Best karate-gi for kata performance

[Vinson]

Does anyone have any suggestion on which brand and model of karate-gi that is comfortable and gives a nice loud snap when punching and kicking?

 

[Jussi Häkkinen]

Best? Tokaido, Shureido or Hirota do-gi, tournament cut. #10 or Hirota's #163 fabric (does NOT mean oz - #10 is approximately 16 oz).

 

Cheaper possibilities: Kamikaze Monarch, Kamikaze America and similar ones.

[ZakariRu]

Jussi, go back to KU, I have been trolling this forum forever. Yargh!

 

Adidas: Champion.

[Ronnryu]

I perfer the Toyo gis good snap and weight they are also very bright white.

[smr]

Does it matter what gi makes the loudest snap? If you are only worried about the superficial aspects of kata, then you can learn to hit yourself on hikite and dampen the cuffs of your gi to make them heavier (snap). That may impress some judges, but not me.

[AnonymousOne]

There is two ways to get a good snap with your gi.

 

One is to have strong technique, the other is to use a lot of starch on your gi.

 

I prefer the former option

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Does it matter what gi makes the loudest snap? If you are only worried about the superficial aspects of kata, then you can learn to hit yourself on hikite and dampen the cuffs of your gi to make them heavier (snap). That may impress some judges, but not me.

 

Agreed. Just because the gi makes a sound when you punch/kick does not mean you have good technique or power. Concentrate on learning your art and being the best you can be in it, not making noise.

[Vinson]

Just asked a simple question, man, and what do you get? Lectures. I know very well that good strong techniques are more important, but try your good strong techniques in a flimsy gi and see if you could impress the judges.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Just asked a simple question, man, and what do you get? Lectures. I know very well that good strong techniques are more important, but try your good strong techniques in a flimsy gi and see if you could impress the judges.

 

I've been a judge and referee since about 1980...I can tell the difference and a snapping gi doesn't influence me one bit.

 

If it does the judges you are going in front of...you have lousy judges IMHO.

[Grenadier]

Just asked a simple question, man, and what do you get? Lectures. I know very well that good strong techniques are more important, but try your good strong techniques in a flimsy gi and see if you could impress the judges.

 

Good judges won't care what kind of gi you're wearing, as long as it's reasonably clean, and your techniques are good.

 

I've placed with higher scores with a medium weight Pro Force gi (almost no "snap" to it), than I did with a heavyweight Kime gi.

 

Now, if you're looking for a good quality gi that will last you a while, be comfortable, and look good, then I would recommend taking a look at the Kamikaze (or Juka) brand of uniforms. Many of their uniforms are a very comfortable brushed cotton canvas, and so far, I've found them to be quite durable.