The differences between beginner and competition judogi

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The choice of judogi is essential to the practice of judo. Depending on the frequency and level of your practice, you need to choose the judogi that’s right for you. Discover the differences between beginner and competition judogi so you can make the right choice.

Discover our different ranges of kimono, the Red Label 500 Gr judogi for beginners and our two ranges of competition kimono. The Superstar 650 Gr IJF adapted to the fine and long-limbed gauges and the Superstar 750 Gr IJF, our best-seller!

materials

Beginner judogis are made from a different material to competition judogis. Our judogis for beginners are made entirely of cotton. There’s a big difference between our beginner and competition judogis. On our competition judogis, it’s a blend of cotton and polyester .

Cotton is lighter and less resistant than polyester. In particular, the cotton-polyester mix shrinks less in the wash and is more durable over the long term. Our judogis for beginners are designed to withstand many holds, but they are still more fragile than our competition judo kimonos.

Competition judo kimonos are renowned for their rugged durability. Our Fighting Films products are no exception. The materials used are ultra-resistant, as are the seams, making it virtually impossible to tear a competition judogi.

If you train hard and your randoris are also hard, you’ll need a competition judogi to withstand the repeated holds of your opponents.

cut and design

Judo kimonos for beginners usually have a looser cut that offers great freedom of movement. This choice has been made to facilitate the learning of judo techniques without any movement constraints. But the fact that the judogi is looser makes it easier for the opponent to grip the sleeves or collar.

Competition kimonos, on the other hand, are more fitted, closer to the body, favoring speed, precision of movement and limiting the opponent’s kumikata as much as possible.

Moreover, the judogis for beginners are not subjected to standards like the judogis of competition. This is an advantage in terms of design.

Since the beginning of the year and the introduction of new International Judo Federation standards, competition judogi skirts have been lengthened. This detail, especially the visual one, bothers many judokas, but this standard is only in force for IJF-standard judogis.

You can still get good-quality judogis with shorter skirts at Fighting Films:

Reinforcements and seams

The beginner judo kimono can have simple reinforcements on the knees and shoulders. This provides sufficient durability for regular training sessions.

On the other hand, a competition judo kimono has more and strategically placed reinforcements. Reinforced seams are also present, in order to withstand the intense stresses of competitive fighting.

judogi weight

Our range of kimono for beginners is light allowing a great freedom of movement to learn judo without getting too tired wearing a heavy judogi. Our Red Label range, corresponding to the judogis for beginners weighs 500 Gr/m².

We have two ranges of competition judogi which both have different weights. IJF approved judogis must be between 650 and 750 gr/m². So we decided to propose a range at both extremes, the lightest and the heaviest allowed.

Judogi competition Superstar 650 Gr IJF Fighting Films zoom
Fighting Films 650 Gr competition judge

Price

Finally, a detail which is of great importance, the price. Indeed, according to your practice of judo or your means, the price of a judogi of competition can be an obstacle. Even if the judogi can accompany you during more than one year, it is an important sum.

If you’re on a budget and just starting out in judo, don’t hesitate to choose our Red Label judogi. Available from €55 to €89. If you train several times a week and want a higher-quality kimono that doesn’t meet IJF standards, the Black Label 820 Gr is for you. Available from €110 to €135.

Then come the competition judogis, the Superstar 650 Gr and Superstar 750 Gr. They are available in two colors, white and blue. Prices vary according to size and color. You’ll pay around €15 more for a blue judogi. Available from 145€ to 220€.