In Japan, ancient samurai utilized the base of Mount Fuji as a remote training area to prepare for battle. FUJI, meaning abounding with warriors, has outfitted thousands of professional martial artists since the 60s. Its products have been put to the test during rigorous competitions and training sessions. The result is a high quality brand of products originating from Japan that are built to last and have proven to withstand the ultimate punishment on the athletic battlefield. FUJI - Prepare for Battle!

FUJI is the official brand of some of today's most revered martial artists; such as, Royler Gracie, Pedro Sauer, Relson Gracie, Jeff Curran, Igor Gracie, Rolles Gracie, Ronda Rousey, Rick Hawn, and Jimmy Pedro.

FUJI is owned and run by a team of passionate, professional martial artists who desire to keep the true spirit of martial arts alive.

Tested. Trusted.
Across disciplines, martial artists regularly face tests of skill, character and strength. To stand through these tests, they rely on trusted training and quality gear. Without both, a martial artist can’t succeed.

Fifty years ago, Frank Hatashita started a company based on these principles: Work hard with trusted masters, and use the best gear you can afford. A leader in Judo throughout Canada beginning in the 1960s, Mr. Hatashita needed to provide his growing group of Judo affiliates – roughly 100 affiliate clubs across the nation – with the best uniforms available. He did this not as a salesman but as a black belt and a leader who helped Judo gain Olympic Sport status at the Tokyo Summer Games in 1964. That ethic became the Fuji brand, and it continues today through his daughter Lia Hatashita, President of Fuji Sports and Hatashita Sports, and a well-known supporter of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Close to the Arts and the Athletes

As the world of martial arts has grown through renewed participation in both traditional forms and evolving styles, Fuji Sports has kept close ties to athletes and the arts. Doing so, the company is building a broad line of gear to help affiliates and athletes grow with the sport.

Fuji expanded its product line south of the Canadian border beginning in the late 1980s, to serve the booming Judo and Karate markets in the 50 states.

As Jiu-Jitsu participation grew, more coaches and school owners began looking for a Gi that would suit the specific needs of their athletes. Some were happy with a traditional Judo Gi. But as the sport developed and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gained its strength in North American, these athletes wanted Gis with features such as a thicker neckline and tapered sleeves, or even lighter weight material. Beginning around 2006, Fuji started making Jiu-Jitsu Gis with the same goals of delivering the product demanded by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes and others at a price they could afford.

Hatashita Sports also worked closely with Mizuno for many years, helping the company develop its high-quality martial arts uniforms. Through this relationship, both companies continue to grow in the martial arts industry – Hatashita through exposure to the legendary Japanese sporting goods maker’s exacting quality standards, and Mizuno through insight gained about the evolving martial arts lifestyle in North America.

Today, Fuji is on top of the continuing evolution that has Judo and Jiu-Jitsu athletes cross-training into Mixed Martial Arts. Fuji Sports’ product line now includes MMA shorts along with Judo and Jiu-Jitsu uniforms, and is expanding to include rash guards, fight gloves, shin guards, Thai pads and more. The growth comes from the company’s knowledge of trends, as well as requests from athletes and martial artists familiar with Fuji’s history.

One of the first organizations that came to Fuji Sports looking for support was the RGDA (Royler Gracie & David Adiv Association). The company is also aligned with the Gracie Humaita academy located in Brazil and founded by Helio Gracie. Fuji works with the RGDA as well as many other top name athletes in BJJ and MMA to produce their gis, rashguards, and to support their athletes. Fuji is also the official Gi supplier of the Abu Dhabi Combat Club. This revered organization is known for its relationships with top trainers, athletes and partners.

With Fuji uniforms and gear in use at high levels of competition for 50 years, the company doesn’t necessarily rely on these athletes for continuous product feedback. “But these relationships do provide us benefits,” said Jimmy Pedro, Judo Olympian and consultant to Fuji Sports. “When these athletes wear Fuji Gis and use the products, it validates Fuji every time. The fact that such high level athletes use our gear, it confirms the trust they have in the company and the gear.”

“Working with Fuji Sports has been one of the most enjoyable business relationships we’ve ever established,” said John Graybeal, trainer at Team Combat Edge and Robson Moura certified coach. “From the very first phone call, we knew this company was different – one that took the ‘customers come first’ motto to an entirely new level. Fuji’s dedication to getting everything right the first time and ensuring their quality of product is unsurpassed. I have enjoyed working together with Fuji for years and will continue working together as our companies grow.”

It’s athlete relationships that connected Jimmy Pedro and Lia Hatashita years ago through Judo. After he retired from Judo competition, their partnership expanded, and is further proof of the company’s deep roots in the martial arts lifestyle. And it’s proof the company has chosen to align itself with athletes who have the same attitudes, beliefs and engagement in the sports as does Fuji. It’s not about the best athlete or the most exposure, but about building a match that serves both well, according to Pedro.

Active Expansion

Even with the long traditions of martial arts, a company needs to develop new products, test new ideas, and remain active. The sports do evolve.

“When we do this every day, we are constantly absorbing the evolution of these sports,” said Pedro. “We’re always ready to adapt products to suit the best needs of the athletes.”

Fuji is growing relationships with MMA athletes such as Rick Hawn, Bellator welterweight fighter; Jeff Curran, UFC featherweight fighter; and Ronda Rousey, Judo athlete and Strikeforce fighter. Rousey wears the Fuji brand in Judo and is also involved in product development with a women’s Gi in particular.

This is part of how Fuji looks beyond the martial arts world, too, supporting causes important to the lifestyles of these athletes. Hatashita recently launched a pink Fuji Gi for women to support breast cancer. “The pink Gi is not new to the market,” said Lia Hatashita, “but with a new cut for women, and sales that support Breast Cancer research, we’re thrilled to provide a unique level of support for a worthy cause, and we’re proud to be the first and only in martial arts to provide this support.”

During the first weeks of Pink Gi sales, Lia Hatashita reported an academy calling her excitedly to order the new Gis for three of its members who were breast cancer survivors.

Future of Fuji

With a solid hold on traditions and a smart eye on the future, Fuji Sports is well positioned to provide for the needs of martial artists. The company is creating the Fuji Nippon Gi, in the process becoming the first American company in martial arts to utilize Japanese manufacturing. With a centuries-long history of artistic craftsmanship, Japanese manufacturers of martial arts apparel can produce the highest-quality uniforms.

Success for Fuji means delivering the complete package, according to Hatashita, not just an affordable price, or simply the right fit. “Just like my father, Fuji is very particular about the selection of cotton, the cut and fit of the Gi, and the overall attention to detail,” said Lia. “And we make sure our shipments are consistent; there is no deviation in cut or color. We need to have good quality control all the time. Like a serious athlete, you can’t compete well just some of the time.”

The mix of Fuji’s American experience with access to Japanese craftsmanship has Hatashita and Pedro very excited about the future.