Progress BJJ Gi Review: The Complete UK Brand Guide

Progress BJJ (officially Progress JJ Limited) was founded in 2012 in Manchester, England. The brand was started by James Tighe (then a blue belt) along with close friends and family — all of whom, a decade later, are still part of the company. Their shared motto: "add more value to Jiu Jitsu than we take out."

Progress has built its reputation on three pillars: clean aesthetics, functional design, and premium quality. Their gis are characterised by minimalist styling with high-density embroideries and subtle design details — a departure from the busier designs favoured by some competitors. This "less is more" approach has resonated strongly with practitioners who prefer understated gear.

The brand's philosophy blends Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tradition with British cultural influence, creating a unique identity in the crowded BJJ apparel market. Progress is registered as a UK company (Progress JJ Limited on Companies House) and operates its UK store at progressjj.co.uk, with a separate European store for continental buyers.

Progress gis are manufactured in Pakistan — standard practice across the BJJ gi industry — with design and quality control managed from the UK. They sponsor athletes at various competition levels and maintain a visible presence at UK and European BJJ events.

For a broader comparison with other UK and international brands, see our complete brand comparison guide.

Progress offers a focused product line that covers the three main price tiers without unnecessary overlap. Each gi serves a distinct purpose within their range:

Entry-level:

• Academy Gi — £68. Their most economical and highest-reviewed gi, available with a free white belt. Designed specifically for beginners.

Mid-range / Competition:

• Featherlight — £119.50. Lightweight competition gi built for weigh-ins and warm-weather training.
• M6 Mark 6 — ~£120. The flagship all-rounder, now in its sixth iteration, with a refined competition cut trusted by world champions.

Women's range:

• Women's Academy Gi and Women's Featherlight available with female-specific sizing.

No-gi gear:

• Progress also produces rashguards, shorts, and spats for no-gi training, though these are outside the scope of this gi review.

The product line has evolved significantly over the years, with each iteration of the M6 bringing technical improvements in construction, design, and materials. The Mark 6 represents their most refined competition gi to date, featuring improved seam construction that Progress describes as "almost impossible to rip."

The M6 has been Progress's flagship gi since the early days, and the Mark 6 takes another leap forward in production, design, and technical improvements.

Key specifications:

• Jacket: 450 GSM mid-weight pearl weave, 100% cotton
• Trousers: Cotton twill (some colourways feature ripstop)
• Collar: Vulcanised rubber lapel
• Stitching: Triple reinforced at all stress points with a new seam construction designed to be virtually rip-proof
• Features: Exclusive Progress competitor cut, ultra high-definition embroideries, free ripstop gi bag included
• Competition: 100% IBJJF legal
• Price: ~£120

Available sizes: A0, A1, A1L, A2, A2L, A3, A3L, A4

Available colours: Black, White, Petroleum Blue, Unbleached, Peach, Olive Green

The M6 Mark 6 features Progress's competition cut — slimmer trousers and sleeves compared to standard gi cuts — which has been refined over six iterations with input from sponsored athletes and world champions. This cut minimises excess material that opponents could grip, making it a genuine competitive advantage.

The 450 GSM pearl weave jacket hits the sweet spot between lightness and durability. It's light enough for daily training without fatiguing, heavy enough to withstand intense rolling sessions, and sits comfortably within IBJJF weight limits for most size categories.

Note: The M6 Mark 5 (£95, 450 GSM jacket, 10 oz cotton twill trousers) may still be available through some retailers at a lower price point. If you can find one in stock, it represents excellent value — the core construction is very similar to the Mark 6, with the newer version offering refinements in design details and seam construction.

The Featherlight is Progress's dedicated lightweight competition gi, evolved from their earlier MOVEMENT Competition Gi.

Key specifications:

• Jacket: 400 GSM pearl-cross weave, 100% pre-shrunk cotton
• Trousers: 8 oz ripstop
• Weight: 1.2 kg in size A2 — exceptionally light for a full gi
• Stitching: Triple reinforced throughout
• Features: Pre-shrunk construction, competition-optimised cut
• Competition: IBJJF legal
• Price: £119.50

Available sizes: A0-A4 (men's), F1-F4 (women's)

Available colours: White, Black, Blue

At just 1.2 kg in A2, the Featherlight is one of the lightest competition gis on the market, comparable to the Tatami Elements Ultralite 2.0 (1.3 kg) and significantly lighter than most standard gis. The pre-shrunk construction means what you receive is the size you keep — no need to account for shrinkage or play the "wash and hope" game.

The 400 GSM pearl-cross weave is tougher and more durable than you might expect from an ultralight gi. Progress has reinforced all stress points with triple stitching, and the 8 oz ripstop trousers combine lightness with tear resistance.

The Featherlight is ideal for competitors who need to make weight, warm-climate training, and practitioners who simply prefer the feel of a lighter gi. However, for daily training at heavier intensity, the M6 Mark 6 may be the more durable long-term choice.

Note: The black colourway appears to have stock availability issues on the UK store. White and blue tend to have more consistent availability.

The Academy Gi is Progress's entry-level offering and has become their highest-reviewed and best-selling gi worldwide.

Key specifications:

• Jacket: 375-380 GSM lightweight construction, cotton
• Trousers: 8 oz ripstop
• Collar: Vulcanised rubber lapel
• Features: High-density embroideries, inner printed quote, standard cut
• Includes: Free white belt
• Competition: 100% IBJJF legal
• Price: £68

Available sizes: A0-A4 (men's), women's sizes available

Available colours: White, Black, Blue, Navy, Forest Green

At £68 with a free white belt included, the Academy Gi offers exceptional value for beginners. The 375-380 GSM jacket is lighter than most budget gis (which often use heavier weaves to compensate for lesser quality), yet Progress backs it with their standard 90-day returns policy and 6-month damage replacement guarantee.

The ripstop trousers are a standout feature at this price point — many budget gis use standard cotton drill trousers that are heavier and less durable. Ripstop construction provides better tear resistance and a lighter overall weight.

Progress describes the Academy as having "tens of thousands of happy Jiu Jitsu players around the world," and community feedback broadly supports this claim. The gi performs well for daily training and is robust enough for most beginners' needs through their first year or more of training.

For more budget options from other brands, see our cheap BJJ gi roundup.

Progress uses a more streamlined sizing system than some competitors, with sizes running from A0 to A4 for men's gis, plus long variants on select models.

Men's size chart (approximate):

Long variants: A1L, A2L, and A3L are available on the M6 Mark 5 and Mark 6 for taller, leaner builds.

Fit notes:

• Progress gis generally run true to size with a slightly athletic cut, particularly on the M6 line.
• The competition cut on the M6 features slimmer trousers and sleeves compared to standard BJJ gi cuts — ideal for competition but some practitioners may prefer to size up for a looser training fit.
• The Academy Gi uses a standard cut that is more relaxed than the M6's competition cut.
• Compared to Tatami, Progress sizing is broadly similar for standard sizes but offers fewer in-between options (no H, S, or XL variants).

Shrinkage:

Progress recommend washing on a cold setting with non-bio detergent and always hang drying. The Featherlight is pre-shrunk with minimal further shrinkage. The Academy and M6 may experience minor shrinkage (2-4%) on the first few washes if warm water is used. Cold washing minimises this.

For a full comparison of sizing across brands, visit our BJJ gi size chart. To account for shrinkage when choosing your size, see our shrinkage guide.

Key limitation: Progress's size range tops out at A4, with no A5 or A6 options. Larger practitioners may need to look at brands like Tatami (which goes up to A6) or Kingz for extended sizing.

Construction quality:

• Stitching: Triple reinforced at all stress points across the range. The M6 Mark 6 introduces a new seam construction that Progress claims is "almost impossible to rip" — a confidence-boosting statement backed by their 6-month replacement guarantee.
• Collar: Vulcanised rubber lapel across the range — a premium feature even on the Academy Gi. Rubber collars resist moisture absorption better than EVA foam alternatives, reducing odour build-up and maintaining firmness over time.
• Trousers: Ripstop construction on the Academy and Featherlight; cotton twill on the M6. Both approaches have merits — ripstop is lighter and more tear-resistant, while twill offers a more traditional feel and weight.

Material quality:

• Pearl weave construction throughout, ranging from 375 GSM (Academy) to 450 GSM (M6).
• The Featherlight uses a pearl-cross weave variant at 400 GSM that combines the benefits of pearl weave with enhanced lightness.
• Cotton quality is consistent across the range, with soft fabric feel after the initial break-in period.

Durability:

Progress's 6-month damage replacement guarantee provides a baseline durability expectation. Community reports suggest their gis hold up well through 12-18+ months of regular training, with the M6 range showing particular resilience due to the heavier 450 GSM construction.

Warranty and returns:

• 90-day hassle-free returns — one of the more generous return windows in the BJJ gi market.
• 6-month damage replacement guarantee — Progress will replace any gi that suffers damage within the first 6 months of ownership.
• Care recommendations: cold wash, non-bio detergent, hang dry.

Progress price overview:

Competitor comparison:

• Academy Gi (£68) vs Tatami Nova Absolute (£59.99): The Tatami is cheaper but the Progress includes a free white belt and offers ripstop trousers rather than cotton drill. Both are excellent value; the choice may come down to whether you prefer ripstop or cotton trousers.
• M6 Mark 6 (~£120) vs Tatami Estilo Black Label (£109): The Progress commands a £20 premium but offers a more refined competition cut and newer seam technology. The Tatami offers a broader size range. Both feature 450-550 GSM pearl weave construction.
• Featherlight (£119.50) vs Hyperfly Starlyte III (£99.99): Similar weight category but the Hyperfly is approximately £20 cheaper. The Progress uses pre-shrunk 400 GSM pearl-cross weave; the Hyperfly uses proprietary lightweight technology.

UK pricing advantage:

As a UK-based brand, Progress offers inherent pricing advantages for domestic buyers: no import duties, no VAT surprises, and domestic shipping costs. Orders over £120 from progressjj.co.uk qualify for free shipping. This makes the total cost of ownership straightforward — what you see is what you pay.

Where to find deals:

• Progress website clearance section for discontinued colourways
• UK retailers like Made4Fighters, Minotaur Fight Store, and Enso Martial Arts
• Black Friday and seasonal sales (typical discounts of 20-30%)

For the latest deals across all brands, check our BJJ gi sales UK page. To understand how Progress fits into different budget tiers, see our budget guide.

Progress BJJ maintains a strong reputation across review platforms and the BJJ community.

Common praise:

• Clean, minimalist design that looks professional without being flashy
• Fast UK shipping from domestic warehouse
• Consistent quality across the product range
• Excellent value for money, particularly the Academy Gi
• Competition cut on M6 receives high marks from competitive practitioners
• Responsive customer service for sizing queries and returns

Common complaints:

• Size range limited to A0-A4 — no options for larger practitioners (A5/A6)
• Some colourways sell out quickly and take time to restock
• Limited long-variant options compared to Tatami's comprehensive system
• Higher price point than Tatami for equivalent tier products

Community sentiment:

Progress is consistently recommended in UK BJJ communities and forums. The brand is particularly popular among practitioners who prioritise clean aesthetics and competition-ready design. The Academy Gi is frequently cited as one of the best beginner gis on the market, while the M6 range is well-regarded among competitors.

Overall rating: 8.5 out of 10

Progress BJJ delivers a focused, quality product line that serves UK practitioners well across all price points. Their competition heritage shines through in the M6 range, the Academy Gi offers exceptional beginner value, and the Featherlight serves the lightweight competition niche effectively. The UK-based operation ensures hassle-free purchasing with generous returns and warranty policies.

Best for: UK-based practitioners wanting a quality domestic brand, competitors needing a refined competition cut, and beginners looking for solid value with the Academy Gi.

Not ideal for: Practitioners needing extended sizing (A5/A6), those wanting the absolute lowest price point (Tatami Nova at £59.99 undercuts the Academy at £68), or buyers who prefer a wider range of in-between sizes.

Quick summary:

• Pros: UK-based, clean design, competition-ready cuts, 6-month replacement guarantee, generous returns policy, free belt with Academy Gi
• Cons: Limited size range (A0-A4 only), fewer size variants than Tatami, higher starting price, some stock availability issues

Our recommendation:

• Beginners: The Academy Gi (£68) — excellent quality with a free belt, backed by the 6-month guarantee.
• Competitors: The M6 Mark 6 (~£120) — the refined competition cut and premium construction justify the price for regular competitors.
• Lightweight needs: The Featherlight (£119.50) — 1.2 kg in A2 with pre-shrunk construction for reliable weigh-ins.

To see how Progress compares to other UK brands, visit our brand comparison guide. For a direct comparison with their biggest UK rival, read our Tatami Fightwear review. Use our BJJ gi size chart to find your size across brands.