If you’ve started searching for a “sambo gi,” “sambo kurtka,” or “kurtka sambo,” you’ve probably noticed something confusing: sambo jackets look a little like a judo kimono, but they’re cut and built differently. Picking the wrong one — or ordering the wrong size — is one of the most common mistakes new sambo athletes make. This guide covers what a sambo jacket actually is, what separates a training jacket from a competition-legal one, and how to pick the right size and weight.
What is a sambo gi?
In English the garment is usually called a “sambo jacket,” while Russian-language sources call it a “kurtka” (куртка) or “sambovka.” It’s the upper half of the sambo uniform, worn over a red or blue belt depending on which color you’re assigned for a given match. Unlike a judo or BJJ gi, a sambo jacket has no matching pants — it’s paired with sambo shorts instead, which we cover in a separate guide.
Structurally, a sambo jacket has:
- A shorter, closer-fitting cut than a judo kimono, since sambo’s grip and throw mechanics don’t require the same loose fabric judoka rely on for sleeve and collar grips.
- Reinforced stitching at the shoulders, collar and cuffs — the areas that take the most stress from grip fighting and throws.
- A belt loop or built-in belt, usually included with the jacket rather than sold separately.
- Red or blue construction, since competitors are assigned a color rather than wearing a white gi with a colored belt as in judo.
Competition-legal vs. training jackets
Not every sambo jacket is legal for every event. Jackets in our catalog are labeled by the standard they’re built to meet:
- FIAS Approved — meets International Sambo Federation specifications. This is what you want if you’re competing in FIAS-sanctioned tournaments, including international and most national-federation events that follow FIAS rules.
- VFS Approved — meets the All-Russian Sambo Federation’s specifications, relevant if your competition circuit follows that federation’s standard rather than FIAS’s.
- Lightweight / training jackets — not necessarily built to the same certification but intended for day-to-day training, drilling and conditioning, where the priority is comfort and durability rather than meeting a regulatory spec.
If you’re not sure which standard your tournament requires, check with your coach or the event organizer before buying — it’s the one detail that can get a jacket rejected at weigh-in.
Fabric weight matters more than people expect
Sambo jackets are commonly built from heavyweight cotton in the 580 g/m² range for adult competition jackets, and lighter cotton (around 300–360 g/m²) for youth and lightweight training jackets. The heavier fabric holds up to repeated grip fighting and washing without the collar going soft, which is exactly where a cheap jacket fails first. If you train multiple times a week, a lighter training jacket will feel more comfortable, but expect to replace it sooner than a competition-weight jacket.
Sizing
Sambo jackets are typically sized by a numeric range tied to height/chest rather than S/M/L letters — adult competition jackets commonly run from the low 40s up to size 58, with youth jackets covering a lower range (roughly 28–44). Because sizing runs differ between brands and models, the single most reliable approach is:
- Check the specific size chart on the product page for the exact model you’re buying, rather than assuming your “usual” gi size carries over.
- Size for a snug, close fit through the shoulders and chest — sambo jackets are not meant to be baggy the way some judo gis are, since a loose jacket gives an opponent more fabric to grip and control.
- If you’re between two sizes and plan to keep training through a growth spurt (common for youth athletes), sizing up slightly is usually safer than sizing down.
A quick buying checklist
- Know which federation standard (FIAS or your national federation) your competitions require, if any.
- Match fabric weight to how you’ll use the jacket: heavyweight for competition and frequent training, lightweight for youth athletes or casual training.
- Double-check the size chart for the specific model — don’t assume sizing is consistent across brands.
- Remember the belt is usually included, so you shouldn’t need to buy one separately unless you want a second color.
Browse our sambo jackets to compare FIAS-approved, VFS-approved, and lightweight training models side by side.