What gi brands to check out in Rio

[georgwilhelm**]

Hey,
I will be going on a trip to Brazil later this year and wanted to ask you, what companies you would recommend I should check out if I want to buy a gi. I somewhat have lost track of what companies (besides the classic names Atama, Keiko etc) are Brazilian and which are North American (apparently a lot of the names discussed on this forum are new US/Canadian companies). Could you also recommend other BJJ related stuff one could do/see in Rio?

And now for the experts: Are there shops in Rio you can recommend which offer several brands and not pertain to only one producer? I ask because I have particular sizing needs and would like to test several jackets in a row.

Thanks!

 

[jag6984]

It's surprisingly hard to find a gi in Rio I found. Generally I've heard people will buy their gi through their gym, at a tournament or the internet. Tournaments can be found through the FJJRio site: Federação de Jiu-Jitsu do Estado do Rio de Janeiro but buying on the internet will be next to impossible unless you have a Brazilian bank account.

However, on Rua Santa Clara, 33, in Copacabana there is a type of mall which has a few stores that you can visit. Rip Dorey is the most famous one, they will have Atama and Koral gi's and a bunch of random no-gi stuff. There is KF (kimono fighter) store there as well, and another one that sells some off brand I can't remember.

Similarly on rua santa clara, 50, there is another mall which has a store that carries a few Dragao and Keiko gi's.

One of the stores in shopping leblon has started to carry gi's as well, but I only saw Koral.

The Atama factory is well known to give deals, but you'd need to speak Portuguese and be comfortable going to a pretty sketchy area.

I think Barra has some stores, but I'm not too sure. The guys at Connection Rio might be able to help you with that.

Overall, I haven't seen too many "specialty" brands here. Most people from my gym wear Atama, Koral, Senki, KF or Keiko.

 

[revad3]

Go to find de la riva, he sell a bunch of atama for quite a fair price.

Any other gi is quite expensive there. KF pricings at santa clara 33 is not bad

 

[georgwilhelm**]

thanks!

 

[Stu3Bellator]

in Rio > Krugans Kimonos
In Sao Paulo > Dragao

Check out Rip Dorey in Rio also

 

[georgwilhelm**]

in Rio > Krugans Kimonos
In Sao Paulo > Dragao

Check out Rip Dorey in Rio also

can you provide an address? thanks!

 

[georgwilhelm**]

It's surprisingly hard to find a gi in Rio I found. Generally I've heard people will buy their gi through their gym, at a tournament or the internet. Tournaments can be found through the FJJRio site: Federação de Jiu-Jitsu do Estado do Rio de Janeiro but buying on the internet will be next to impossible unless you have a Brazilian bank account.

However, on Rua Santa Clara, 33, in Copacabana there is a type of mall which has a few stores that you can visit. Rip Dorey is the most famous one, they will have Atama and Koral gi's and a bunch of random no-gi stuff. There is KF (kimono fighter) store there as well, and another one that sells some off brand I can't remember.

Similarly on rua santa clara, 50, there is another mall which has a store that carries a few Dragao and Keiko gi's.

One of the stores in shopping leblon has started to carry gi's as well, but I only saw Koral.

The Atama factory is well known to give deals, but you'd need to speak Portuguese and be comfortable going to a pretty sketchy area.

I think Barra has some stores, but I'm not too sure. The guys at Connection Rio might be able to help you with that.

Overall, I haven't seen too many "specialty" brands here. Most people from my gym wear Atama, Koral, Senki, KF or Keiko.

Thanks! I wanted to check them out on a Saturday afternoon but they were closed. I will be in Rio agaion for another one and a half days. Should I go there on a Friday (a bit uncomfortable for me) or are they open on Saturday mornings (b4 noon)? Do you know about their times?

 

[TheBJJProfessor]

This is such a cool thread!

 

[kimble09]

in Rio > Krugans Kimonos
In Sao Paulo > Dragao

Check out Rip Dorey in Rio also

how are Krugans? i used to see them all over back in the late 90's, but rarely see them anymore...

 

[BigCP84**]

Someone told me they are stiff and rough like sandpaper, so I didn't get one.

 

[jag6984]

Thanks! I wanted to check them out on a Saturday afternoon but they were closed. I will be in Rio agaion for another one and a half days. Should I go there on a Friday (a bit uncomfortable for me) or are they open on Saturday mornings (b4 noon)? Do you know about their times?

I assume you mean on Rua Santa Clara, your best bet would be Friday during the daytime. However, it should be open on Saturday morning after about 10am. Unfortunately I'm not living in Rio anymore, otherwise I'd give them a call for you.