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Your Child's First BJJ Gi and First Class: A Parent's Guide
Short answer: ask the academy what it requires first. Most children need a gi that fits now (not two sizes up), a white belt, a water bottle and sandals. Our pick for a first kids' gi is the Kore V2 Youth (€70), which includes a free white belt with the white gi. For a denser jacket, The ONE V2 Youth costs €85 (belt sold separately). Both come in M0000–M4 and follow the IBJJF 2024 uniform rules.
Signing your child up for jiu-jitsu is a big step for both of you. The good news: very little gear is needed, and nothing has to be perfect on day one. This guide covers what to bring to the first class, how to choose and size a first gi, and how to keep it fitting through a year of growth.
Before the first class
Ask the academy three things: can my child try a class before buying a gi, are there colour rules for uniforms, and is the class gi or no-gi? Many clubs lend a gi or let beginners start in a T-shirt and shorts.
- Gi and belt for gi classes: a gi that fits and a white belt.
- Rash guard optional under the gi, standard for no-gi.
- Water bottle and sandals for walking off the mat.
- Short nails on fingers and toes, long hair tied back, no jewellery.
- A clean gi every class. Wash it after every session.
Choosing a first gi
Kids' gis take more punishment than adult gis: more classes per week, more washing and a lot of knee slides. Look for a pearl weave jacket, reinforced stress points and reinforced knees. All three Kingz youth gis below have triple-reinforced stitching at the stress points, a one-piece jacket and double-reinforced knees.
| Gi | Jacket | Pants | Waistband | Extras | Weight (M2) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kore V2 Youth | 380 GSM Micro Pearl Weave | 275 GSM cotton | Elastic up to M2; 6-loop cord M3–M4 | Free white belt | 0.93 kg | €70 |
| The ONE V2 Youth | 400 GSM High-Tech Pearl Weave | 10 oz cotton | Elastic on smaller sizes; 6-loop cord M3–M4 | Belt not included | 1.29 kg | €85 |
| Nano 3.0 Youth | 380 GSM Pearl Weave | 270 GSM ripstop | Stretch drawstring | Free gi bag | 0.99 kg | €88 |
Prices on kingzeurope.com, 30 October 2026. All three come in M0000–M4 and follow the IBJJF 2024 uniform rules. Weight = complete gi (jacket and pants) in M2, weighed by Kingz.
Our pick for most families is the Kore V2 Youth in white: our most affordable gi, a free white belt, and an elastic waistband up to M2 that young children can manage on their own. For a heavier, more substantial jacket, The ONE V2 Youth costs €15 more. See all kids' gis.
Kids' gi sizes (M0000–M4)
Kingz kids' sizes use the M scale, with room to grow but without excess fabric. Measure your child barefoot against a wall, then weigh them. Height sets sleeve and pant length; weight tells you about build. Age is only a rough guide, because children grow at different rates. Each product page has the size chart in cm and kg. When your child outgrows M4, the next step is adult A0/A1 or women's F0/F1.
Fit, growth and shrinkage
- Buy for now, with a little room. Not two sizes up: oversized sleeves and pants get grabbed, twisted and tripped over.
- Expect some shrinkage. The Kore V2, The ONE V2 and Nano 3.0 youth gis are 95% pre-shrunk, so allow for 3–5% shrinkage. Wash cold and hang dry.
- Try it on before washing. Our 60-Day Perfect Fit Guarantee covers a free exchange of unworn, unwashed items.
No-gi classes
For no-gi, children need a fitted rash guard and grappling shorts. The Kore V2 Youth Long Sleeve (€45) is 80% polyester / 20% spandex in XS (4), S (6), M (8), L (10) and XL (12); the short-sleeve version costs €40. For more colour, the Ranked Youth (€40) has rank-inspired graphics. See all kids' rash guards.
Thinking about competing?
Most children train for fun, fitness and confidence long before they compete. If your child wants to try a tournament, check the event's uniform rules (white, royal blue or black gi for IBJJF) and the sleeve and pant length.
Frequently asked questions
What should my child wear to the first BJJ class?
Ask the academy first: many let beginners try a class in a T-shirt and sports shorts or lend a gi. For gi classes, a gi that fits and a white belt; for no-gi, a fitted rash guard and shorts without zips or pockets. Bring a water bottle and sandals, trim nails, tie back long hair and leave jewellery at home.
What is the best first BJJ gi for a child?
A durable, mid-weight pearl weave gi in the size that fits now. The Kore V2 Youth (€70) is our most affordable kids' gi and the white version includes a free white belt; The ONE V2 Youth (€85) steps up to a 400 GSM jacket. Both follow the IBJJF 2024 uniform rules.
What size gi does my child need?
Kingz kids' gis run from M0000 for the youngest to M4 for older children and young teens. Measure height barefoot and check weight, then use the chart on the product page. After M4 comes adult A0/A1 or women's F0/F1.
Should I buy a bigger gi to grow into?
Only a little bigger. Long sleeves twist, long pants trip, and loose fabric gives partners easy grips. Buy the size that fits now with a little room; if your child is right between two sizes and growing fast, go up one.
Do Kingz kids' gis come with a belt?
The white Kore V2 Youth includes a free white belt. The ONE V2 Youth does not include a belt. Each product page states whether a belt is included.
How do I wash my child's gi?
After every class, in cold water, and hang it to dry. The Kore V2, The ONE V2 and Nano 3.0 youth gis are 95% pre-shrunk, so allow for 3–5% shrinkage. Try the gi on before the first wash: exchanges require unworn, unwashed items.
Standard shipping from our Polish distribution centre is free over €120, and every order earns CROWN POINTS. Compare jacket weights in our gi weight and GSM guide.