Socksey

OP.... I've gone back to judo after an almost 25 year break (45 years old now) and I'm really enjoying it. I did make the instructor aware of old injuries and he doesn't expect the same level of athleticism he does from the younger guys (and girls)... my only regret is not having got back to it sooner... I'm loving it...

Hi.... I lived in a small African country (Botswana) for a long time... and not only did we have karate, we had a really good club and an amazing Sensei (currently 6th Dan Shito Ryu). Our club members win in kata and kumite competitions on the world stage as well as in regional and national competitions. While it may not have the support it has in many other countries, the karateka are every bit as passionate as in other countries.

I have an Arawaza Coral.... I love it. The fit is really good and it's really good value for money, so not much more than the very cheap starter gis which don't stay closed etc. Finally I can wear a gi in my size rather than a few sizes big as the bottoms (xx5 rather than xx0) sizes easily accommodate the female backside.

Thanks for all the replies.... I think that I'll try the 2 piece ones.... the rules don't specify.... It's funny as it never occurred to me that the chest would be a target (in sport MA) ... any more than the groin would be... I don't hit men or women in the chest as it seems a little ineffective... who knows...

I was hoping some of the ladies in the forum could make some suggestions. My club are putting together a team for a competition next year, which sounds like fun and I'm up for. I've been told I will need some sort of chest protection as there is some striking allowed as well as grappling ( no idea why as never used one in 20+ years of karate and other MA).... anyway, if that's what the rules say then I'll comply. I've looked at some of the chest protection available and my big problem is that I'm basically flat chested so all the ones I've looked at won't fit as they are too big.... Serious question..... any suggestions regarding brands or fittings etc...

I have the same sweaty leg issue and I find that the best thing is to have the gi bottoms pulled up so that the crotch is higher.... this has meant in one pair that I've have to have the tops remade so that the waist-crotch length is shorter.... since then, they sitck/catch much less.