The Best Lightweight Gi on the Market

May 9, 2025

A Review of Black Market Kimonos Gi

By: Justin Myrick

OK, I currently own nine GIs. I’ve had to throw away two—one from pure stink, and one from too many tears. It happens. My point is that I have a good mix of them. Most BJJ practitioners do. But having a solid lightweight GI in the mix is crucial.

So, we must all ask: Do I have a great lightweight GI?

After wearing the Black Market Kimonos GIs for over a year, I can say without a doubt, it’s the best on the market! Here are some key points that helped me realize this:

It is the lightest GI I own. There is no comparison. I even have one from another company that is marketed as their lightweight, and it is, but not like Black Market Kimonos. I noticed this as soon as I took it out of the package.
It feels good to roll in. It’s light and comfortable, which is important to me because I want to feel good when I roll.
It is durable. I now own two BMK GIs and wear them all the time. They are holding up just fine. This is impressive considering how lightweight they are.
It travels well. Visiting gyms when traveling is pure joy, and now I’ve got my go-to travel GI that doesn’t take up all my luggage space. BMK's slogan is “Roll Heavy. Travel Light.” That’s fitting!
It dries fast. These GIs will dry in half the time that your others take. I was stunned by how fast it dries while hanging. This certainly helps me keep my side of the closet clean!

Check out my video review of my Black Market Kimonos:

We can all appreciate the variety of companies making GIs. There’s something for everyone. So if you want the safari GI, go for it. How about the astronaut one? Sure, why not? But if you’re looking for an excellent lightweight GI, do yourself a favor and order a Black Market Kimono. You’ll be glad you did!

Note: BMK GIs only come in white. But let’s be honest - that’s the coolest color anyway!

Beyond just a great product, Black Market Kimonos stands out for the philosophy behind the brand. Founded by Scott Burr—a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a private student of Rickson Gracie, and a published author—BMK is built on the belief that Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a martial art. It’s a way to connect with people across the world. Their tagline, “Roll Heavy, Travel Light,” isn’t just clever—it reflects their mission to equip practitioners with gear that’s built for life on the move. If you’re looking for a brand that understands both the technical and personal journey of BJJ, check out Black Market Kimonos at www.blackmarketkimonos.com.