beginner's gi

[papaschtroumpf]

My 7 year old and I started Shotokan karate a while back, and our "treat" for passing our kyu exam is going to get a gi (our dojo doesn't require them for lower level colored belts).

I'm not interested in dropping $100 on a gi at this time, especially for my son who is growing fast,, maybe that'll come later. I'd like whatever we get to last about 2 years, by then we'll know if we're sticking to it ans serious about it and can upgrade our gis (and my son will have outgrown whatever we get now).

Do you guys have any recommendation for beginners/students gis? Our dojo is not air conditionned in the summer and can get quite hot, so I was thinking about going middleweigth for myself and maybe cheaper 8 or 10 oz poly/blend for my kid.

what are good places to buy them on the 'net and what brands would you recommend? There seem to be many brands in the $35 range and it's ahrd for me to choose:

- poly/cotton blend or 100% cotton?

- elastic waist or drawstring?

- 8oz? 10oz? 12oz? 14oz?

As a bonus question I'm 5'10 and 210lbs (I know, I know, too much of it is in the belly) with fairly broad shoulders but "stout" (as in slightly shorter than average) legs, so I'm not sure what size to get since I get different answers if I go by weight or size. My sensei tells me I'd be a 6 in a Tokaido but it looks like more expensive brands (like Tokaido, Satori-gi, Kamikaze) are slightly smaller than cheap ones (like KD).

[Pacificshore]

For your son, stick to the student weight uniforms, they are usually the poly/cotton mix and anywhere between 6-8oz. Tiger Claw makes a decent one, and will last for some time, I know cuz my son had one that he out grew when he first started training.

10oz is getting into the middleweight uniforms, and anything beyond that is considered heavyweight. 100% cotton breathes better, but depending on the size your son may need, most just come with drawsting waist. I know most parents and kids prefer to have an elastic waist with the drawstring, and those are mostly found with the poly/cotton mix.

I know of a few brands that offer a child's 100% cotton uniform with elastic waist and drawstring. One is Ronin brand, and another is KI. To find the Ronin brand search for Kinjisan Martial Arts Supply. For the KI brand go to https://www.ki-international.com

As for you, you'll be able to find uniforms that'll fit you, and not cost an arm and a leg. You can check out https://www.kwon.com their uniforms are cut larger than most. Ive also heard that Pro-Force uniforms are roomy. Or on last suggestion is looking at https://www.juka.com they carry a 10oz. cut for the body builder type, so that tells me that it sounds roomier than most. Hope this is of some help.

[stoneheart]

Papa-

Sounds like we have similar builds. I suggest buying a size 5 Kwon Advance uniform. It costs around $35 and it is good quality for an 8 oz 100% cotton uniform. I have a pair that I wear during the summer and early fall/late spring seasons when it is warm, and they perform well for such an inexpensive option.

[aefibird]

I recently aquired a second-hand Kwon gi (eBay is a wonderful place! ) and it fits much better than my older Blitz gi that I've been wearing.

I'd suggest that you stick with an 8oz or 10oz - no need to get anything heavier than that, especially if your dojo isn't air conditioned (neigher is mine and training in a heavyweight gi in the summer almost kills me).

As for buying a gi to fit you, buy one according to your weight rather than the height. It's better to have to take up the bottoms than have to send it back just because it is too tight around the middle. Many martial artists have to adjust their gi sleeves and legs to be able to fit them comfortably. Personally, I always buy a bigger size than I need anyway, because I prefer a 'roomier' gi.

BTW, congratulations to you and your son for passing your kyu grading!