Origin BJJ Gi Review: Is Made in USA Worth It for UK Buyers?

Origin was founded by Pete Roberts, the co-creator of BJJWeekly.com, who began his mission to create a truly American-made BJJ gi around 2011-2012. In the quiet woods of Farmington, Maine, Roberts discovered rehabilitated textile looms — the last remaining operational looms in the region — and set about building a factory capable of producing gis from scratch using domestically sourced materials.

The brand gained significant momentum when Jocko Willink, retired Navy SEAL commander, BJJ black belt, and bestselling author, became a co-owner alongside Andre Almeida and Kip Fulks. Jocko's involvement brought both visibility and a philosophical alignment — he has described Origin as "an American brand based on fighting," and frequently features Origin products on his podcast and social media.

Origin's manufacturing philosophy is uncompromising: every gi is produced in their Maine factory using PolySynth® yarns that are spun, woven, cut, and sewn domestically. Workers are paid fair living wages, and the company takes pride in supporting American manufacturing at a time when virtually all other gi brands manufacture overseas. This commitment to domestic production is reflected in Origin's pricing — their gis cost significantly more than import-manufactured alternatives.

UK availability: Origin gis are available in the UK exclusively through IWA Active (iwa.co.uk), their authorised European distributor. Gis are made to order, which means a lead time of approximately 10-12 weeks when ordering through IWA. Alternatively, UK buyers can order directly from originusa.com with a 2-4 week build time, though this incurs international shipping costs (approximately $50-60 USD) and UK import charges. For a broader brand comparison, see our complete BJJ gi brand guide.

Origin's current product line has evolved from the traditional "Pro, Axiom, Comp" naming into a broader range of named models, though the core tiers remain. All Origin gis share the same fundamental PolySynth® fabric technology, with differences in weave type, weight, and design.

Premium flagship:

• Rift 2.0 — £329.99 UK (via IWA) / approximately $219 USD (jacket only). Origin's pinnacle product featuring Dragon Weave GEN 3 fabric. The culmination of five years of fabric development, the Rift represents the absolute peak of Origin's manufacturing capability.

Mid-range training:

• Axiom (multiple variants: Roll or Die, Raptor, etc.) — £164.99 UK / approximately $185-$248 USD (full set). The everyday training workhorse. Uses PolySynth® Axiom fabric with diamond scale pattern for moisture management. Available as jacket-only or full set.
• Themed models (Everest, Apache, S.I., Abyss, Honor) — £164.99 UK. These are Axiom-tier gis with different design themes but the same core fabric and construction.

Competition:

• Nano Pearl Comp Gi — £199.99 UK. Competition-focused model using Origin's Nano Pearl Weave at 440 GSM — described as "10X stronger and more durable than traditional gi jacket weave" whilst weighing "half as much." Material composition: 65% polyester, 35% cotton jacket; 100% polyester collar.

Important note: Origin sells jackets and trousers separately. A full gi set (jacket + trousers) costs more than the jacket price alone. The Pro BJJ Pants add approximately $12 more than standard pants and feature Atomic Twill GEN 2 fabric with moisture-wicking and stain-repellent properties.

For understanding how Origin's proprietary weaves compare to traditional gi fabrics, see our weave types guide and materials guide.

The Origin Rift 2.0 is Origin's flagship gi and the product that best represents their manufacturing philosophy — the culmination of years of fabric research and development.

Key specifications:

• Jacket: Dragon Weave GEN 3 — Origin's proprietary premium weave using PolySynth® yarns
• Fabric composition: PolySynth® (polyester-synthetic blend), woven on Origin's own looms in Maine
• GSM: Approximately 440 GSM
• Special features: Abrasive exterior for grip resistance, smooth interior for comfort against skin; antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties; rapid drying; shape retention that eliminates excess fabric for opponents to grip
• Price: £329.99 UK via IWA Active / approximately $219 USD (jacket only from Origin direct)

Available colours: White, Black, and seasonal releases.

The Rift represents a fundamentally different approach to gi construction. Rather than using cotton or cotton-polyester blends like virtually every other brand, Origin's PolySynth® fabric is an engineered textile designed specifically for grappling. The Dragon Weave GEN 3 provides a texture that channels and sheds moisture on the exterior whilst feeling smooth against the skin — a combination that traditional cotton weaves cannot achieve.

Origin themselves describe the Rift as the product born from "5 years of learning, weaving, manufacturing, bleeding, and training" — a claim supported by the fact that they literally built a factory to produce it. The fabric is naturally antimicrobial (reducing odour between washes) and dries significantly faster than cotton gis.

At £329.99, the Rift is one of the most expensive gis on the market. Whether this premium is justified depends on how much you value American manufacturing, proprietary fabric technology, and the Origin brand ethos. The gi itself is undeniably high-quality — reviews consistently praise its comfort, durability, and performance — but the price puts it firmly in the enthusiast/collector category for most UK buyers.

The Origin Axiom is Origin's core training gi — the model most practitioners use for daily rolling. Multiple design variants exist (Roll or Die, Raptor, Everest, Apache, etc.) but all share the same fundamental construction.

Key specifications:

• Jacket: PolySynth® Axiom fabric with diamond scale weave pattern
• Fabric composition: 100% PolySynth® — spun to higher tension for durability and strength
• GSM: Approximately 440 GSM
• Trousers: Sold separately — standard or Pro BJJ Pants available
• Special features: Naturally antimicrobial and moisture-wicking; diamond scale pattern channels and sheds moisture; soft texture against skin with tailored body mapping around shoulders and arms; contoured to move with the wearer; shape retention prevents excess fabric grip
• Price: £164.99 UK via IWA Active / $104-$139 USD jacket only / $185-$248 USD full set from Origin direct

Available models: Roll or Die Axiom, Raptor Axiom, Everest, Apache, S.I., Abyss, Honor — all at £164.99 via IWA Active.

The Axiom is where most UK buyers should start if they want to experience Origin. At £164.99 through IWA Active, it's still premium-priced compared to UK alternatives, but it delivers the full Origin experience: American-made construction, PolySynth® fabric, antimicrobial properties, and rapid drying.

The diamond scale weave pattern is functional rather than purely aesthetic — it creates a textured exterior that resists gripping whilst channelling moisture away from the body. Combined with the tailored body-mapping construction around the shoulders and arms, the Axiom provides a fitted, performance-oriented feel that differs from the boxier cut of traditional cotton gis.

Community reviews consistently highlight the Axiom's comfort and durability. The PolySynth® fabric softens with use but maintains its shape — there's no baggy knees or stretched collars even after extended training periods. The antimicrobial properties are genuinely useful, with users reporting significantly less odour buildup between washes compared to cotton gis.

The Origin Nano Pearl Comp is Origin's competition-focused gi, designed for tournament use where weight and performance matter most.

Key specifications:

• Jacket: Nano Pearl Weave using PolySynth® yarns
• Fabric composition: 65% polyester, 35% cotton (jacket); 100% polyester (lapel)
• GSM: 440 GSM
• Special features: Claimed to be "10X stronger and more durable than traditional gi jacket weave" whilst weighing "half as much"; built-in antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties
• Price: £199.99 UK via IWA Active

Available colours: Black, White.

The Nano Pearl Comp uses a different weave construction to the Axiom — the nano pearl weave creates a tighter, more refined surface that's harder for opponents to grip. Origin's claim of "10X stronger" should be understood in context — it refers to tensile strength per unit weight rather than absolute strength, meaning the fabric achieves exceptional strength relative to how light it is.

For UK competitors, the Nano Pearl Comp at £199.99 represents a mid-point in Origin's range. It's significantly cheaper than the Rift 2.0 but still carries a premium over comparable competition gis from UK brands (a Tatami Estilo Black Label costs £109, a Progress M6 costs approximately £120).

The 65% polyester / 35% cotton blend is unusual in the gi market, where most competitors use cotton or cotton-dominant blends. This synthetic-heavy composition contributes to the fabric's moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, but may feel different to practitioners accustomed to traditional cotton gis. Some competitors appreciate the difference; others prefer the familiar feel of cotton.

Origin's sizing system is US-centric, which requires some translation for UK buyers. However, Origin offers a significant advantage over most brands: custom sizing options.

Standard sizing:

• Origin uses standard A0-A5 sizing, comparable to other BJJ gi brands.
• Gis are reported to fit true to size — if you're an A2 in Tatami, an A2 in Origin should work similarly.

Custom sizing:

• Origin allows you to customise your jacket size, trouser waist, and inseam length when ordering.
• This is a genuine differentiator — no other major brand offers this level of fit customisation.
• For UK buyers who fall between standard sizes or have non-standard proportions, this removes the guesswork entirely.

Shrinkage:

• Origin gis are pre-shrunk and experience minimal further shrinkage.
• Community reports confirm: "Origin gis hardly shrink at all. The only way you can shrink them is by tumble drying them a lot."
• This is consistent with the PolySynth® fabric composition — synthetic-blend fabrics inherently shrink less than pure cotton.

Fit notes for UK buyers:

• Origin's tailored body-mapping construction provides a more fitted feel than many UK brands.
• The PolySynth® fabric has shape retention — the gi returns to its original shape after washing, unlike cotton gis that can stretch or distort over time.
• If ordering through IWA Active, note that the 10-12 week lead time means you should be confident in your size before ordering. Consider ordering from Origin direct (shorter lead time) if you want to test sizing first.

For cross-brand sizing comparisons, check our BJJ gi size chart. For guidance on ordering from overseas brands, see our shrinkage guide.

Construction quality:

• Manufacturing oversight: Origin's biggest quality advantage is manufacturing control. Every gi is produced in their own factory in Maine, meaning quality control is direct and immediate — there's no reliance on overseas factories with variable standards.
• PolySynth® fabric: The proprietary fabric is genuinely different from anything else on the market. It's engineered specifically for grappling, with antimicrobial properties, moisture-wicking capability, and shape retention built into the yarn itself.
• Stitching: Heavy-duty reinforcement across all stress points, consistent with the brand's premium positioning.
• Collar: 100% polyester lapel on the Comp model provides excellent grip resistance and durability.

Material quality:

• The PolySynth® yarns are Origin's core innovation. At 440 GSM, their fabric provides comparable structure to 550 GSM cotton weaves at roughly half the weight — a genuine engineering achievement.
• The antimicrobial properties are functional rather than marketing — users consistently report less odour buildup compared to cotton gis, even between washes.
• Quick-drying capability is a practical advantage for practitioners who train multiple times per day or travel frequently.

Durability:

• Origin gis are built to last. The PolySynth® fabric maintains its shape and structural integrity significantly longer than cotton alternatives.
• The synthetic-blend composition resists the common wear patterns of cotton gis — no stretched knees, collar deformation, or dimensional changes over time.
• Long-term owners report the fabric softens pleasantly with use whilst maintaining its performance characteristics.

Warranty and returns:

Origin has a strong reputation for customer service. Ordering through IWA Active for UK delivery provides European consumer protections. When ordering direct from the US, be aware that international returns are more complex and costly. Origin's made-to-order model means exchanges require manufacturing a new gi, adding to turnaround time.

Origin gis are among the most expensive BJJ gis available. For UK buyers, the total cost depends significantly on the purchasing route.

Route 1: IWA Active (UK distributor) — Recommended for simplicity:

Route 2: Origin direct (originusa.com) — Faster but additional costs:

• Axiom jacket: $104-$139 USD + trousers separately
• Full Axiom set: $185-$248 USD
• Rift 2.0 jacket: $175-$219 USD
• International shipping: approximately $50-$62 USD
• UK import duty: approximately 12% on total value (product + shipping) if over £135
• UK VAT: 20% on (value + duty)
• Courier handling fee: £8-£12

Example total landed cost (Origin Axiom set via US):

• Gi set: $248 (~£197) + Shipping: $60 (~£48) = £245 CIF value
• Duty (12%): ~£29 + VAT (20%): ~£55 + Handling: ~£10 = approximately £339 total
• Same gi via IWA Active: £164.99 — a saving of ~£174

IWA Active is clearly the better value route for UK buyers, despite the longer lead time. The markup is substantially less than the combined shipping, duty, and VAT of direct import.

Competitor comparison:

• Origin Axiom (£164.99) vs Tatami Estilo Black Label (£109): The Origin costs 51% more for a gi with proprietary fabric technology and American manufacturing. Whether that premium is worth it depends on your values and budget.
• Origin Axiom (£164.99) vs Hyperfly ProComp 4 (£97.99 sale): The Hyperfly offers HyperHeat technology at 60% of the Origin's price. Both are innovative, but the Origin's American manufacturing commands the higher premium.
• Origin Rift 2.0 (£329.99) vs any other gi: At this price point, Origin competes only with Shoyoroll and other ultra-premium brands. Most UK practitioners will find better value elsewhere unless the Made in USA ethos is a priority.

For deals on more affordable gis, see our BJJ gi sales UK page and UK buying guide.

Common praise:

• Unmatched build quality — consistently described as the best-constructed gi reviewers have owned
• PolySynth® fabric praised for comfort, moisture management, and antimicrobial properties
• Shape retention — the gi maintains its fit and structure far longer than cotton alternatives
• Ethical manufacturing — buyers take pride in supporting American-made, fair-wage production
• Quick drying — noticeably faster than cotton gis, practical for multi-session training days
• Jocko Willink's personal endorsement carries weight in the BJJ community

Common complaints:

• High price — the most frequently cited negative, particularly for international buyers who add shipping and import costs
• Extended lead times — 2-4 weeks from Origin direct, 10-12 weeks from IWA Active in the UK
• International shipping costs — $50-60+ from the US, plus import charges for UK buyers
• Limited availability — made-to-order model means no impulse purchases or same-day pickup
• PolySynth® feels different from cotton — some practitioners prefer the traditional cotton feel
• Jackets and trousers sold separately, making the total cost higher than it first appears

Long-term feedback:

• Durability reports are uniformly positive — Origin gis show minimal wear even after years of heavy use
• The fabric maintains its antimicrobial properties throughout the gi's lifespan
• Colour retention is excellent — the synthetic-blend fabric resists fading better than cotton
• Users who own multiple gis often report their Origin as their "favourite" despite the price premium

Overall rating: 8 out of 10

Origin produces objectively excellent gis. The PolySynth® fabric, American manufacturing, and proprietary weave technologies deliver a product that genuinely outperforms traditional cotton gis on multiple metrics — durability, moisture management, antimicrobial properties, shape retention, and drying time. The construction quality is impeccable, and the ethical manufacturing credentials are unimpeachable.

The challenge for UK buyers is value. At £164.99-£329.99 through IWA Active (and potentially more if ordering direct from the US), Origin gis cost 50-300% more than comparable options from UK brands. The 10-12 week lead time from IWA Active adds a practical barrier that no UK-stocked brand requires.

Best for: Quality purists who want the best-constructed gi available; practitioners who value ethical American manufacturing; those who train in warm environments and benefit from moisture-wicking fabric; grapplers with non-standard builds who can use Origin's custom sizing.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers at any level; UK buyers who need a gi quickly; beginners (the price is hard to justify before you know your preferences); anyone who prefers the traditional feel of cotton.

Quick summary:

• Pros: Best-in-class construction quality, proprietary PolySynth® fabric, antimicrobial and quick-drying, custom sizing available, ethical American manufacturing, pre-shrunk with excellent shape retention
• Cons: Premium pricing significantly above UK alternatives, 10-12 week lead times via UK distributor, jackets/trousers sold separately, PolySynth® feels different to cotton, limited UK availability

Our recommendation for UK buyers:

• Best entry point: Axiom variant via IWA Active (£164.99) — the best way to experience Origin without the Rift's premium.
• Best for competition: Nano Pearl Comp via IWA Active (£199.99) — competition-focused with Origin's strongest fabric claims.
• Best if money is no object: Rift 2.0 via IWA Active (£329.99) — Origin's pinnacle product and arguably the most technically advanced gi on the market.

For UK-based alternatives that offer similar quality at lower prices, read our Hyperfly review or Progress review. For durability comparisons, see our durability and quality guide.