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Your Kid's First BJJ Gi and First Class: A Parent's Guide
Quick answer: For a kid's first BJJ class, ask the academy what they require. Most kids 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 ($90, free white belt with the white gi) or The ONE V2 Youth ($100, free white belt). Both come in sizes M0000–M4 and are IBJJF legal under the 2024 rules.
Signing your kid up for jiu-jitsu is a big step for them and for you. The good news: you don't need much gear, and you don't need to get everything 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 spurts.
Before the first class
Ask the academy three questions: Can my kid try a class before buying a gi? Are there uniform color rules? Is the class gi or no-gi? Many schools 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, and the standard top for no-gi.
- Water bottle and sandals or slides for walking off the mat.
- Trimmed fingernails and toenails, long hair tied back, no jewelry.
- A clean gi every class. Wash it after every session.
Want to know what actually happens in class? Read Your First Jiu-Jitsu Class: What to Expect. Still deciding? See What Age Should Kids Start Jiu-Jitsu? and Is Jiu-Jitsu Safe for Kids?
Choosing a first gi
Kids gis take more abuse 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 M2 and smaller; 6-loop cord M3–M4 | Free white belt (white gi) | 0.93 kg (2.05 lb) | $90 |
| The ONE V2 Youth | 400 GSM High-Tech Pearl Weave | 10 oz cotton | Elastic on smaller sizes; 6-loop cord M3–M4 | Free white belt | 1.29 kg (2.85 lb) | $100 |
| Nano 3.0 Youth | 380 GSM Pearl Weave | 270 GSM ripstop | Stretchy drawstring | Free gi bag | 0.99 kg (2.18 lb) | $109.95 |
*Prices on kingz.com as of October 30, 2026. All three are sized M0000–M4 and listed as IBJJF legal under the 2024 rules. **Whole gi (jacket and pants) in size M2, weighed by Kingz.
Our pick for most families: the Kore V2 Youth in white. It's our most wallet-friendly gi, it includes a free white belt, and smaller sizes have an elastic waistband that young kids can manage on their own. Want a heavier, more substantial jacket? The ONE V2 Youth is $10 more. Browse all kids BJJ gis.
Kids gi sizes (M0000–M4)
Kingz kids sizes use an M scale, sized to allow for growth without excess bulk. Measure your child barefoot against a wall, then check their weight. Height sets sleeve and pant length, and weight tells you about build. Age is a rough guide only.
| Size | Typical age | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| M0000 | 4–5 years | 3'6"–3'9" (107–114 cm) | 30–40 lbs (13–18 kg) |
| M000 | 5–6 years | 3'9"–3'11" (114–119 cm) | 40–50 lbs (18–22 kg) |
| M00 | 7–8 years | 3'11"–4'2" (119–127 cm) | 50–60 lbs (22–27 kg) |
| M0 | 8–9 years | 4'2"–4'5" (127–135 cm) | 60–70 lbs (27–31 kg) |
| M1 | 9–10 years | 4'5"–4'8" (135–142 cm) | 70–80 lbs (31–36 kg) |
| M2 | 10–11 years | 4'8"–4'11" (142–150 cm) | 80–90 lbs (36–40 kg) |
| M3 | 11–12 years | 4'11"–5'1" (150–155 cm) | 90–100 lbs (40–45 kg) |
| M4 | 12–13 years | 5'1"–5'3" (155–160 cm) | 100–110 lbs (45–49 kg) |
Age is only a rough guide. Kids grow at different rates, so go by height and weight first.
For older kids and young teens, M4 sits above M3. Check the size chart on each product page for exact measurements. When your child outgrows youth sizes, they move into adult A0/A1 or women's F0/F1. Full details: Kids Gi Sizes Explained.
Fit, growth and shrinkage
- Buy for now, with a little room. Don't go two sizes up. Oversized sleeves and pants get grabbed, twisted and tripped over.
- Expect some shrinkage. Ultralight and Balistico gis are 100% pre-shrunk; all our other gis, including the Kore V2, The ONE V2 and Nano 3.0 youth gis, are 95% pre-shrunk, so expect 3–5% shrinkage. Wash cold and hang dry.
- Try it on before you wash it. Our Perfect Fit Guarantee gives you 60 days from delivery to exchange unworn, unwashed gear, and exchanges are free.
No-gi classes
For no-gi, kids need a snug rash guard and grappling shorts. The Kore V2 Youth Long Sleeve Rash Guard ($39.95) is 80% polyester / 20% spandex and comes in XS (4), S (6), M (8), L (10) and XL (12). For something more colorful, the Ranked Youth ($45) has rank-inspired graphics. Shop all kids rash guards.
Thinking about competing?
Most kids train for fun, fitness and confidence long before they ever 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. See Competition vs Recreational BJJ for Kids.
Frequently asked questions
What should my kid wear to their first BJJ class?
Ask the academy first. Many let beginners try a class in a T-shirt and athletic shorts or lend them a gi, and some have uniform color rules. If they'll train in a gi, they need a gi that fits and a white belt. For no-gi classes, a snug rash guard and shorts with no zippers or pockets work. Bring a water bottle and sandals for off the mat, trim fingernails and toenails, tie back long hair and leave jewelry at home.
What is the best first BJJ gi for a kid?
A durable, mid-weight pearl weave gi in the size they are now. The Kore V2 Youth ($90) is our most wallet-friendly kids gi (the white one includes a free white belt), and The ONE V2 Youth ($100) steps up to a 400 GSM jacket and also includes a free white belt. Both are IBJJF legal under the 2024 rules.
What size BJJ gi does my child need?
Kingz kids gis run from M0000 for the youngest kids to M4 for bigger kids and young teens. Measure your child barefoot against a wall, then check their weight. Height sets sleeve and pant length, and weight tells you about build. Use the chart on the product page and our Kids Gi Sizes Explained guide. When they outgrow M sizes, they move to adult A0/A1 or women's F0/F1.
Should I buy a bigger gi for my kid to grow into?
Not more than a little. Oversized sleeves twist, long pant legs trip kids up, and loose fabric gives partners easy grips, so kids spend class fixing their uniform instead of learning. Buy the size that fits now, with a little room. If they're right between two sizes and growing fast, go up one.
Do Kingz kids gis come with a belt?
The white Kore V2 Youth and The ONE V2 Youth (all colors) include a free white belt. Each product page says whether a belt is included.
Are Kingz kids gis IBJJF legal?
The Kore V2 Youth, The ONE V2 Youth and Nano 3.0 Youth are all listed as legal under the IBJJF's 2024 uniform rules. For kids competition, the gi also has to be white, royal blue or black and fit properly, so check the sleeve and pant length before the event.
How do I wash my kid's BJJ gi?
Wash it after every class, in cold water, and hang it to dry. The Kore V2, The ONE V2 and Nano 3.0 are 95% pre-shrunk, so expect 3–5% shrinkage. Skip the dryer unless the gi is too long and you want it to shrink a little. Try the gi on before the first wash: returns and exchanges need gear to be unwashed and unworn.
What should kids wear for no-gi BJJ?
A snug rash guard and grappling shorts. The Kore V2 Youth Long Sleeve Rash Guard ($39.95) is 80% polyester / 20% spandex in youth sizes XS (4), S (6), M (8), L (10) and XL (12). See all kids rash guards.