Chapter 14 · Gi · Sphynx ·

Chapter 14 "Sphynx": Our Egyptian-Inspired Jiu Jitsu Gi

Every Nine Lives gi is a chapter. Chapter 12 was the Koi. Chapter 13 was the Paisley. Chapter 14 is the Sphynx, and it is packed with details.

The idea started with our own cat. We took the Nine Lives logo and reshaped it into a sphinx, turned our eye mark into an Eye of Horus, and set it all in gold against Egyptian temple lines with a little Art Deco mixed in. The line for this chapter says it simply: mastery is built.

Sphinx embroidery across the back of the Chapter 14 Sphynx Black jiu jitsu gi

Why Egypt, and why a sphinx

Jiu jitsu is a slow build. Nobody gets good in a month. You show up, you get smashed, you learn one small thing, and you come back and do it again. The pyramids are the best picture we could find of that idea. They went up one stone at a time.

So every symbol on this gi means something:

  • The pyramid: mastery built through consistency, stone by stone.
  • The Eye of Horus: protection, awareness and restoration. On the mat, it is about mastering yourself, not watching your opponent.
  • The sphinx: quiet strength. Confidence without arrogance.
  • The gold: excellence you earn through disciplined work. Nobody hands it to you.

Even the layout plays a part. The design takes its structure from the symmetry of Egyptian temples, because good jiu jitsu is precise and controlled too.

The details you only notice up close

From across the gym, the Sphynx looks clean and simple. Up close, there is a lot going on:

  • A sphinx embroidered across the back, with pyramid sunburst linework on the shoulder
  • An Eye of Horus patch on the chest and a sphinx patch on the sleeve
  • Artwork inside the collar of a sphinx sitting between two pyramids
  • A gold Egyptian pattern lining the sleeve cuffs
  • A sphinx on the pants pocket and pyramid lining at the ankle cuffs

Eye of Horus chest patch and sphinx sleeve patch on the Chapter 14 Sphynx Black gi

That is the whole point of this chapter. It is not a flashy print. The gi does not shout, it is built to be worn long after the trend cycle moves on, and it rewards a second look.

Two colors: Black and Navy

The Sphynx comes in Black and Navy, and each one has its own thread and embroidery:

  • Black: black stitching throughout, with gray embroidery.
  • Navy: navy stitching throughout, with black embroidery.

Both carry the gold artwork, and both use a black waist cord.

Chapter 14 Sphynx Navy jiu jitsu gi jacket laid flat, showing the gold Egyptian artwork

How it is built

  • 350 gsm pearl weave jacket
  • 12 oz cotton ripstop pants
  • ID tape on the waist seam, pant hems and sleeves, folded over so no raw edge shows
  • Nine sizes: A0, A1, A1 Tall, A2, A2 Tall, A3, A3 Tall, A4 and A5
  • $179 in every size and both colors

If words like pearl weave and gsm are new to you, our guide to buying your first gi explains them in plain English. Not sure which size you need? Check the sizing chart before you order.

How the pre-sale works

The Sphynx is on pre-sale. 

  • The production run is locked, so each size is limited. When a size sells out, it is gone.
  • The pre-sale stays open until the remaining sizes sell out.
  • Pre-sale orders ship in late October 2026.
  • You pay in full at checkout. One charge, no deposit.
  • Our 30-day return window starts the day your gi is delivered, not the day you order.
  • Need a different size once it arrives? You can swap it if the new size is in stock and your gi is unworn, unwashed and still in its packaging. As supply allows.

You can grab it in Black or Navy. When it shows up, our guide to washing your jiu jitsu gi walks you through looking after it.

Fourteen chapters in

The idea behind every chapter is the same one we started with: look good, feel good, roll good. The Sphynx just says it a little quieter. Respect the art, love the game, and build your pyramid one stone at a time. We will see you on the mat.

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