Uniform Etiquette and Care

[JWLuiza]

For those looking for value pricing on your gis look up on google karate supermarket (it is either martialartssupermarket.com or karatesupermarket.com) for some good prices on uniforms. I got a good deal on a tokaido and a 14oz Pro Force. (The 14oz and the regular 12 oz heavy weight are REALLY affordable)

[Fairfax_Uechi]

On the topic of bleeching a Gi, if you have patches or sewing, you can use a nonclorine bleech like Clorox for colors. It won't mess up your Gi. Like others said, I just use Shout on my collars to get rid of the ring around the collar. I also use one of the new bleech pens for really tough stains, so you can try this.

As for the Obi's, all I can say is that I don't wash mine. If it gets dirty, I'll wipe it down, with a damp towel or a rag with a little cleaner. But otherwise, it gets folded nicely and placed in my gear bag.

[Spirit At Choice]

I've been experimenting with different things. Here's what I've determined:

1/4 C bleach will take care of the stink and does not harm my patch and embroidery

The bleach pen is perfect for the occasionl schmutzy spot

Shout is perfect on the collar and under arms

My obi goes in the wash if it has noticable dirt or smell

Thanks for all the input. This has been a great topic.

[Fairfax_Uechi]

My obi goes in the wash if it has noticable dirt or smell

quote]

IF, if it has a smell???

I wish I could even consider that. In my case if I put on my Gi it's understood that it goes into the wash when it gets home. First when I workout it gets soaked. No if ands or buts. My Gi WILL smell and get pretty rank.

Anyway, I'd love to be able to wear mine twice before cleaning it but that will never happen.

[stoneheart]

Yup, a couple of repetitions of sanchin is more than enough to get the juices flowing!

[Spirit At Choice]

Fairfax, my gi gets washed after a single use, but my obi can last much longer.

[Fairfax_Uechi]

Fairfax, my gi gets washed after a single use, but my obi can last much longer.

Like I said, I don't wash my obi. Only a wipedown if for some reason it gets real nasty. (dirt on the floor, or a lot of blood, or such)

Gi goes in the wash as soon as possible. Other wise the SO gets very upset. Not something that we want around the house!

[Spirit At Choice]

Never mind. One of us is missing the point.

[Fairfax_Uechi]

Never mind. One of us is missing the point.

Ok. I think we agree, just using different terms, or saying it differently.

BTW, for the first time, I got all sorts of strage junk all over my Gi. I"m not sure what the deal is. Lots of Shout gel and a little bleech pen to get all of the dirt and junk out.

[Spirit At Choice]

Shout works on organic stains (blood, grass, sweat, juice), but won't get out dye (kool-aid, ink, etc). The bleach pen is awesome! I color my hair and occassionally get some rub off on the collar of my gi, so I use the bleach pen on that.