand offers excellent quality for the price point and wide UK availability through Made4Fighters, Minotaur Fight Store, and Fight Equipment UK. Read our complete Tatami brand review for detailed analysis.

Progress Kids Gis

As a UK-based brand, Progress offers significant advantages: fast delivery, easy returns, and customer service familiar with UK customer needs. Their Academy Kids BJJ Gi was listed at Fight Equipment UK for £49.99 regular price, £29.99 on sale (though currently sold out). The gis are lightweight, quick-drying, and come with a free white belt. Progress offers robust, pre-shrunk cotton that withstands intense training and frequent washing.

The standout feature for parents: Progress's 90-day hassle-free returns policy and 6-month damage guarantee. If the gi develops any manufacturing defects within 6 months, they'll replace it free of charge. This is particularly valuable for kids gis where quality concerns may not appear immediately. Available in multiple colours including teal, black, and standard BJJ colours. Our detailed Progress review covers their full range.

Venum Kids Range

Venum's Contender Kids BJJ Gi represents the best budget entry point for children starting BJJ. Available through Venum UK, Made4Fighters, and other UK retailers in the £60-£80 range. Includes a free white belt. Available in white, black, and grey colourways across the M-series size range.

Venum gis tend to run slightly smaller than other brands, so consider sizing up if your child is between sizes or experiencing rapid growth. The Contender line offers good value for families unsure about long-term commitment to BJJ. Whilst not as durable as Tatami or Fuji options, it provides adequate quality for 1-2 years of regular training. Check our Venum review for more details.

Valor Kids Range

Valor Fightwear offers the most budget-friendly kids gis available in the UK market, typically £40-£60. Their Victory 2.0 Kids Premium BJJ Gi features 450 GSM pearl weave cotton construction—decent quality for the price. Whilst durability doesn't match premium brands, Valor gis adequately serve children who will outgrow them before wearing them out anyway.

Best suited for: first-time gi buyers, children trying BJJ to see if they enjoy it, families managing tight budgets, or as a second gi for rotation whilst keeping costs down. Available through Amazon and various UK retailers. See our Valor brand review for comprehensive details.

Other Notable Brands

Fuji Kids Gis: Highly rated by parents for 'bombproof' durability. Can survive multiple siblings across several years. £50-£80 range. Less commonly stocked in UK retailers but available through Amazon and specialist sites.

Kingz Kids Gis: Quality option if available through Kingz UK. Mid-range pricing with good construction quality.

All major UK retailers stock kids gis: Made4Fighters, Fight Equipment UK, Minotaur Fight Store, and Shop4 Martial Arts. For comprehensive retailer comparisons, see our where to buy BJJ gis in the UK guide.

Safety features in kids BJJ gis protect young practitioners during training. Understanding these considerations helps parents make informed purchases.

Drawstring and Waistband Safety

The most significant safety feature: kids BJJ pants typically have an elastic waistband combined with an inner drawstring, unlike adult pants that only have a drawstring. This combination design prevents common issues with young children who haven't yet mastered tying secure knots. The elastic waistband ensures pants stay up even if the drawstring isn't tied properly, preventing embarrassing and potentially dangerous situations during rolling.

Parents appreciate this feature particularly for children under 10 who may struggle with proper drawstring tying. Some brands use fully elastic waistbands without drawstrings for the smallest sizes (M000-M0), transitioning to the combination system for larger sizes. When purchasing, verify the waistband system—this information should be listed in product specifications.

Proper Fit for Safety

Too Loose: Excess fabric creates hazards where fingers and toes can get caught during grappling. Overly long sleeves and pants increase this risk significantly. Additionally, loose gis provide easy grips for training partners, creating disadvantages for your child.

Too Tight: Restricted movement prevents proper technique execution and can discourage children from training. Extremely tight gis risk tearing during dynamic movements, potentially causing injury from sudden fabric failure.

The Right Fit: Sleeves should end 2-5 cm from the wrist, pants should end 2-5 cm above the ankle (or precisely at regulation measurements for competing children). The jacket should close comfortably with the belt tied, without pulling open during movement. Pants should stay secure with normal activity without requiring constant adjustment.

Collar Safety

Kids gis should have appropriately sized collars—not too rigid for small necks whilst still providing sufficient structure for gripping practice. Excessively stiff collars designed for adults can be uncomfortable and even restrict breathing for young children. Quality kids gis use slightly softer foam in collars whilst maintaining adequate structure.

Label Placement and Skin Sensitivity

Young children often have sensitive skin that reacts to scratchy labels and tags. Quality kids gis feature: printed labels instead of sewn tags, labels placed in non-chafing locations (usually outside the collar or inside the jacket bottom), or easily removable labels that don't leave scratchy residue. If your child complains about itchiness, check for tags and carefully remove any that can't be tucked away.

Material Safety

Modern BJJ gis rarely use harsh chemical treatments, but considerations include:

• Hypoallergenic fabrics: Cotton-based gis are generally hypoallergenic, but synthetic blend gis may cause reactions in sensitive children
• Dyes: Some children react to certain fabric dyes. White gis use minimal dye and rarely cause reactions, making them the safest choice for sensitive skin
• Antimicrobial treatments: Some gis feature antimicrobial treatments to reduce odours. Whilst generally safe, a small number of children may be sensitive to these treatments

If your child has known fabric sensitivities, stick with white, 100% cotton gis from reputable brands that disclose their manufacturing processes.

No-Gi Safety Note

For No-Gi training, ensure shorts and rash guards have no pockets, zippers, or exposed Velcro that could catch fingers during grappling. These features are explicitly prohibited in most academies for safety reasons.

How often your child trains directly impacts gi needs and replacement timing. Understanding these patterns helps you plan purchases and budget accordingly.

One Training Session Per Week

Gi Needs: One gi is sufficient. Wash immediately after training and air dry—it will be ready for the next session a week later.

Expected Lifespan: 18-24 months before outgrown. The gi will likely show minimal wear even after this period since it's only used 50-100 times. Quality matters less at this frequency since wear isn't the limiting factor.

Recommendation: Budget to mid-range gi (£50-£75) makes sense. Premium gis offer no advantage at this training frequency.

Two Training Sessions Per Week

Gi Needs: One gi works if washed and dried between sessions (requires prompt washing and air drying within 24-36 hours). Two gis in rotation provides more flexibility and allows for machine drying if needed.

Expected Lifespan: 15-20 months before outgrown. Moderate wear visible by end of lifespan, particularly at knees and elbows.

Recommendation: One quality gi (£70-£90) or two budget gis (£50 each) both work. If purchasing two, buy them 6 months apart to stagger replacement timing.

Three or More Training Sessions Per Week

Gi Needs: Two gis minimum, three ideal. Allows proper drying time between uses, extends gi lifespan through reduced wear per gi, and provides backup if one is damaged or in the wash.

Expected Lifespan: 12-18 months before outgrown. Significant wear visible, particularly on primary gi. Durability matters significantly at this frequency.

Recommendation: Invest in quality gis (£70-£100 range) from brands known for durability—Tatami, Fuji, or Progress. The superior construction meaningfully outperforms budget options at high-frequency training.

Signs It's Time for a New Gi

Too Short: The clearest indicator. When sleeves end more than 5 cm from the wrist or pants end more than 5 cm above the ankle, replacement is necessary. For competing children, once measurements exceed IBJJF regulations (2 cm from wrist/ankle), replace immediately.

Worn Knees: Fabric at the knees has thinned significantly, shows light shining through, or has developed holes. Once knees wear through, the gi is at end of life even if length is still adequate.

Thinning Fabric: Overall fabric has become noticeably thinner and more translucent than when new. Whilst not immediately dangerous, this indicates the gi is approaching end of life and will likely tear soon.

Seam Failure: Seams separating at shoulders, crotch, or sleeve attachments. Minor seam issues can be repaired, but extensive separation indicates the gi has served its purpose.

Collar Degradation: The collar has become floppy, lost its structure, or the foam inside has broken down. This affects grip training and indicates overall wear.

Seasonal Replacement Planning

Smart parents time gi purchases strategically. Buy new gis in late summer/early autumn before the school year. Many retailers offer back-to-school sales during this period, and buying before the year starts ensures your child has proper equipment when training resumes after holidays. Avoid buying gis immediately before growth spurts if you can anticipate them (typically ages 9-12 for pre-pubescent spurts, early teenage years for puberty-related spurts).

End-of-Life Options

When a gi reaches end of life for your child, consider: passing down to younger siblings (if still structurally sound), donating to your BJJ academy for loaner gis (many schools maintain lending libraries for trial students), posting in BJJ buy/sell groups for other families, or recycling (cotton gis can be recycled as textile waste at many UK recycling centres).

Based on UK availability, parent reviews, value for money, and durability reports, here are the best kids BJJ gis you can buy in 2026:

1. Tatami Nova Absolute Kids Gi (£40-£50) - Best Overall. 350 GSM pearl weave, 10 oz cotton pants, IBJJF approved, excellent durability. Available M000-M4. Multiple colours. Widely available through UK retailers. Exceptional value for quality.

2. Progress Kids Academy Gi (£50-£80, often on sale £30-£50) - Best UK Brand. Anatomical cut, UK-based customer service, 90-day returns, 6-month damage guarantee. Lightweight and quick-drying. Ideal for frequent training.

3. Venum Contender Kids Gi (£60-£80) - Best Budget Entry Point. Includes free white belt. Available in white, black, grey. Good quality for beginners. Widely available. Suitable for children trying BJJ for first time.

4. Tatami Elements Kids Superlite Gi (£39-£50) - Best Lightweight Option. 300 GSM pearl weave, 8 oz ripstop pants. Multiple colours. Ideal for hot training environments or children who dislike heavy gis. Quick drying.

5. Fuji Kids Gi (£50-£80) - Best for Durability. 'Bombproof' construction according to parents. Survives multiple siblings. Excellent long-term value for families with multiple children. Less common in UK but worth seeking out.

6. Valor Victory 2.0 Kids Gi (£40-£60) - Best Super Budget. 450 GSM pearl weave. Adequate quality for children who will outgrow before wearing out. Ideal for first gi or tight budgets.

7. Kingz Kids Gi (£70-£90) - Best Mid-Range Quality. If available through Kingz UK. Reliable construction, good fit. Less common but worth considering if in stock.

8. Scramble Kids Range (£60-£80) - Best for Style. European-influenced designs. Good quality construction. F1-F4 sizing. Available through Made4Fighters and UK retailers.

9. Hyperfly Kids Gi (£70-£100) - Best Premium Option. Colourful designs children love. Quality construction. Higher price point but excellent if your child is committed long-term and aesthetics matter.

10. Gold BJJ Kids Gi (£60-£80) - Best for Fit Options. Known for detailed size charts and fit guidance. Less common in UK but available through specialist retailers and Amazon. Good option for children with specific fit needs.

Most UK retailers offer seasonal sales with discounts of 20-40% off regular prices. Sign up for email notifications from Made4Fighters, Fight Equipment UK, and Tatami direct to catch sales. For current discounts, check our UK BJJ gi sales guide.