New Uniform for Yellow Belt Test

[Willard814]

I'm thinking of buying a new uniform for my yellow belt test for Shotokan Karate-Do. Is this a good idea and what brand should I get? I am very serious about training and I am definitely looking to acquire Shodan.

[Ueshirokarate]

I'm thinking of buying a new uniform for my yellow belt test for Shotokan Karate-Do. Is this a good idea and what brand should I get? I am very serious about training and I am definitely looking to acquire Shodan.

I am not too familiar with the protocol in Shotokan. I do have a heavy weight gi, which one of my teachers had a big issue with because of the noise it can make. I highly recommend Shureido if you really want to spend some cash. But there are so many good moderately priced brands out there.

[Dobbersky]

OSU

Any "Japanese Cut" 14 oz Gi will be fine.

Its a lot of money to pay out and 1st Dan is just the beginning!

Remember only 1:40000 gets to Shodan are you that 1 person?

Good luck on your journey

OSU

[Ueshirokarate]

OSU

Any "Japanese Cut" 14 oz Gi will be fine.

Its a lot of money to pay out and 1st Dan is just the beginning!

Remember only 1:40000 gets to Shodan are you that 1 person?

Good luck on your journey

OSU

Interesting statistic, where is it from? Is that for a particular style?

[Dobbersky]

OSU

Any "Japanese Cut" 14 oz Gi will be fine.

Its a lot of money to pay out and 1st Dan is just the beginning!

Remember only 1:40000 gets to Shodan are you that 1 person?

Good luck on your journey

OSU

Interesting statistic, where is it from? Is that for a particular style?

Osu, it was in an article I read years ago in one of the Martial Arts magazines I used to get, either MAI or BlackBelt or another one I got a couple of copies of

[Spodo Komodo]

To the OP - it is always good to have a couple of gis around the place. I like to have a minimum of two to allow for soaking/washing time. One lot of two gis seems to last longer than having one gi and then buying another if you understand what I mean.

As for the stat: 1 in 40 I would think has been nearer the mark in some of the clubs I have attended, rising to possibly 1 in 400 for family clubs (kids turn over far faster than adults). Are they allowing for the McDojos promoting 1 in 4?

[Willard814]

OSU

Any "Japanese Cut" 14 oz Gi will be fine.

Its a lot of money to pay out and 1st Dan is just the beginning!

Remember only 1:40000 gets to Shodan are you that 1 person?

Good luck on your journey

OSU

I am most confident I can! How am I to achieve Shodan if I can't visualize it?!?

[JohnASE]

I don't think you need a special gi for your test, but if you're getting serious about training, a 2nd gi would be a good idea. Since you're a relative beginner, I'd recommend a good, solid, everyday, heavy weight gi. I think it'll be the best bang for your buck. I'd stay away from the high dollar tournament gi until you're more advanced.

I'd suggest something in the $50 to $80 range, 11 oz to 14 oz. If it gets particularly hot in your dojo, you might want to start with something around 12 oz or less.

Actually, I recommend you talk to your sensei about this, and purchase through him/her if you can. They can help you get the brand, cut, material and style of gi that is right for you and your dojo. Then, when you have more knowledge and experience, you can purchase on your own.

I heard a sensei complaining yesterday about students buying their own gi. He also teaches Shotokan. One of the parents of a beginner bought her kid a black gi. Most shotokan senseis would not allow black. Buying through your sensei prevents this type or less obvious types of mistakes.

[Willard814]

I don't think you need a special gi for your test, but if you're getting serious about training, a 2nd gi would be a good idea. Since you're a relative beginner, I'd recommend a good, solid, everyday, heavy weight gi. I think it'll be the best bang for your buck. I'd stay away from the high dollar tournament gi until you're more advanced.

I'd suggest something in the $50 to $80 range, 11 oz to 14 oz. If it gets particularly hot in your dojo, you might want to start with something around 12 oz or less.

Actually, I recommend you talk to your sensei about this, and purchase through him/her if you can. They can help you get the brand, cut, material and style of gi that is right for you and your dojo. Then, when you have more knowledge and experience, you can purchase on your own.

I heard a sensei complaining yesterday about students buying their own gi. He also teaches Shotokan. One of the parents of a beginner bought her kid a black gi. Most shotokan senseis would not allow black. Buying through your sensei prevents this type or less obvious types of mistakes.

Thanks for your input JohnASE! I am going to get the 12 oz. gi that is worn in our dojo. The brand name is JUKA Uniforms and the style is either Silver or Emerald, but I can't seem to make up my mind between the two. Everyone in the dojo wears the Emerald which is tournament cut, but I like the traditional cut. I have a Ronin Medium weight 9oz. traditional cut and I love it! The tournament cut seems to be short at the leg and arm length. Here is a link to the website tell me what you think.

http://www.juka.com/uniform/juka.htm

[still kicking]

Willard814, FWIW, my favorite gis are the Juka Emerald, and also the Tokon America. I think that Tokon makes a great gi for the price. Whether you go with the tournament cut or traditional cut, IMO, depends partly on your build. The tournament cut is better for people with shorter arms and legs compared to the rest of their body. I also like the Tokon Spirit, which is lighter and cheaper than the America. I do like a heavy gi for competition or performances, but the lightweight one is good for training on warm nights. I need at least 2, but prefer to have 3, because I am too busy training to do laundry as much as I should.