About Gaidama
Our Origins
When Gaidama founder Kendall Vernon started training Jiu Jitsu in 2015, she tried every women’s pair of spats and grappling gear she could find, only to be disappointed by slipping waistbands, thin fabrics, and designs that didn’t fit or last. What she wanted simply didn’t exist: premium women’s gear built with intention, engineered for performance, and designed to feel as good as it looks.
So she made it herself. From a living room sewing machine to shipping the first pairs of black Signature Spats out of a tote, Kendall combined her eye for design, her black belt’s perspective, and her passion for fabrics to create gear that worked with the athlete, not against them. That beginning set the tone for everything that Gaidama is today.
As the brand began to grow, so did the need for deeper connection with the people it was built to serve. Enter Karla Shellhammer—a black belt, accomplished competitor, gym owner, and instructor whose heart has always beaten in time with the Jiu Jitsu community. For the past five years, Karla has directed Gaidama’s social media and community outreach, shaping not just how the brand shows up online, but how it listens, responds, and builds lasting relationships on and off the mats.
Through authentic engagement, thoughtful storytelling, and genuine care for the people behind every order, Karla has helped cultivate the trust and loyalty that define Gaidama today.
Together, Kendall and Karla built more than a gear company. They built a brand rooted in lived experience, shared values, and a deep respect for the athletes who make this sport what it is.
Our Mission
Gaidama exists to push Jiu Jitsu gear forward, for women, men, and kids who demand more from what they wear on the mats. We build products that are premium, modern, and durable, designed to evolve with the sport while staying rooted in community and authenticity.
We don’t believe in “good enough.” Every rashguard, gi, or pair of shorts is tested, refined, and re-engineered until it meets our standards of comfort, performance, and longevity.
What We Stand For
Relentless Quality
Our gear is built to last for years, not months. Buttery-soft fabrics, reinforced construction, and competition-approved designs mean you can train with confidence—session after session, season after season.
Innovation at the Core
Jiu Jitsu is always evolving, and so are we. From vented rashguards to built-in liners, from proprietary fabric blends to modern silhouettes, Gaidama leads the way in grappling wear innovation. We don’t wait for the industry to catch up—we set the pace.
Customer Experience That Matches the Product
Your experience doesn’t end at checkout. With U.S.-based operations, fast shipping, easy returns, and responsive support, we’re committed to making sure you feel taken care of every step of the way. Thousands of five-star reviews reflect not just our products, but the people behind them.
Community & Representation
Founded by a black belt woman and powered by women who train, teach, and compete, Gaidama has community woven into its DNA. We design with athletes in mind (especially women, who have long been underserved in Jiu Jitsu gear) and we keep the entire process, from concept to delivery, connected to the mats.
Sustainability & Responsibility
We believe in building gear that’s good for athletes and better for the planet. From recycled packaging and carbon-offset shipping to quarterly donations to causes like the Ocean Cleanup Project and the Rainforest Alliance, we’re committed to leaving the world better than we found it.
Why Gaidama?
If you value gear that lasts, evolves, and represents your principles, Gaidama isn’t just an option, it’s the choice. For athletes who want premium quality, cutting-edge innovation, authentic community roots, and a company that takes responsibility seriously, Gaidama is built for you.
If your top priority is finding the lowest-cost gear to get through your first few months of training, there are budget-friendly alternatives. But for those who see training gear as a partner in progress, and want every roll to feel as good as it looks, your search ends here.
✨ By athletes. For athletes.
Gaidama is the future of Jiu Jitsu gear.
