[Gi Review] Genesis Gi by BJJ Religion

BJJ Religion is a relative newcomer to the gi market, but they are off to a good start with highly polished branding and a line of cleanly designed, high quality kimonos. Their Genesis gis are smartly designed and durably build. If you can get over the high price, you’ll find a top of the line gi with a sharp style.

Near the beginning of 2012, Seton Seto from BJJ Religion sent me a black and olive A3 Genesis gi. After months of beating it up, here’s my review.

The gi arrived in a BJJ Religion bag, as gear companies have taken to doing. They included a corded drawstring in the package so you can change out the flat canvas one that’s in the pants. These are nice bonuses.

Initial inspection showed clean stitching and sturdy construction. Looking it over again after months of regular use, I can find no tears, no loose stitches, no torn seams, no fraying in the drawstring, no ripped belt loops, or anything else that could compromise its longevity. A few threads “popped” in the embroidery, but that’s it.

Wearing it, the gi is slim fitting and comfortable. I didn’t have the problem I often have with A3′s being too baggy. The stitching tape in the cuffs rubbed my wrists uncomfortably at first, but it quickly softened from wear and washing. This is a problem I often have with stitching tape, but I had someone else try it on and they didn’t notice.

The black dye has stayed remarkably dark and has only faded slightly, but this is helped by only being washed in cold water and hung out to dry.

BJJ Religion’s Genesis gis sell on BJJSports.com and On The Mat Fight Shop for $209. That is a steep price, but not unheard of these days.  If BJJ Religion found a way to move into the $150-175 range and maintain their quality, they would kill it.

Usually I’m more critical of gis with such high price tags (since I’m a cheapskate), but if you are looking for a high end BJJ gi and can swing the price, this is a comfortable and durable gi that gets everything right.