Comments on: How to Choose a Karate Uniform (Or Gi)

By: How To Learn Karate? |

How To Learn Karate? | — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:40:37 +0000

[...] How to Choose a Karate Uniform (Or Gi) [...]

By: Raymond_d

Raymond_d — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:36:46 +0000

I just started learning teakwondo. My friends have already got the accessories which are required for practice. But I was keen in knowing about more on uniforms and training gears.

Thx for the article, its really helpful. However, while surfing net I have found a site for all martial art supplies, so sharing it for you.

http://dynamicsworld.com/

By: MikeOliveri

MikeOliveri — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:25:33 +0000

I like a heavyweight gi. We do some judo in our classes and curriculum, and the heavyweight gi helps. I recently had an Arashi (licensed offshoot of Tokaido), and have switched to Century's Iron Man (which I've found has a better fit and, though the same weight, feels a little more supple). I had the Arashi for almost two years and had finally worn a small hole on the inner thigh and was getting some fraying around the collar. I have found both uniforms can be stiff after hanging them to dry, but once I start working out in them they soften up quick.

For a follow up post, do you have any good tips for caring for a gi? I feel like I take pretty good care of my gi, but I'm just wondering if there are any tricks folks have found to prolong the life of a gi or improve comfort.

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:07:49 +0000

I'm definitely a 12-14 ounce person too. I've become accustomed to the durability and feel.

By: bobpatteson

bobpatteson — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:09:22 +0000

Back in the TDK I preferred the 12 or 14 oz uniforms. Some said the lighter uniforms added speed in sparring. I did not see it and think it was just mental. The heavier uniforms held up. Also, when we practiced throws they were more durable. I saw one student have their fancy Adidas “ultra light” tear after a night of throws. When it came to uniforms I was a minimalist – function over style.

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:01:51 +0000

Great addition Sue. I forgot to talk about the cuts. Sometimes you hear the shorter cuts referred to as 'tournament' cut as well, so it would be good for people to know what that is all about.

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:01:00 +0000

Good catch Paul – I made the change.

By: SueC

SueC — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:09:52 +0000

My preferred gi is a mid-weight 100% cotton gi by Arawaza from their 'coral' range. I find the all cotton gi, though heavier and more difficult to iron, allows the skin to breath better than the poly-cotton ones and you don't get so sweaty. Another point to make is whether you prefer a Japanese cut (three-quarter length sleeves and legs) or a European cut (full length sleeves and legs). I personally prefer the shorter cut. Apparently there is also a 'women's cut' karate gi where the jacket is longer (women like their bums covered)!

By: I need to find a good martial arts supply store in NJ. Anyone know of one? | Self Defense Law

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:32:37 +0000

[...] How to Choose a Karate Uniform (Or Gi) | Ikigai | Blogging the … [...]

By: MarksTraining.com

MarksTraining.com — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:58:47 +0000

I used to have a heavyweight gi, however i noticed that it was too heavy when sweating as the sweat soaks it and makes it even heavier. I have, since then always used a middleweight gi when training Karate. It offers some flexibility while maintaining strength for grappling.

As for make, although they are very pricy, I think Tokaido are the best.