How to Size a Sambo Kurtka: The Fitting Guide Every First-Time Buyer Needs

Sizing a sambo kurtka is not the same as sizing a judo gi, a rashguard, or a boxing shorts. The kurtka is sized primarily by height, and the fit standard is significantly closer to the body than most grappling jackets. Getting it wrong means either a jacket that restricts movement or one that a referee can flag for being too loose. This guide gives you the exact measurements to take, how to read the size chart, what to do if you fall between sizes, and what a correctly fitted kurtka should look and feel like before you compete in it.

In this article

• What measurements do you need to take?
• How do you read a sambo kurtka size chart?
• What should a correctly fitted kurtka look and feel like?
• What do you do if you are between sizes?
• Does the DSI kurtka run true to size?
• What to do before wearing your kurtka to competition
• Frequently asked questions

What measurements do you need to take to size a sambo kurtka?

You need two measurements: your height and your chest circumference. Height is the primary sizing variable. Chest is a secondary check that helps confirm the right size if you have a build that is significantly wider or narrower than average for your height.

To measure correctly:

1. Height: stand without shoes on a flat surface. Measure from the floor to the top of your head. Measure in centimetres.
2. Chest: measure at the widest point of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. Do not pull the tape tight. Do not exhale before measuring. Record the number in centimetres.

Write both numbers down before looking at the size chart. Do not estimate or approximate. A 3cm difference in height can put you in a different size category depending on the manufacturer's chart, and that difference shows up noticeably in the sleeve length and jacket body length.

How do you read a sambo kurtka size chart?

Sambo kurtka size charts use a number system rather than S/M/L/XL. Each size number corresponds to a height range. The chart below gives general guidance. Always check the specific chart on the product page before ordering, as sizing can vary slightly between DSI and Green Hill.

Note: This table gives general sizing guidance. Always check the specific size chart on the product page, as DSI and Green Hill use their own specifications. Contact Nick at Sambo Store Australasia if you need sizing advice before ordering.

FIAS Official Supplier

DSI Sambo Jacket

The FIAS-approved sambo kurtka from DSI. Full size range stocked in Australia. Check the size chart on the product page before ordering.

View DSI Jacket →

What should a correctly fitted sambo kurtka look and feel like?

Four checks tell you whether a kurtka fits correctly:

1. Arm rotation: raise both arms fully overhead. The jacket body should not ride up above the hip. If it does, go up a size.
2. Sleeve length: the sleeve should end no more than 5 cm from the wrist bone when your arms are by your sides. If the sleeves reach your palm, the jacket is too large.
3. Jacket length: the hem should sit at the top of the hip, not below it. A kurtka that falls to mid-thigh is a judo gi, not a kurtka.
4. Body fit: the jacket should sit close to the torso but not restrict deep breathing. There should be no billowing at the sides or back. A kurtka is not a loose fit garment.

Try all four checks before assuming the jacket fits. Grip fighting puts the jacket under tension that sitting still does not replicate.

What should you do if you fall between two sizes?

If your height or chest sits at the boundary between two sizes on the chart, go up. A jacket that is one size too large is easier to train in than one that is too small, and a referee is more likely to flag a jacket that is too tight than one that fits with a little extra room. The gap between adjacent sizes on the DSI chart is not dramatic, so going up one size is rarely a significant practical difference.

The exception is athletes with a notably narrow build relative to their height. If you are tall and lean, the smaller size may actually fit better through the body even if your height falls on the boundary. If you are unsure, contact Nick at Sambo Store Australasia before ordering. Sizing questions are straightforward to resolve with your measurements in hand.

Does the DSI sambo kurtka run true to size?

The DSI kurtka runs to the specification on the product page size chart. It does not run large or small in the way that some clothing brands do. The sizing is consistent across batches, which means if you order based on the chart and your measurements, the jacket you receive should match your expectations. The most common source of sizing surprises is athletes who estimate their height rather than measuring it, or who use chest measurement as the primary variable when height is the one that matters most.

What should you do with the kurtka before your first competition?

Wash the jacket before you compete in it. Wash in cold water and air dry (do not tumble dry). New kurtkas can have a small amount of shrinkage on first wash. Discovering that on competition morning is a problem. Discovering it in training three weeks before competition gives you time to address it. Check the sleeve length and jacket length after washing and drying before you assume the fit is confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

Are sambo kurtkas sized the same as judo gis?

No. Judo gis are typically sized by a combination of height and weight, with letter sizing (A0 through A6) that maps to both dimensions. Sambo kurtkas use a numeric system based primarily on height. Do not use your judo gi size to select a kurtka size. Take your measurements fresh and use the kurtka size chart.

How tight should a sambo kurtka fit?

Closer to the body than a judo gi, but not so tight that it restricts breathing or arm rotation. You should be able to raise both arms fully overhead without the hem lifting above the hip. The jacket should not billow at the sides or back when you stand normally.

Can I wash a sambo kurtka in a hot wash?

No. Cold wash only. Hot washing accelerates shrinkage and can affect the structural integrity of the fabric over time. Air dry rather than tumble drying for the same reason.

What if my kurtka shrinks after washing?

A small amount of shrinkage on first wash is normal and expected. This is why washing before competition is important. Significant shrinkage beyond the first wash generally indicates the care instructions were not followed. If you washed in cold water and air dried and the jacket shrank substantially, contact Sambo Store Australasia to discuss.

Does DSI make kurtkas for children and junior athletes?

Yes. The DSI range includes junior sizes. Use the same measurement approach: height first, chest as a secondary check. For junior sizing questions, contact Nick at Sambo Store Australasia directly.