Red Label, Black Label, Superstar 650, Superstar 750, or Superstar Original: Which Fighting Films judo gi should you choose?

Choosing a judo gi may seem simple at first: a jacket, pants, a belt—and you’re good to go. However, once you start practicing regularly, you quickly realize that you can’t just pick a judogi at random.

The weight of the fabric, the cut, the level of practice, the frequency of training, competition, comfort, durability after washing, and even the judoka’s body type can completely change the choice of kimono.

Fighting Films offers several judogi models to meet the needs of judokas: the Red Label 500 g, the Black Label 600 g, the Superstar 650 IJF, the Superstar 750 IJF, and the Superstar Original 920 g.

In this guide, we’ll compare these different Fighting Films judo kimonos to help you choose the model that best suits your skill level, training style, and goals.

In summary: Which Fighting Films judo gi should you choose?

The Red Label 500 g is ideal for a teenager, a beginner adult, or a judoka looking for a simple, comfortable, and affordable gi for training.

The Black Label 600 g is an excellent choice for judokas who train regularly and want a more durable gi without having to switch to an IJF competition model.

The Superstar 650 IJF is recommended for competitors who want an approved judogi that is lighter, more form-fitting, and offers greater mobility.

The Superstar 750 IJF is the most versatile model for experienced judokas, regular competitors, and those who want a reliable gi for both intense training and competition.

The Superstar Original 920 g is the heaviest and most premium model in the line. It is suitable for experienced judokas, instructors, fans of heavy kimonos, and practitioners looking for a traditional, high-end feel.

Why is choosing a Fighting Films judo gi important?

A judogi is much more than just a training uniform. It is a tool for practice.

A judo kimono that is too light may not provide enough support for a judoka who trains several times a week. A judogi that’s too heavy can hinder a beginner, tire a child unnecessarily, or make movements less fluid. An ill-fitting cut can prevent the jacket from crossing properly, hinder movement, or give the opponent too much of a grip.

The right judo gi should therefore meet three criteria: your skill level, how often you train, and your goal.

A beginner judoka doesn’t have the same needs as a competitor. A child or teenager who is still growing doesn’t have the same expectations as an adult looking for a durable gi. A fighter who does a lot of randori won’t necessarily choose the same model as a recreational practitioner.

That’s why Fighting Films offers several product lines, each with a specific purpose.

Comparison Chart of Fighting Films Judo Kimonos

Model	Weight per unit area	Ideal Profile	Primary Use	Recommended Level
Red Label	500 g	Teens, adult beginners, recreational judokas	Regular exercise	Beginner to Intermediate
Black Label	600 g	Regular judoka, club member, adult making progress	More intensive training	Intermediate to Advanced
Superstar 650 IJF	650 g	Competitor, lean build, agile judoka	Competition and Training	Confirmed
Superstar 750 IJF	750 g	Regular competitor, experienced judoka	Official competition and intensive training	Confirmed as an expert
Superstar Original	920 g	Experienced judoka, teacher, lover of thick kimonos	Randori, intensive training, premium use	Confirmed as an expert

1. Red Label 500 g: the best choice for getting started in earnest

The Red Label 500 g is one of the most affordable models in the Fighting Films judo gi lineup. It is designed for judokas who want a reliable, comfortable gi that is durable enough for regular practice, without having to start with a competition-grade model.

It’s an excellent choice for a teenager who is improving, an adult beginner, a recreational judoka, or a club that wants to offer its members a high-quality judogi.

With a weight of 500 g, the Red Label remains comfortable to wear. It isn’t too heavy, which makes it easy to move around, practice techniques, and gradually get used to the feel of a real judogi.

It is particularly well-suited for judokas who train once or twice a week and want a gi that is more durable than a children’s or beginner’s model.

Who should choose the Red Label?

The Red Label is recommended if you’re just starting judo as a teenager or adult, if you’re returning to judo after a break, if you practice for fun, or if you’re looking for a judogi that offers excellent value for the price.

It’s also a very appealing model for clubs, as it can accommodate a wide range of participants: beginners, teens, adults, and both occasional and regular judo practitioners.

The Highlights of the Red Label

The Red Label is comfortable, affordable, and easy to use on a daily basis. It offers good support for training without being too stiff. Its weight allows for freedom of movement, which is important for learning techniques properly.

It’s a simple, practical, and reassuring kimono that allows you to get started in judo under the right conditions.

The Limits of the Red Label

The Red Label is not the best choice for a judoka who competes frequently or trains three to five times a week. For more intensive training, a model such as the Black Label, the Superstar 650, or the Superstar 750 would be more suitable.

2. Black Label 600 g: the durable training kimono

The Black Label 600 g is a model that falls between the classic training gi and competition models.

It is designed for judokas who train regularly and want a more durable judogi that offers better support than a Red Label, but without necessarily having to switch to an IJF-approved model.

With a weight of 600 g, it offers good durability while remaining comfortable to wear. It is ideal for judokas who train several times a week, adults looking to improve their skills, club instructors, or practitioners who want a reliable gi for regular training sessions.

Who should choose the Black Label?

The Black Label is recommended for judokas who have already moved beyond the beginner stage and want a sturdier gi. It is perfect for intermediate or advanced practitioners looking for a durable gi for training.

It’s also a great fit for clubs that want to offer a higher-end option than Red Label to their most frequent members.

The Highlights of Black Label

The Black Label offers a good balance between durability, comfort, and price. It is more structured than a beginner’s kimono, yet more affordable than a high-end IJF model.

This is the right choice for a judoka who wants to invest in a durable judogi, without necessarily needing an international competition model.

The Limits of Black Label

The Black Label is not the top choice for competitions where an IJF-approved gi is required. Competitors who want an IJF-approved gi should opt for the Superstar 650 IJF or the Superstar 750 IJF instead.

3. Superstar 650 IJF: Fighting Films’ Lightest Competition Judo Gi

The Superstar 650 IJF is designed for judokas who want a high-performance competition gi that is lighter than a 750-gram model.

It’s an excellent choice for competitors who prefer kimonos that offer greater mobility, a more fitted cut, and a smoother feel. It is particularly well-suited for slender judokas, young competitors, athletes who want to maintain high speed in their movements, and practitioners who don’t like kimonos that are too heavy.

With a weight of 650 g, it maintains a good level of durability while feeling lighter on the shoulders.

Who should choose the Superstar 650 IJF?

The Superstar 650 IJF is recommended for competitive judokas who want an approved gi that is more flexible and lighter than a 750-gram gi.

It is particularly well-suited for slender athletes, fast judokas, and cadet, junior, or senior competitors seeking mobility, as well as athletes who prefer form-fitting kimonos.

The Highlights of the Superstar 650 IJF

Its main advantage is the balance it strikes between compliance with regulations, lightness, and performance. It allows you to compete in a technical gi without feeling like the fabric is too heavy.

This is a very interesting model for judokas who want a modern, more dynamic IJF-approved gi that’s suitable for both training and competition.

The Limitations of the Superstar 650 IJF

The Superstar 650 IJF may not be the best choice for judokas who prefer very dense or very structured kimonos. If you prefer thicker jackets with more support and a heavier feel, the Superstar 750 IJF or the Superstar Original will be a better fit.

4. Superstar 750 IJF: The Most Versatile Competition Model

The Superstar 750 IJF is one of Fighting Films’ most iconic models. It is a competition judogi designed for judokas who want a reliable, durable, and versatile judogi.

It is suitable for intensive training sessions, national competitions, and official competitions where an IJF gi is required.

With a weight of 750 g, it offers more durability than a 650 g version, while still meeting modern performance standards. It is sturdy enough to withstand randori, repeated grips, demanding training sessions, and regular competitions.

Who should choose the Superstar 750 IJF?

The Superstar 750 IJF is recommended for experienced judokas, regular competitors, athletes who train several times a week, and anyone who wants a gi that can withstand intensive training.

It’s also a great choice for judokas who are torn between several models and want a safe bet.

If you have to choose just one high-end kimono for training and competition, the Superstar 750 IJF is often the most well-rounded option.

The Highlights of the Superstar 750 IJF

The Superstar 750 IJF is versatile, durable, and designed for competition. It offers excellent support, a premium feel, and long-lasting reliability.

This kimono is designed for serious judokas who want to feel comfortable both during practice and at tournaments, and who are looking for a high-end model without having to settle for a very heavy kimono.

The Limitations of the Superstar 750 IJF

The Superstar 750 IJF may be a little too technical for a complete beginner. For a first year of judo, a Red Label or a Black Label will often be more suitable.

It may also seem less heavy than an Original Superstar to judokas who prefer very heavy, traditional kimonos.

5. Superstar Original 920 g: the premium kimono for enthusiasts

The Superstar Original 920 g is the heaviest kimono in the Fighting Films line. It is a premium model designed for experienced judokas who prefer heavy, sturdy, and well-structured kimonos.

With a weight of 920 g, it feels different from modern IJF models. It is denser and thicker, with a real presence on the tatami.

This kimono is very popular among judokas who do a lot of randori, instructors, experienced practitioners, and those looking for a high-end judogi with a traditional feel.

Who should choose the Superstar Original?

The Superstar Original is recommended for experienced judokas, instructors, practitioners who prefer heavy kimonos, strong adults, and judokas who want a highly durable model for intense training.

It’s also a great choice for judo enthusiasts who want a premium gi that’s different from the more standardized IJF competition models.

The Highlights of the Superstar Original

The Superstar Original offers an immediate premium feel. Its dense fabric gives the jacket excellent structure, a sense of sturdiness, and exceptional comfort for judokas accustomed to heavier kimonos.

This is the most premium model in the line, designed for intense training and judokas who want a gi with plenty of character.

The Limitations of the Superstar Original

The Superstar Original isn’t necessarily the best choice for a beginner or a young judoka. It may be too heavy for occasional use.

It is also not the best choice if you need an IJF-approved kimono for official competitions where current standards are mandatory. In that case, the Superstar 650 IJF or the Superstar 750 IJF would be more suitable.

Red Label or Black Label: Which One Should You Choose?

The Red Label is the best choice for beginners or for recreational use. It’s more affordable, lighter, and very comfortable for learning.

The Black Label is a better choice if you train regularly and want a more durable gi. It’s a natural step up from your first gi.

If you practice judo once a week, the Red Label is more than enough. If you train two to three times a week, the Black Label becomes a better option.

Superstar 650 or Superstar 750: Which One Should You Choose for Competition?

The Superstar 650 IJF is ideal if you want a competition gi that’s lighter, more flexible, and more form-fitting.

The Superstar 750 IJF is the better choice if you want a more structured, versatile, and durable gi for both intense training and competition.

In short, choose the 650 if you prioritize lightness and portability. Choose the 750 if you want better support, greater durability, and a more feature-rich model.

Superstar 750 or Superstar Original: What’s the difference?

The Superstar 750 IJF is a modern, versatile, IJF-approved competition kimono. It is designed for judokas who want a reliable kimono for intensive training and official tournaments.

The Superstar Original 920 g is denser, heavier, and has a more traditional feel. It is best suited for experienced judokas who prefer thick kimonos, intense training sessions, and randori.

If your priority is official competition, choose the Superstar 750 IJF. If your priority is a premium feel, fabric density, and the comfort of a heavy kimono during training, choose the Superstar Original.

Which kimono should you choose based on your personal style?

I’m starting adult judo

Choose the Red Label 500 g. It’s comfortable, affordable, and sturdy enough to get you started in earnest.

I’m a teenager, and I’m making rapid progress

The Red Label may be a good choice if you’re still a beginner. If you work out several times a week, the Black Label will be more durable.

I work out two to three times a week

The Black Label 600 g is an excellent choice. It’s more durable than a beginner’s model without being as technical as an IJF kimono.

I compete

Consider the Superstar 650 IJF or the Superstar 750 IJF. The 650 is lighter, while the 750 is more versatile and has a sturdier build.

I want just one kimono that I can wear for everything

The Superstar 750 IJF is the most versatile option. It is suitable for intensive training, competition, and regular use.

I want the highest-quality kimono

The Superstar Original 920 g is the highest-end and densest model in the Fighting Films line.

How do I choose the right size?

The choice of size depends on the model, your body type, and your preferences.

A judo gi should allow for free movement, enable the jacket to be fastened properly, and not hinder movement. It should not be too large, as this would give the opponent too much of a grip. It should not be too small, as this could be uncomfortable or result in a disqualification during competition.

For styles that run large, some judokas choose a size slightly smaller than their actual size. For 100% cotton styles, you should also take into account possible shrinkage after washing.

At Fighting Films, our adult judo kimonos run large. For all models—from the Black Label to the Superstar Original—we recommend choosing one size smaller than your usual size. Example: I’m 1m75 and weigh 73kg; I’ll choose a 170cm size.

If you’re unsure, the easiest thing to do is check the Fighting Films size guide or contact the team before placing your order. Good sizing advice can save you a lot of returns and help you choose the best fit right away.

What kind of kimono should a judo club choose?

It makes sense for a club to offer several price points.

The Red Label is perfect for beginners, teenagers, and adults who are just starting out. The Black Label is suitable for regular practitioners who want a more durable gi. The Superstar 650 IJF and Superstar 750 IJF are suitable for club competitors. The Superstar Original may be suitable for instructors, black belts, and judokas looking for a premium gi.

This system allows each member to find a kimono that fits their budget, skill level, and training frequency.

Conclusion: The best Fighting Films kimono depends on your practice

There isn’t just one “best” judo gi. The right choice depends on your skill level, body type, how often you train, and your goals.

The Red Label 500 g is the best choice for those looking to get serious about the sport.
The Black Label 600 g is ideal for regular training with a more durable gi.
The Superstar 650 IJF is perfect for competitors who want lightness and mobility.
The Superstar 750 IJF is the most versatile model for competition and intensive training.
The Superstar Original 920 g is the premium choice for experienced judokas who prefer dense, traditional kimonos.

At Fighting Films, every model has been designed to meet a specific need. Whether you’re a beginner, a competitor, an instructor, or a judo enthusiast, you can choose a gi that’s right for your practice and improve your skills with reliable, durable, and comfortable gear.

FAQ: How to Choose the Right Fighting Films Judo Kimono

Which Fighting Films kimono is best for beginners?

The Red Label 500 g is the best choice for teens and adults starting out in judo. It is comfortable, affordable, and durable enough for regular training.

What’s the difference between Red Label and Black Label?

The Red Label is lighter and more affordable. It is ideal for beginners and recreational judokas. The Black Label is sturdier, with a higher weight, and is better suited for judokas who train several times a week.

What is the difference between the Superstar 650 IJF and the Superstar 750 IJF?

The Superstar 650 IJF is lighter and more agile. The Superstar 750 IJF is sturdier, more versatile, and better suited for judokas who want a more complete competition gi.

Which kimono should I choose for competition?

For competition, the Superstar 650 IJF and Superstar 750 IJF models are the best choices. The choice depends on your preference: the 650 is lighter, while the 750 offers better stability.

Which Fighting Films kimono is the highest-end?

The Superstar Original 920 g is the heaviest and most premium model in the Fighting Films line. It is recommended for experienced judokas who prefer heavy, highly structured kimonos.

Which kimono should you choose for an intense workout?

For intensive training, the Black Label, the Superstar 750 IJF, or the Superstar Original are the most suitable models. The choice depends on your skill level and whether you prefer a lightweight, versatile, or dense shoe.

Should I choose a 650 g, 750 g, or 920 g kimono?

A 650-gram kimono is lighter and more flexible. A 750-gram kimono offers an excellent balance between durability and performance. A 920-gram kimono is denser, heavier, and of higher quality, but it is primarily intended for experienced judokas.

Is the Superstar Original suitable for IJF competition?

If you need a kimono that complies with current IJF standards for an official competition, it’s best to choose the Superstar 650 IJF or the Superstar 750 IJF. The Superstar Original is designed more for intensive training, randori, and judokas who prefer heavier kimonos.

Which kimono should I choose if I practice once a week?

For once-a-week use, the 500 g Red Label is usually sufficient. It offers excellent value for recreational or beginner use.

Which kimono should I choose if I train three times a week?

If you train three times a week, the Black Label 600 g, the Superstar 650 IJF, or the Superstar 750 IJF are the best choices. If you also compete, opt for the Superstar 650 IJF or the Superstar 750 IJF.