Tag: jiu-jitsu

You may have seen belt whipping ceremonies on videos or unfortunately been on the receiving end of one. Belt whipping in BJJ, also known as ‘The Belt Gauntlet’ is an old tradition that is used by many old school Jiu Jitsu academies.

Not many know where the tradition comes from, but let’s see if we can learn more about belt whipping in BJJ. Going over how it started, when they are done and different opinions about the practice.

We’ll also detail other types of ceremonies that are practiced within BJJ.

What is belt whipping in BJJ called?

In English, the ceremony of belt whipping in BJJ is known as “the gauntlet.” The name they use for the gauntlet in Brazil is the “Corredor Polonês” that means Polish corridor or just corredor.

When is the belt whipping in BJJ done?

The belt whipping in BJJ or belt gauntlet as some called it is done only on two special occasions. Either whenever teammates get belt promotions or it’s a teammate’s birthday.

Who came up with belt whipping in BJJ? 

Many assume that the ceremonial belt whipping in BJJ was first practiced in Brazil, but it actually wasn’t. Many old school BJJ black belts credit black belt Chris Haueter with coming up with the practice. One of the first 12 non Brazilian black belts in the world, who was an early student of the Machado brothers.

Haueter tells the story that he started doing this practice in the early 1990s at the Machado brothers’ school. Chris was running classes while the brothers were away filming a movie, when he got this idea.

He just got back from military training and felt that the gym needed a sort of hazing ritual to build comradery. Haueter admits that the idea was a bit dumb and did get out of hand after a while.

Nonetheless, the practice spread to other gyms and belt whipping in BJJ became a thing.

The rules for belt whipping in BJJ

From videos you’ve probably seen, the gauntlet looks chaotic free for all. But there are actually rules set in place, so nobody gets seriously hurt.

• Teammates make two lines with a path in between for the person walking the gauntlet.
• The person walking the gauntlet has to walk down and back one just one person.
• You are only allowed to hit them in the body and back.
• No head shots, face shots, or groin shots.
• The person walking the gauntlet has to cover their head with their jacket for protection.
• Participants are only allowed to use their BJJ belt.

Critics against belt whipping in BJJ? 

There are many critics of belt whipping in BJJ that see the act as violent, unnecessary, and kind of dumb. One of the biggest critics of this act is world champion Caio Terra who spoke out against belt whipping.

Stating that there was no reason to be doing this violent act in BJJ

Other types of BJJ ceremonies

The gauntlet isn’t the only type of BJJ ceremony that schools practice within the martial art. There are quite a few different types of ceremonies that different gyms practice.

Shark Tank

When someone is about to be promoted, there are some Jiu Jitsu gyms that put them into the shark tank. The type of training, where you’re put in the middle of the mat and have to roll everyone without a break. Once you complete the shark tank, you are awarded your belt.

Throws and Takedowns

Once you get promoted, some gyms will put you through the ringer, where everyone gets to do a takedown on you. Your teammates will all get in line and get to do one takedown or Judo throw on you without you resisting.

Promoted at the podium

Then of course, nearly every Jiu Jitsu school does the ceremonial promotion at the podium. Whenever a student competes at a big event, their instructor will surprise them with a belt promotion on the podium. Many of the best BJJ athletes in the world have been promoted to black belt on the podium. 

Should belt whipping in BJJ be done away with?

Some grapplers believe that belt whipping has no place in BJJ and should be done away with. Many like Caio Terra don’t see the need for practicing this act within the martial art.

Is belt whipping in BJJ dumb, violent, and probably unnecessary? Probably, but the Jiu Jitsu schools that do belt whipping do it out of love and comradery between the students.

There is no malice behind the act and they aren’t trying to seriously hurt their teammate. Belt whipping of course isn’t a thing that is done at all BJJ gyms and only done at certain schools.

Not everyone is a fan of the practice, but it isn’t going anywhere and BJJ gyms will continue the practice.

Playing guard is one of the most popular games played within Jiu Jitsu. Not only is it one of the most popular, but also one of the most complex games to beat.

In BJJ, there are now numerous types of guards that you need to learn to defend against and pass. That is why we’ve put together this list of guard passes.

Below is a list of techniques to pass just about every type of guard within Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. 

Closed Guard Pass 

A closed guard pass is one of the very first passes that you learn in BJJ and that includes opening the guard. The knee post method is one of the most effective ways to pass the closed guard.

Your first step for this pass is close your knees and press them against your opponent’s hips. This keeps them from easily breaking your posture to set up a sweep or submission.

Next, take double lapel grips and push them into your opponent’s armpits. Once you take these grips, your opponent will have to break the grips before trying to break your posture.

For the next step, you’re going to keep your grips and come up to your feet. Then you’re going to put your knee between your opponent’s legs and begin to open their guard.

You then step back with your other knee and bend your knee to open your opponent’s guard. From there, you can do any type of open guard pass you wish.

Half Guard Pass

One of the best ways to pass half guard is with a knee cut pass. There’s various ways to do this pass and their all effective.

For this variation, start by grabbing a sleeve grip on your opponent. This grip will help prevent your opponent from turning on their side and posturing up..

Next, step to the side and drive your knee in half guard to the mat. Then grab above your opponent’s elbow and slide into side-control.

Lockdown Pass

The lockdown half guard can be annoying to deal with and it stalls the action of a roll. But it is beatable when you use a pass like this one.

Your naturally reaction will be to move up, but you need to start the pass by moving your body down. Then from here, all you do is bend your knee our and switch your base.

Now, you’re in a reverse half guard and have broken the lockdown. Pass reverse half guard by pulling your opponent’s top knee up, while kicking their bottom knee away, and back stepping.

Butterfly Guard Pass 

Butterfly is a super effective guard to use, but it’s pretty easy to pass. One butterfly guard pass you can do is the wheel turn.

While in butterfly guard, cross grab your opponent’s knee and behind their back to their far shoulder. Once you establish these two grips, all you do is turn your opponent like a wheel and pass to side-control.

Collar-Sleeve Guard Pass

Collar and sleeve guard is a basic guard that you’ll often run into while training. Here is a method to defend against it.

When someone used a collar and sleeve guard, they’ll often put their foot on your bicep. The first step is to break the sleeve grip by turning your hand out and taking your own grip.

Your other hand is going to come inside your opponent’s leg and take a pant grip. Now your open just has an open guard that you can pass with any type of pass you like.

Deep Half Guard Pass

Deep half guard is widely popular and hard to pass. This deep half pass is simple and effective.

Your first steps are to get the knee that’s in half guard to the mat and control your opponent’s arm. Using two grips at your opponent’s sleeve and above their elbow.

Now, with the opponent’s arm controlled, take your free leg, and swing it over your opponent’s head. Once you pass your leg free, you’ll begin to pass half guard and go into side-control.

Take a collar grip and drive your opponent’s head away from their body as you side into side-control.

De La Riva Guard Pass 

The De La Riva guard is widely used ib BJJ at all levels. It is a guard that you must know how to pass in order to advance your Jiu Jitsu game.

The first detail for passing the DLR is to keep your posture and break your opponent’s sleeve grip.  Once you break the collar grip, you’re going to grab a collar grip and a grip on your opponent’s pants.

Next, you’re going to do a small backstep to take their foot off your hip and then step back. When you come back, you need to squat down on your opponent’s leg to secure your posture.

Once you’ve secured your posture, push your opponent’s knee as you loop your hand collar gripping over the knee. Now, drive your knee in between your opponent’s legs, drive it to the mat, slide out, and go to side-control.

Reverse De La Riva Pass 

You’ll not only have to deal with De La Riva guard, but also reverse De La Riva guard. A knee cut is a great way to pass reverse DLR guard.

Start by driving your knee in and take your grips. One grip on your opponent’s collar and a cross grab on their knee.

Pull the collar grip up as you push the knee grip down to lock your opponent in place. Now, you’re going to drive your knee in and then quickly out over your opponent’s shin.

Keep your grips and connect your knee to their hip to complete the pass and take side-control.

Spider Guard Pass 

The spider guard is a very popular guard among guard players in Jiu Jitsu that is quite effective. Luckily, there are various ways to pass spider guard, which includes this easy pass.

In spider guard, start by pushing one of your opponent’s knees forward and pulling the other back. Next, circle your hand under the knee you pushed and counter grab their with inside knee grip.

Now, you’re going to take a big step to the side and do a leg drag and walk towards your opponent’s hips. Keep pressure on your opponent’s hips and take a collar grip.

Then, drop your head down, hold the opponent’s head, put down shoulder pressure, and pass.

Rubber Guard Pass

If you train in No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, then chances are that you will run into rubber guard. Here’s how you can pass the basic mission control position in rubber guard.

Put your hands on the mat and hop to your feet as you bring your head over your partner’s head. Once you’re up, youre going to turn your elbows down towards the floor.

Now, you’re going to limp arm out and stand straight up to get out of the rubber guard. Ending up in an open guard position and ready to pass.

Lasso Guard Pass 

Lasso guard is highly technical and can be difficult to try and pass. This lasso guard pass is a good one for when the opponent has a tight lass with their foot on your back.

Start by pushing your opponent’s knee down and drop into the knee slice position. Don’t try to pass just yet or you’ll be put into a bicep slicer or swept.

Instead, take a collar grip, drop your shoulder to your opponent’s chest, and step to the side. Now, hug the head, put down heavy shoulder pressure, and slide out your knee to complete the pass.

Lasso/Spider Guard Pass 

Some guard players will even mix the lasso guard and spider guard into a variation of both guards. But a stomp and slide pass is a great option to get out of this guard.

Start by taking a collar grip with your arm that is stuck in the lasso. Then grab a pant grip on the spider guard side and turn the opponent’s knee towards you.

Now with their leg in place, you’re going to stomp on their leg to break the spider guard grip. After you stomp, take a c grip on your partner’s leg doing the lasso, and step around their leg.

Your opponent will react by throwing their leg back over, so you let them. As they take it back, you’re going to knee cut pass right into side-control.

Lapel/Worm Guard Pass

Lapel guard or worm guard is one of the most annoying guard to get stuck in. More people are playing this guard now more than ever and you must know how to deal with it.

When you’re standing above you’re opponent and they go to pass your lapel, this is when you must react. Take a wide stance that will force your opponent to sit up.

This is the reaction you want to take a grip on the back of their Gi. Next, you’re going to take two steps to pass your opponent’s guard.

Step out with your inside leg and place your knee on their elbow, and then do a backstep with your other leg. Now, use your grips to pull your opponent down and take side-control.

X Guard Pass

X guard is another widely popular guard that allows for multiple sweeps and entries to the back mount. That is why you need to know how to defend against this guard.

Take a pant grip on the leg that’s the top hook and put your weight on your back leg. Then in one motion, you’re going to step your lead up and loop it over your opponent’s leg.

Bringing your leg between your opponent’s legs and then stepping to the side to take side-control.

Single Leg X Guard Pass

Along with x guard, you will have to know how to defend against the single x guard. The variation of x guard that many grapplers commonly transfer to for sweeps and leg locks.

Start by driving your knee down on your opponent’s body to create pressure and take away space. Next, you’ll have to address the foo that is on your hip.

Grab the top of your opponent’s foot as your bring your hip forward to clear the foot away. Right you take the foot away, you need to drop your hip and close the space, so they can’t put it back.

Next base on the mat and bring your knee in and slide back to land in half guard. Now, turn your toes down as you back step out of half guard and into side-control.

Shin To Shin Guard Pass

Shin to shin guard is a guard that is used for sweeps and often as a transition to x guard variations. Your first step is to not let your opponent connect their shin to your shin.

Pass shin to shin guard by stepping between your opponent’s legs, getting an underhook, and knee cutting out.

Z Guard Pass

More grapplers are playing half guard more than ever and one particularly popular version is the z guard or knee shield.  Here is a great knee shield pass option in the Gi.

Start by taking a collar grip on your opponent and rolling your elbow in to pull them forward. Then, take your other hand and slide it between your opponent’s legs palm down.

Next drop your head down and start to put heavy on your opponent to keep them in place. Now, you’re inside knee is going to cut across your opponent’s shin as you keep the pressure with your head.

Pull your collar grip in and keep downward pressure on your opponent as you walk your hips out to side-control.

Gi size charts are some of the most confusing size charts to navigate through. They’re supposed to help direct you towards your Gi size, but they’re not all the same.

Each Gi company uses their own variations of Gi size charts and they don’t all fit the same. That is why we have put together a list of Gi size charts from each major Gi company.

We also added a section detailing the different types of Gi size charts for men, women, and kids.

What does a Gi size chart consist of?

BJJ Gi companies make their Gi sizes by doing 3 different measurements. Those are:

• Height 
• Width
• Weight

The different Gi size charts

Originally there were only Gi size charts that were designed for men. But as BJJ has expanded, so have the size charts as women and kids got their own size charts. Here is a quick explanation for each Gi size chart.

Men’s Gi size chart 

The first Gi size charts were designed for men that are represented by the letter A for adults. Generally going from A1-A5 and then later on more sizes would be added depending on the BJJ Gi company.

As time has passed, different BJJ Gi companies have added different sizes to their Gi size charts

Women’s Gi size chart 

As more women began participating in Jiu Jitsu training, many BJJ Gi companies realized women couldn’t wear their men’s Gis. These companies had to create a whole new line of BJJ Gis that would correctly fit women.

These sizes would be categorized under the letter W for women. Making W0 to W5 Gis and everything in between depending on the company.

Kids Gi Size Chart

Then along with women, more kids began participating in Jiu Jitsu training, which prompted more companies to make kids Gis. Unfortunately BJJ Gi companies do not use the same letter to categorize their kids Gis.

Depending on the company, they use various letters from C, K, and M to categorize kids BJJ gis.

Do all Gis fit the same?

No. Different Gi design their Gis differently from each other and will hardly ever fit the same. These companies also make certain types of Gis that have a very distinct fit that isn’t the same as other Gis. An athletic fit Shoyoroll Gi will not fit the same as an old school heavy Atama BJJ Gi.

Different types of BJJ Gis.

BJJ Gi companies make all different styles of Gis that fit differently and usually come with their own size charts. Here is a quick rundown of the different types of BJJ Gis.

Single Weave(Beginner Gis)

Single weave Gis or beginner Gis are the type of Gis that is the first kind you purchase. They’re made from cheaper materials and have a tendency to shrink after you first wash them.

Lightweight(Summer) Gis

Lightweight or Summer Gis are the preferred type of BJJ Gis for those that live in hotter climates. They usually weigh less than 400gsm and are fresher, but like single weave Gis tend to shrink and can tear easier.

Competition Gi

These are the top notch styles of BJJ Gis that you would use for competitions. Gi companies offer them in a variety of sizes and they are designed to fit perfectly and last a long time.

Premium Gis

Along with Competition Gis, premium Gis are the best made of all the types of BJJ Gis. They’re made from the best materials and have a tailor made feel to perfectly fit you.

Variant Gi Sizes

As BJJ Gi companies have evolved, so has the Gi sizes they make. Many Gi companies now make alternative Gi sizes to go along with their regular sizes, which are lanky and husky fits.

Lanky(Tall) Fits

Lanky or tall fits are alternate sizes made for a taller grappler. They may be the weight of an A1 size, but the length is too short for them. This is why many companies will make A1-L, A2-L, and A3-L sizes to meet the needs of taller grapplers.

Stocky Fits

Another type of alternate sizes are those for stocky grapplers that are short, but have wide frames. Companies will even make Gis designed for stocky grapplers like how Tatami made their Estilo 6.0 Gis.

Are the Gi size charts the same for all Gi companies?

No and that’s what adds to the confusion of trying to understand Gi size charts. Each Gi company has their own Gi size chart that is completely different from the other.

For Example, let’s say you buy an A1 Gi from Fuji and another A1 Gi from Storm Kimonos. They most likely won’t fit the same. This is why you really have to choose brands you know will fit right and stick with them.

Gi Size Chart List

The number of Gi size charts are so diverse that we have listed many below from the top BJJ companies. Be sure to read all of the size charts below before purchasing a Gi from one of these companies. That way, you’ll know exactly what size you’ll need before buying one.

Tatami Gi Size Chart

Tatami Fightwear is a very popular brand that makes top notch Gis at a reasonable price. They currently make Gis in seven different sizes from A0 to A6. Check out their in depth chart to see what your Gi size is for the Tatami brand.

Classic and Tank Measurements

Please use the chart to estimate the correct size you will need.

	A0	A1	A2	A3	A4	A5	A6
A	157	158	162	171	178	185	189
B	75	76	80	83	88	91	92
C	53	54	56	61	65	69	74
D	90	92	95	99	102	106	110
E	54	58	62	65	67	69	72

NOTE: Please allow 1-2cm Discrepancy for all areas.

Height Feet & Inches

Height in CM

Weight (lb)

121

132

143

154

165

176

187

198

209

220

231

243

254

265

276

287

298

309

5’4″

5’5″

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A2

A2

A2

165

5’6″

A1

A1

A1

A1

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

167.5

5’7″

A1

A1

A1

A1

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

170

5’8″

A1

A1

A1

A2

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

173

5’9″

A1

A1

A2

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

A3

175.7

5’10”

A2

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

A4

A4

A4

178

5’11”

A2

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

A4

A4

A4

A4

180

6′

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

A4

A4

A4

A4

A4

183

6’1″

A3

A3

A3

A4

A4

A4

A4

A4

A5

A5

185.5

6’2″

A3

A3

A3

A4

A4

A4

A4

A4

A5

A5

188

6’3″

A4

A4

A4

A4

A4

A4

A5

A4

A5

A5

190.5

6’4″

A4

A4

A4

A4

A4

A4

A5

A5

A5

A5

193

6’5″

A4

A4

A4

A4

A4

A5

A5

A5

A5

A5

195.5

6’6″

A5

A5

A5

198

6’7″

201

Weight (Kilo)

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

120

125

130

135

140

Elite Sports Gi Size Chart

Elite Sports is one of the most popular brands for grapplers that want a more affordable brand of Gi. They currently make over 10 Gi sizes that are sure to fit BJJ students of any size and shape.

Size	Height	Weight (lbs)	Wingspan	Trouser Height
A0	4’10” – 5’1″	95 -110	61.5″	35″
A1	5’2″ – 5’5″	110 – 140	63″	37.5″
A2	5’5″ -5’9″	140 – 170	64″	38″
A2L	5’10” -6’0″	140 – 170	67″	41″
A2H	5’5″ – 5’9″	170 – 190	66″	37.5″
A3	5’9″ – 6’1″	170 – 200	67″	39″
A3L	6’2″ -6’4″	170 – 200	70.5″	42.5″
A3H	5’9″ -6’1″	200 – 220	69″	39″
A4	6′ – 6’4″	200 – 250	70.5″	42″
A5	6′ – 6’4″	225 – 275	75″	43″

93 Brand Gi Size Chart

93 Brand has carved out a niche for themselves within the Jiu Jitsu community making Gis that fit just right. They currently produce their Gis in 11 sizes that includes variations to A1, A2, and A3 sizes.

Size to Buy	Your Height	Your Weight (lbs)
a0	5’0″ – 5’4″	110 -140
a1F	5’4″ – 5’8″	120 – 140
a1	5’4″ – 5’8″	140 – 165
a1L	5’6″ – 5’11”	135 – 165
a2	5’9″ -6’0″	165 -185
a2L	5’11” – 6’2″	160 – 185
a2H	5’8″ – 6’0″	210 – 240
a3	5’11” -6’2″	190 – 220
a3L	6’2″ -6’5″	195 – 225
a4	6’2″ – 6’4″	220 – 260
a5	6’4″ -6’7″	250 -275

Fuji Men’s Gi Size Chart

Fuji is the one of the longest running grappling companies in the world that started out making Judo Gis. They currency make 11 different Gi sizes that includes alterations in A2 and A3 sizes.

Size	Height	Weight	A	B
A0	4’10” – 5’1″	95 -110 lbs	61.5″	35″
A1	5’2″ -5’5″	110 -140 lbs	63″	37.5″
A2	5’5″ – 5’9″	140 -170 lbs	64″	38″
A2L	5’10” – 6′	140 -170 lbs	67″	41″
A2H	5’5″ – 5’9″	170 – 190 lbs	66″	37.5″
A3	5’9″ -6’1″	170 – 200 lbs	67″	39″
A3L	6’2″ – 6’4″	170 – 200 lbs	70.5″	42.5″
A3H	5’9″ -6’1″	200 -220 lbs	69″	39″
A4	6′ – 6’4″	200 -250 lbs	70.5″	42″
A5	6′ – 6’4″	225 – 275 lbs	75″	43″
A6	6’2″ -6-6″	250 – 300 lbs	75″	43.5″

Shoyoroll Gi Size Chart

Shoyoroll is one of the first BJJ Gi companies to make modified Gi sizes that they sold in small batches. Many BJJ practitioners love the company and jump at the chance to get a new Gi from Shoyoroll. They make standard size Gis along with husky fit, tall fit, and athletic fit sizes.

Standard Chart

Size	Height (inch)	Weight (lbs)
A0	5’0″ – 5’4″	110 – 140
A1	5’4″ – 5’8″	140 – 165
A2	5’8″ – 6’0″	165 – 195
A3	5’11” – 6’3″	195 – 230
A4	6’2″ – 6’5″	225 – 250
A5	6’5″ – 6’8″	250 – 270

Husky Chart

Size	Height (inch)	Weight (lbs)
A0H	5’3″ -5’7″	165 – 185
A2H	5’6″ – 6’0″	220 -260
A3H	5’8″ – 6’0″	195 – 225

Long Chart

Size	Height (inch)	Weight (lbs)
A1L	5’6″ – 5’11”	135 – 165
A2L	5’11” – 6’3″	165 – 190
A3L	6’3″ – 6’6″	170 – 205

Fitted Chart

Size	Height (inch)	Weight (lbs)
A00F	4’8″ – 5’0″	85 – 100
A0F	5’0″ – 5’4″	100 -125
A1F	5’4″ – 5’7″	120 -140
A2F	5’7″ – 5’10”	140 -160

Venum Gi Size Chart

Venum is more known for their striking gloves and Muay Thai apparel, but they do make quality BJJ Gis. They currently make 7 Gi sizes that includes two tweener sizes between sizes A1 and A2.

Size	Sleeves Length (cm)	Sleeves Length (inches)	Apparel Size Match	Weight (kg)	Weight (lbs)	User Size (cm)	User Size (inches)
AO	146	57,5	XS	Less than 50kg	Less than 110lbs	150 – 156	4’11” – 5’1″
A1	152	60	S	50 to 64	110 to 141	157 – 163	5’1″ – 5’4″
A1,5	158	62	S/M	57 to 71	126 to 156,5	164 – 170	5’4″ -5’6″
A2	166	65	M	65 to 77	143 to 170	171 – 177	5’6″ -5’9″
A2,5	172	68	M/L	71 to 95	156,5 to 209,5	178 – 184	5’9″ -6′
A3	178	70	L	88 to 102	194 to 225	185 – 191	6’1″ -6’3″
A4	184	72,5	XL/XXL	102 to 113	225 to 249	192 & more	6’3″ & more

Hayabusa Gi Size Chart

Hayabusa is known for making high end combat sports products, which also includes a ew BJJ Gis. Their Gi size chart currently has 6 different sizes from A0 to A5.

Size	Height	Weight	Wing Span	Jacket Width	Jacket Length	Pant Waist	Pant Length
A0	5’0″ – 5’4″	110lbs – 140lbs	59″	22″	28″	18″	37″
A1	5’4″ – 5’8″	140lbs – 165lbs	62″	23″	29″	19″	38.5″
A2	5’8″ – 5’11”	165lbs – 190lbs	65″	24″	30″	20″	40″
A3	5’11” – 6’2″	190lbs – 215lbs	68″	25″	31″	21″	42″
A4	6’2″ – 6’5″	215lbs – 240lbs	71″	26″	32″	22″	44″
A5	6’5″ – 6’8″	240lbs – 270lbs	74″	27″	33″	23″	46″

Korral Gi Size Chart

Korral is an old school BJJ Gi company that still makes the same four sizes like they always have. This chart isn’t the best, but this is how they measure their Gis in inches.

Measurements in Inches	AO	A1	A2	A3
A	20.87	21.65	22.44	23.23
B	22.44	22.83	23.22	24.01
C	17.71	18.50	19.29	2007
D	26.77	27.55	28.74	29.52
E	21.25	22.04	22.83	23.62
F	35.03	36.22	37.79	39.37

Sanabul Gi Size Charts

Sanabul makes everything within the combat sports world at an affordable price, which includes BJJ Gis. They have a classic Gi size chart that goes from A0 to A4.

5’1″

5’2″

5’3″

5’4″

5’5″

5’6″

5’7″

5’8″

5’9″

5’10”

5’11”

6’0″

6’1″

6’2″

6’3″

6’4″

6’5″

115 lbs

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

120 lbs

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

125 lbs

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

130 lbs

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A1

A1

135 lbs

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A1

A1

A1

140 lbs

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

145 lbs

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

150 lbs

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

155 lbs

A0

A0

A0

A0

A0

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

160 lbs

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A2

A2

A2

165 lbs

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A2

A2

A2

A2

170 lbs

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A2

A2

A2

A2

175 lbs

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A3

180 lbs

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

185 lbs

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A1

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

190 lbs

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A4

195 lbs

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

A4

200 lbs

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

A4

205 lbs

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

A4

210 lbs

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A4

215 lbs

A2

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A4

220 lbs

A2

A2

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A4

225 lbs

A2

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A4

230 lbs

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A3

A4

235 lbs

A3

A3

A3

A3

A4

A4

240 lbs

A3

A3

A4

A4

A4

245 lbs

A3

A3

A4

A4

A4

250 lbs

A4

A4

A4

255 lbs

A4

A4

260 lbs

A4

A4

265 lbs

A4

A4

270 lbs

A4

Moya Brand 

Moya Brand has established a loyal following of customers that love their Gis. They currently make 10 different sizes, which includes 3 variations to sizes A1, A2, and A3.

Size	Weight	Height
A0	115 – 140 lbs	5’1″ – 5’4″
A0L	115 – 145 lbs	5’4″ – 5’7″
A1	140 – 165 lbs	5’4″ – 5’8″
A1L	135 – 165 lbs	5’7″ – 5’11”
A2	165 – 200 lbs	5’8″ – 6’0″
A2L	165 – 190 lbs	5’11” – 6’3″
A3	200 – 230 lbs	6’0″ – 6’3″
A3L	165 – 210 lbs	6’3″ – 6’6″
A4	230 – 250 lbs	6’2″ – 6’4″
A5	250 – 275 lbs	6’4″ – 6’7″

Kingz Gi Size Chart

Kingz Kimonos sponsors some of the top BJJ athletes in the world and makes a solid Gi. Their size chart currently consists of 11 different sizes with variations for wider and taller grapplers.

Size	Weight	Height
A0	140 – 155 lbs	5’3″ – 5’5″
A1	155 – 170 lbs	5’5″ – 5’7″
A1L	155 – 175 lbs	5’7″ – 5’10”
A2	170 – 190 lbs	5’7″ – 5’10”
A2L	170 – 190 lbs	5’10” – 6’2″
A2H	220 – 245 lbs	5’7″ – 5’10”
A3	190 – 225 lbs	5’10” – 6’2″
A3L	190 – 225 lbs	6’1″ – 6’4″
A3H	230 – 260 lbs	5’10” – 6’2″
A4	230 – 260 lbs	6’1″ – 6’4″
A5	260 – 300 lbs	6’2″ – 6’5″

Gameness Gi Size Chart

Gameness is another old school brand that has evolved and now makes various Gi sizes. As of now, Gameness makes Gis in 10 different Gi sizes and 2 alternative sizes they offer for their pearl Gis.

Size	Weight (lbs)	Weight (kg)	Height (inches)	Height (cm)
A0	100 – 130 lbs	45 – 58 kg	4’11” – 5’3″	149 – 160 cm
A1	130 – 165 lbs	58 – 74 kg	5’3″ – 5’7″	160 – 170 cm
A2	165 – 190 lbs	74 – 86 kg	5’6″ – 5’9″	167 – 175 cm
A2S*	175 – 215 lbs	79 – 97 kg	5’7″ – 5’10”	170 – 177 cm
A3	190 – 215 lbs	86 – 97 kg	5’10” – 6’2″	177 – 187 cm
A3L*	190 – 245 lbs	86 – 111 kg	6’2″ – 6’6″	187 – 198 cm
A4	170 – 240 lbs	77 – 108 kg	6’2″ – 6’4″	187 -193 cm
A5	210 – 275 lbs	95 – 124 kg	6’4″ – 6’6″	193 – 198 cm
A6	240 – 325 lbs	108 – 147 kg	6’5″+	195+ cm
A7*	325+ lbs	147+ kg	6’7″+	200+ cm

Maeda Brand Gi Size Chart

Maeda is another quality BJJ company that has been on the scene for a while. They currently make 8 different Gi sizes, including an A1L, A2, and A3 for taller grapplers.

Size	Weight (lbs)	Weight (kg)	Height (inches)	Height (cm)
A0	110 – 140 lbs	45 -64 kg	5’0″ – 5’4″	152 -163 cm
A1	140 – 165 lbs	64 – 75 kg	5’4″ – 5’8″	163 – 178 cm
A1L	135 – 165 lbs	61 – 75 kg	5’6″ – 5’11”	168 – 180 cm
A2	165 – 195 lbs	75 – 88 kg	5’8″ – 6’0″	173 – 183 cm
A2L	160 – 195 lbs	73 – 88kg	5’10” – 6’2″	178 – 188 cm
A3	195 – 225 lbs	88 – 102 kg	5’11” – 6’3″	180 -191 cm
A3L	190 – 225 lbs	86 – 102 kg	6’1″ – 6’5″	191 – 196 cm
A4	225 – 250 lbs	102 – 113 kg	6’2″ – 6’5″	188 – 196 cm

Hypnotik Gi Size Chart

Hypnotik is known for making athletic fit style Gis that usually fit just right. They make 5 different Gi sizes and provide a really in depth Gi size chart for you to find your size. 

Badboy Gi Size Chart

Badboy is another old school brand that still makes Gis in sizes A0 to A5. Their Gi size chart shows both the metric and imperial measuring systems.

Size	Height (cm)	Weight (kg)
A0	152 – 165 cm	49 – 63,5 kg
A1	166 – 177 cm	64 – 75 kg
A2	178 – 181 cm	76 – 86 kg
A3	182 – 185 cm	87 – 97,5 kg
A4	186 – 192 cm	98 – 109 kg
A5	193 – 198 cm	110 – 122,5 kg

Atama Gi Size Charts

The old and dependable Atama brand has evolved with the times. They make Gis in 7 different sizes, which includes A1-L and A2-L for taller grapplers. Their Gi size chart is also really in depth, so you can see exactly what your size is.

Height (ft)	Height (m)	Size	Weight (lbs)	Weight (kg)
5’3″ – 5’8″	1.60 – 1.72	A1	110 – 140	50 – 64
5’6″ – 5’10”	1.67 – 1.78	A1-L	130 – 145	59 – 65
5’7″ – 6’0″	1.70 – 1.83	A2	141 – 176	63 – 80
5’10” – 6’2″	1.78 – 1.88	A2-L	170 – 190	77 – 86
5’10 – 6’3″	1.78 – 1.91	A3	176 – 209	80 – 95
6’2″ – 6’5″	1.87 – 1.95	A4	200 – 250	90 -113
6’5″ – 6’9″	1.96 – 2.05	A5	251 – 280 (+)	113 -127 (+)

Size	A1	A1-L	A2	A2-L	A3	A4
Sleeve 1	16cm	17cm	18cm	18cm	18cm	19cm
Sleeve 2	25cm	26cm	27cm	28cm	29cm	31cm
Length	158cm	166cm	170cm	172cm	182cm	184cm
Height	73cm	79cm	80cm	82cm	83cm	86cm

Size	A1	A1-L	A2	A2-L	A3	A4
Length	51cm	52cm	53cm	54cm	55cm	58cm
Height	92cm	96cm	97cm	100cm	102cm	105cm

Scramble

Scramble makes slimmer more athletic fit Gis that fit snuggly. But out of the 8 Gi sizes they make, your sure to find one that fits just right.

	A0	A1	A1L	A2	A2L	A3	A3L	A4
A	150	161	167	168	172	173	178	179
B	72	75	76	80	81	83	84	86
C	50	51	51	54	54	57	57	60
D	93	96	96	100	102	103	104	106

Ronin Gi Size Chart

The east coast based Ronin makes 8 different sizes and 3 variations for taller grapplers. Check out their Gi size chart to see what your size is in a Ronin Gi.

	Weight	Height
A1	110 – 150 lbs	5’3″ – 5’7″
A1L	150 – 165 lbs	5’6″ – 5’9″
A2	165 – 190 lbs	5’6″ – 5’11”
A2L	165 – 195 lbs	5’11” – 6’3″
A3	190 – 225 lbs	5’11” -6’2″
A3L	195 – 230 lbs	6’2″ – 6’4″
A4	225 – 245 lbs	6’0″ – 6’4″
A5	245 -270 lbs	6’2″ – 6’7″

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H
A1	156	69	58	75	16	54	27	97
A1L	167	75	58	78	16	54	27	103
A2	177	77	62	80	17	56	28	103
A2L	174	78	62	82	17	56	28	108
A3	177	79	66	82	18	60	30	108
A3L	182	80	66	84	18	60	30	113
A4	183	81	71	90	20	65	32	113
A5	189	84	77	90	21	70	34	113

Ever since Flograppling began their Daisy Fresh BJJ docu series, the Pedigo Submission Fighting Team is now becoming internationally recognized. The Daisy Fresh BJJ crew are now fan favorites that are making their mark in the Jiu Jitsu world.

For those of you that don’t know, here is the story of the Pedigo Submission Fighting Team. (Daisy Fresh BJJ) Going over how the gym was established and the lifestyle of those that live in the gym.

We’ll also go over how the team’s top grapplers have found success in the world of pro grappling.

Heath Pedigo 

The story of Daisy Fresh BJJ begins with the gym’s founder Heath Pedigo. Heath and his brother grew up in Mt. Vernon, Illinois and like many wanted to train, but there were no gyms.

In 1995, there were only a handful of cities that had Jiu Jitsu schools and definitely not in their small town. The Pedigo brothers had to be resourceful and began learning Jiu Jitsu on their own.

They got their hands on early VHS tapes of the early UFC events and studied the grappling in the tournaments. Mainly the Jiu Jitsu skills of Royce Gracie.

Heath and his brother would train on their parent’s lawn and recruit their friends to help them. Even resorting to paying off other kids to let them practice moves on them.

Pedigo trains under Rodrigo Vaghi

Heath discovered that the closest BJJ school near him was an hour away in St. Louis, Missouri. In St. Louis, a BJJ black belt named Rodrigo Vaghi started one of the first academies in the city.

Pedigo would begin making nearly weekly visits to go train with Vaghi in St. Louis. Since Heath lived far away and couldn’t be a regular student, Rodrigo worked out a deal with him.

Vaghi would allow Pedigo to train under him part-time and do belt testing through him. This is how Heath was able to get ranked and work his way through the BJJ belts.

He would train at Vaghi’s school part-time, while also doing his own training in Mt. Vernon. Pedigo would eventually earn his black from Rodrigo Vaghi over a decade later.

Daisy Fresh Laundromat 

When Pedigo earned his blue belt, he worked out a deal with Vaghi. Rodrigo gave Heath his blessing that he could go back to his hometown and open a BJJ school.

This was how the Pedigo Submission Fighting Team started in the late 1990s. Heath and his brother found a building that used to be a local laundromat called Daisy Fresh.

They wanted to keep the hometown feel, so they never took down the laundromat sign. Since the sign is still up, the gym will routinely get people that come by, who think the gym’s a laundromat.

The gym slowly grows

It took years of sweat and hard work for the Pedigo Submission Fighting Team to start getting attention. For many years, the school struggled to stay open and only had a small number of dedicated students.

But Heath would build around these dedicated students. A lot of them had no money, so he allowed them to sleep in the gym.

All they would do is eat, sleep, and train everyday. This dedication would soon pay off for Daisy Fresh BJJ.

Daisy Fresh BJJ students find success

In the early 2010s, Pedigo Fighting Team students started to find success at big tournaments. They started winning at big tournaments in the white and blue belt divisions.

Nobody knew who these guys were, but they were starting to beat students from more recognized schools. These wins helped the team gain confidence and lit a fire under them to win at the higher levels.

Daisy Fresh: An American Jiu-Jitsu Story

The team’s success got the attention of the team from Flograppling. The website that streams all of the major Jiu Jitsu and wrestling events.

They wanted to know more about the Pedigo Submission Fighting Team and made Heath Pedigo an offer. Flograppling wanted to know more about this team and wanted to make a documentary series about them.

Following around members of the team and hearing their stories and how they got into Jiu Jitsu. The series follows the team around and shows how they train and live in their gym.

It is one of the most popular series that Flograppling has made and given Daisy BJJ a lot of attention. There are currently two seasons of the series with season one available on Youtube.

Notable members 

There are two members of the Daisy Fresh BJJ team that have gotten the most attention out of the crew. Here are short bios on Andrew Wiltse and Jacob Couch.

Andrew Wiltse

Andrew Wiltse had a strange upbringing before discovering Jiu Jitsu. His mother lives in California selling holistic medicine, while his father lives in a small Michigan town.

During a summer trip to stay with his mom in California, Andrew began taking Judo classes. He became really passionate about learning Judo and wanted to continue when he returned to Michigan.

Unfortunately, he lived in an area with only a couple thousand people, so it was hard finding a teacher. But Andrew did find a local Judo practitioner named Mike Ogden, who agreed to teach him Judo.

One day, Wiltse was training with Ogden in a boxing gym when Heath Pedigo came in. He was promoting an MMA fight and was looking at fighters, when he saw the two training.

Heath rolled a little bit with them before he left and gave Andrew an invitation to train with him in Illinois. A short time later, Andrew contacted Heath and offered him a scholarship to train with him for a year.

Andrew has trained under Pedigo ever since and is the most decorated athlete at Pedigo Submission Fighting Team. He won the No-Gi World championship at brown belt during the taping of the docu series. 

Making Andrew the very first world champion that Pedigo Submission Fighting Team had produced. At the podium Heath would promote Andrew Wiltse to black belt, which made him Pedigo’s first black belt student.

Andrew is active on the pro grappling scene and makes instructionals for the website BJJ Fanatics.

Jacob “The Hillbilly Hammer” Couch

One of the most popular members of Daisy Fresh BJJ is Jacob “the hillbilly hammer” Couch. He is one of the biggest characters on the team that has made a splash on the pro grappling scene.

Jacob grew up in Hazard, Kentucky and had a bit of a hard upbringing. Hazard is a very poor southern town that unfortunately many within the town have no way of bettering themselves.

Couch saw these hardships at a young age and didn’t want to get caught in the trap. He discovered Jiu Jitsu and fate would lead him to start training under Heath Pedigo.

They dubbed Jacob “the hillbilly hammer” and the nickname stuck with him. He has a very upbeat personality and is known for his dynamic leg lock game and sweeps. 

Also his love of Mountain Dew Code Red and crush on world champion Gabi Garcia.

Couch has pulled off some huge wins on the big stages within the pro grappling circuit. Upsetting world champion Roberto Jimenez and faced Gordon Ryan at a WNO event.

The hillbilly hammer is currently a brown belt and has a bright future ahead of him.

The Legacy of Daisy Fresh BJJ

Pedigo Submission Fighting Team or Daisy BJJ as they are known are a true American Jiu-Jitsu story. They have no affiliation with any Brazilian instructor and made a name for themselves through hardwork and determination.

The team is very tight knit and has one of the most special bonds of any team in Jiu Jitsu. Through years of hardships, the team has persevered and are now making a name for themselves.

Daisy Fresh BJJ are now on a mission to bring home their first world championship at the black belt level.

The Danaher Death Squad was an unstoppable force in the world of Jiu Jitsu. They dominated pro No-Gi Jiu Jitsu throughout most of the 2010s and won every major No-Gi title multiple times.

DDS seemed prime to dominate the sport for another decade, but then the team abruptly broke up. Here is the complete story of the Danaher Death Squad.

Detailing their rise dominating sport Jiu Jitsu to breaking up and the members going on to form their own teams.

John Danaher 

To detail the full history of the Danaher Death Squad, you have to start with the team’s coach. The mastermind John Danaher.

Danaher is a native of New Zealand that moved to New York in the 1990s to attend grad school. While attending Columbia University studying for his PhD in philosophy, John would work as a bouncer at a nightclub.

One of his co-workers invited him to come train Jiu Jitsu with him at Renzo Gracie’s academy. He was skeptical of Jiu Jitsu at first, but once he began training, Danaher saw it was beneficial to learn.

John would train alongside the likes of Matt Serra and Ricardo Almeida and became one of Renzo’s top students. Since a catastrophic leg injury prevented Danaher from competing, he invested his time becoming the best coach he could be.

His methodical approach would help him become one of the most respected coaches in all of Jiu Jitsu and MMA. 

The formation of DDS

In 2011, Danaher took over one of the morning classes in the blue basement at Renzo’s school. Around the same time he started teaching this class, Eddie Cummings had just started training at Renzo’s school.

Cummings liked Danaher’s approach to Jiu Jitsu and would attend all of his morning classes. John would also begin teaching Eddie his infamous leg lock system that the team would become known for.

Garry Tonon

A short time after Eddie began learning from Danaher, Garry Tonon would begin taking his classes. He would make the trip to New York with his instructor Tom DeBlass multiple times every month.

Garry would become one of Danaher’s pupils and his game would improve drastically under John. He would win the No-Gi World Championship at brown belt two times before competing at ADCC.

There he would have his epic match with Kron Gracie that many consider the greatest match of all time.

EBI

Eddie Cummings and Garry Tonon would compete at the early Eddie Bravo Invitationals. At these events, they would wipe out the competition. 

Winning multiple tournaments using Danaher’s patented leg lock system. Even though the two were dominating the pro No-Gi circuit, this would just be the beginning.

Tonon would continually tell people the best was yet to come.

Gordon Ryan’s debut

Garry’s statement would be a prophetic one as his teammate and best friend Gordon Ryan would make his EBI debut. Just like his teammates, Ryan would dominate the higher weight classes and win multiple EBI titles.

Danaher’s students had begun their takeover of the sport.

Who came up with the team Danaher Death Squad?

The person that is credited with coming up with the Danaher Death Squad name is their former teammate Ryan Quinn. He posted it on Reddit one day in 2016 describing what it was like to train with them.

The name caught on and everyone within the Jiu Jitsu world would begin calling the group the Danaher Death Squad.

Notable DDS members

The Danaher Death Squad consisted of some of the best No-Gi grapplers in the world. Here is a list of the most notable members.

Eddie Cummings

Eddie Cummings was one of the original members of the Danaher Death Squad along with Garry Tonon. He would go on to win two EBI tournament titles and one of the early Polaris super fights.

Cummings would have a falling out with the team and leave to coach at another school in New York. To this day, Eddie and the other DDS members are still not on the best of terms.

Garry Tonon

Garry Tonon was one of the original DDS members and one of the most prominent members of the group. He would win 4 EBI championships, which really made the squad’s presence known in the Jiu Jitsu world.

Tonon has now transitioned to MMA and currently has a 6-1 record and is currently signed with One FC.

Gordon Ryan

“King” Gordon Ryan is considered to be one the great Jiu Jitsu athletes of all time. At just 26 years old, Ryan is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the sport.

Winning 3 ADCC championships, 2 No-Gi world titles, and 4 EBI tournaments. Gordon will most likely be considered the greatest of all time once he calls it a career.

Nicky Ryan

Gordon’s younger brother Nicky Ryan made waves in the sport as a young prodigy. Beating numerous world champions all before he turned 18. Nicky no longer lives in his brother’s shadow and has carved his own path within Jiu Jitsu.

Nicky Rodriguez

Nicky Rod took the Jiu Jitsu world by storm in 2019 at that year’s ADCC championship. He had barely been training Jiu Jitsu for a year and took second at the tournament and beat two former champions. As Rodriguez develops his game, many expect great things from this special athlete.

Craig Jones

Craig Jones was one of the last big name members of the Danaher Death Squad. After competing against them for a few years, Jones decided to settle in the US and join them. He was already considered one of the best Jiu Jitsu athletes in the world, but elevated his game training with DDS.

Jake Shields

Jake Shields, the former Strikeforce champion and UFC vet started training with DDS late into his career. Shields made the transition to compete in pro grappling and chose to train with the Danaher Death Squad. He still competes frequently in pro Jiu Jitsu events throughout the world.

DDS goes to Puerto Rico 

In 2020, the Jiu Jitsu world was shocked to learn that the Danaher Death Squad was leaving Renzo’s school. They decided to part ways and leave the famed blue basement to start their own school.

DDS wanted to make a training hub, where the best athletes from all over the world would come train with them. The place they decided to open their school was on the tropical island of Puerto Rico.

The idea was that putting their gym within a tropical paradise would help attract more athletes to train with them.

The Danaher Death Squad breaks up 

After just a few months, the DDS project in Puerto Rico would come to an end. A lot of unfortunate events would lead to the termination of the project.

Everything from the Covid-19 outbreak and the death of Gordon and Nicky’s beloved father Gordon Sr. It was also difficult for people to travel to the island due to Covid, which really hurt the gym.

Gordon Ryan would announce on Instagram that he was moving to Austin to start a new gym. John Danaher would then follow up with a post of his own announcing that the Danaher Death Squad was parting ways.

While they were in Puerto Rico, there were some conflicts between members of the team that were reported. Things such as differences in training philosophies and the failure of the new school caused some friction.

After meeting together, the team decided the best thing for everyone to do was go their own ways. With that, the era of the Danaher Death Squad dominating the Jiu Jitsu world was over.

New Wave Jiu Jitsu & The B Team 

From the break up, there would be two new teams formed that are ironically enough both in Austin, Texas. John Danaher, Gordon Ryan, and Garry Tonon would go on to form their team New Wave Jiu Jitsu.

Then other members consisting of Nicky Ryan, Ethan Crelenstin, Craig Jones, and Nicky Rod would form the B Team. A name that is a bit of a joke since they were considered the B team of the Danaher Death Squad.

The two schools are actually only a less than 15 minute drive from one another. Although neither team interacts with the other and have no plans on doing anything together.

ADCC 2022

At this year’s ADCC championship event, both Gordon Ryan and Nick Rodriguez are in the same division. We could very well see a match of two former DDS members take place at the event. We might even see former DDS teammates compete against each other in the absolute division.

The Legacy of the Danaher Death Squad

During their time, the Danaher Death Squad were the most dominant team of their era. Members of DDS won multiple major titles and helped put more eyes on pro grappling. They will forever be known as one of the greatest Jiu Jitsu teams that had ever been assembled.