Judo was first developed by Kano Jigoro, a master of jujitsu. Although judo is based on jujitsu, the two martial arts are very different today. Judo focuses more on grappling and is practiced for sport, whereas jujitsu incorporates lots of striking and is practiced more for self-defense purposes. In both martial arts, the fighter wears a gi, but the differences between the uniforms are much less noticeable than are the differences between the fighting styles.
Size Differences
The main difference between a judo uniform and jujitsu uniform is the size. The gi worn for judo is larger and heavier and has longer sleeves. Jujitsu uniforms are smaller and lighter and typically have short sleeves. Jujitsu uniforms are more form fitting as well. Judo uniforms have a more oversized fit.
Uniforms in Tournaments
Sometimes, but not often, a fighter will wear a judo gi during a jujitsu competition. If the fighter wishes to do so, he is allowed. However, wearing a judo gi during a jujitsu match would put him at a disadvantage because the loose fit of the gi makes it easier for his opponent to grab. Judo, on the other hand, has much stricter rules. Judo uniforms must meet regulation standards. From the judo perspective, a jujitsu uniform would lend an unfair advantage to a fighter because its smaller size and tighter fit would make it difficult to grab.
Does it Matter Which One You Wear?
For general sparring purposes, it does not make a difference which uniform you wear. It's really a matter of personal preference. You would only be required to wear a judo uniform if you were competing in an official judo tournament. Otherwise, you can wear a judo gi for jujitsu and vice versa. If you're really confused, the best thing to do is talk to your instructor.
Is One Better Than the Other?
No one can say for certain that one uniform is better than the other. A jujitsu uniform may have more practical advantages over a judo uniform. For example, the short, tight sleeves of a jujitsu uniform makes it more difficult for your opponent to grab you by your gi and perform common techniques. On the other hand, one could also argue that the stiffer lapels of a judo uniform will hold up better to wear and tear than would a jujitsu gi.
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