Sambo Jacket Buying Guide: DSI vs Green Hill, Which Is Right for You?
The two most widely stocked FIAS-approved sambo jackets available today are the DSI FIAS Sambo Jacket (A$149.95) and the Green Hill FIAS Sambo Jacket (A$139.99). Both are certified for international competition. Both come in regulation red and blue. The choice between them comes down to cut, build quality, and how each jacket fits your specific frame and grip style. This guide compares them directly.
In this article
- What to look for in a FIAS sambo jacket
- DSI FIAS Sambo Jacket: who is it built for?
- Green Hill FIAS Sambo Jacket: who is it built for?
- Head-to-head comparison
- Which should you choose?
- Frequently asked questions
What to look for in a FIAS sambo jacket
A competition sambo jacket must meet FIAS technical requirements to be legal at sanctioned events. Beyond compliance, practical factors include:
- Fabric weight: FIAS-approved competition jackets run 500-700 g/m². Heavier fabric resists tearing under grip pressure and holds its shape longer under repeated washing. Training jackets below 500 g/m² are not legal for FIAS competition.
- Cut and shoulder construction: the kurtka is shorter and more fitted than a judo gi, finishing approximately 8 cm below the belt rather than at mid-thigh. Its defining feature is the shoulder wings, also called epaulettes: reinforced sections of twice-folded fabric stitched across each shoulder that sit proud of the jacket surface and give opponents a dedicated grip point. These epaulettes are unique to the kurtka and are not found on judo gis. Four belt loops (two front, two back) secure the belt at the waist and prevent the jacket from riding up during throws.
- Sizing system: sambo jackets are sized by height, not weight class. An athlete at 71 kg who is 175 cm tall and an athlete at 71 kg who is 182 cm tall will wear different jacket sizes. Always use the manufacturer's height-based size chart.
- Stitching reinforcement: the lapel and collar areas take the most stress. Double or triple stitching at these points indicates a jacket built for competition loads rather than light training.
DSI FIAS Sambo Jacket
DSI (Douvris Sambo International) is a specialist sambo equipment manufacturer with deep roots in FIAS competition supply. The DSI FIAS Sambo Jacket is built to competition weight, with reinforced stitching at the collar and lapel and a cut that follows the standard FIAS dimensions closely. Athletes who compete internationally and want a jacket that will hold up through a full season of training and competition find the DSI jacket reliable.
The sizing is consistent and the jacket retains its shape well through repeated washing, which matters for athletes training five or more sessions per week. DSI also makes sambo shoes, shorts, and belts, so athletes who want a coordinated kit from a single brand can do so.
Regulation-weight sambo kurtka in FIAS competition cut. Available in red and blue for competition requirements.
Green Hill FIAS Sambo Jacket
Green Hill Sports is a Russian combat sports brand with a long track record in the FIAS supply chain. Russia has dominated international sambo for decades, and Green Hill has grown alongside that success, producing equipment worn by Russian national team athletes across sambo and MMA disciplines.
The Green Hill FIAS Sambo Jacket is competitively priced at A$139.99 relative to the DSI, with FIAS approval and a construction profile suitable for competition use. Green Hill's sizing tends to run slightly different from Western sizing conventions, reflecting its Russian market origin. Athletes who have tried Green Hill gear previously will have a calibrated sense of how to size; first-time buyers should check the specific measurement table carefully.
Green Hill's competition sambo jacket built to FIAS specifications. From Russia's most recognised combat sports brand.
Head-to-head comparison
| DSI FIAS Sambo Jacket | Green Hill FIAS Sambo Jacket | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | A$149.95 | A$139.99 |
| FIAS approved | Yes | Yes |
| Brand origin | Specialist sambo manufacturer | Russian combat sports brand |
| Sizing system | Height-based, consistent | Height-based, check chart carefully |
| Available colours | Red and blue | Red and blue |
| Best for | High-volume training and competition | Competition and collectors of Russian combat sports gear |
Which sambo jacket should you choose?
If you are buying your first FIAS competition jacket and you are uncertain about fit: start with the DSI. Its sizing is well-documented and consistent, and the jacket holds up well through heavy use. At A$149.95 it is a straightforward competition investment.
If you are already familiar with Green Hill sizing from training in other Green Hill gear (their MMA shorts or rashguard), or if you want the Russian national team association, the Green Hill FIAS Sambo Jacket at A$139.99 is a competitive alternative with the same FIAS compliance.
Both jackets are available through Sambo Store Australasia with shipping worldwide. For international athletes, both represent equivalent legal competition equipment at comparable price points.
Shop FIAS Sambo Jackets
Both DSI and Green Hill FIAS jackets available, shipped worldwide.
Shop Sambo Jackets →Free shipping on orders over A$300.
Frequently asked questions
Are both jackets FIAS-legal at international championships?
Yes. Both the DSI FIAS Sambo Jacket and the Green Hill FIAS Sambo Jacket carry FIAS approval and are legal for use at FIAS World Championships and other FIAS-sanctioned events.
Can I wash a sambo jacket and what happens to the sizing?
Both jackets are machine washable at cool temperatures. Avoid hot water and tumble drying, as these can cause shrinkage and fabric stress at the stitching points. Wash in cold water and hang dry. Some initial shrinkage on the first wash is normal for both jackets.
Do I need different jackets for training and competition?
Not necessarily. Many athletes train in their competition jacket. However, a separate lighter training jacket extends the lifespan of the competition jacket and keeps it in better shape for events. See the DSI Lightweight Sambo Jacket as a training alternative: DSI Lightweight Sambo Jacket.
What is a sambo jacket called?
The sambo jacket is called a kurtka (from the Russian word for jacket). It is also sometimes referred to as a sambovka, which more broadly refers to the complete sambo uniform including jacket, shorts, and belt.
How do I know what size sambo jacket to order?
Sambo jackets are sized by height, not body weight. Measure your height and your sleeve length (from shoulder seam to wrist), and match those against the manufacturer's size chart. Both DSI and Green Hill publish height-based charts. If you are between sizes, size up rather than down.
