devastat Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 Hello,I have experience of doing 3 months of goju-ryu karate before and now after 2 years I have just started a beginners course on Shorinji-ryu.I am about to get a karate uniform, and did some research and found out that Kamikaze America (14oz) is a good karate gi that will last for a long time. My only worry is that is there any disadvantages on getting a heavy-weight karate gi while being a beginner and learning basic technique? Would it be better for me to get a middle- or light-weight karate gi first and would I learn the basic technique more correctly with light weight karate gi, as the instructor might correct my postures more easily?Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JusticeZero Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 The main issue with a heavy gi is heat. I don't know that it has any effect on technique (I certainly didn't notice any difference) but it will last longer, withstand throws and the like better, and also cook you like a roast hen under sustained inefficient exertion in a warm and/or humid space.Debating on your training space and personal attributes, this may or may not be an issue. "Anything worth doing is worth doing badly." - Baleia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beagstkd Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 The main issue with a heavy gi is heat. I don't know that it has any effect on technique (I certainly didn't notice any difference) but it will last longer, withstand throws and the like better, and also cook you like a roast hen under sustained inefficient exertion in a warm and/or humid space.Debating on your training space and personal attributes, this may or may not be an issue.I agree. The only difference I've noticed is more durability and "heat" with a heavier gi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonydee Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 I personally find a canvas gi much nicer to train in than a cotton one, but the weight of canvas doesn't matter much. The cotton ones are prone to clinging to your limbs when they get damp and sweaty, which isn't a good feeling. Canvas ones might give you a bit of a sandpapering for a couple weeks until your skin gets tougher, all good, no? .Cheers, Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushido_man96 Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I'd go for the heavy. I think that they wear better than a lighter one. https://www.haysgym.comhttp://www.sunyis.com/https://www.aikidoofnorthwestkansas.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tallgeese Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I'm not much of a gi guy for a lot of my training, BJJ excepted. But I do prefer a heavier weave when I do have one one, even in stand up arts. But again, it's just preference.I do think that much of it comes down to durability. http://alphajiujitsu.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhRVuwbm__LwXPvFMReMww Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryives Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I always used to train in a Heavyweight Gi, but having tried a Mediumweight I wouldn't train in anything else now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogue2257 Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Personally, I have to recommend the heavy gi. I used to train in a light one, but I wouldn't use anything but the heavier material now. The heavy is a stronger material, so it'll last longer. On top of that, when you do your punches and kicks well, the gi makes a nice popping sound that you just don't get with the lighter material. Of course, I have to tell you how I lost my lightweight gi. I was sparring another black belt in class and right in the middle of the match, he ended up stepping on the very bottom of my gi pants as I was stepping backwards and the pants tore all the way up to my thigh (I'm a tall guy, so that's quite a ways.) It wasn't my most spectacular moment in karate, to say the least. Funny though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinobitribe Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 buy a heavy Gi. The Gi talks to its owner.When your doing your techniques eg your punches, the Gi will make a rustling sound when your hikate hand comes back and the zuki hand will make a snapping sound.This will tell you that your punches are moving in a straight line and close to your body.So as I said before your Gi will talk to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wastelander Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 As pretty much everyone else has said, a heavyweight gi is hotter and more durable, but I would also add that they tend to be more expensive. If you KNOW you are going to be training for a long time then the investment in a good, heavyweight gi makes sense, but if you don't know for sure if you'll stick with it then you would probably be okay just buying a cheap middleweight gi. Kishimoto-Di | 2014-Present | Sensei: Ulf KarlssonShorin-Ryu/Shinkoten Karate | 2010-Present: Yondan, Renshi | Sensei: Richard Poage (RIP), Jeff Allred (RIP)Shuri-Ryu | 2006-2010: Sankyu | Sensei: Joey Johnston, Joe Walker (RIP)Judo | 2007-2010: Gokyu | Sensei: Joe Walker (RIP), Ramon Rivera (RIP), Adrian RiveraIllinois Practical Karate | International Neoclassical Karate Kobudo Society Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now