New Uniform for Yellow Belt Test

[Dobbersky]

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?

Totally agree, having several Gi's is a must, 12oz is an excellent inbetweener from 8oz to 14oz.

I don't use American Products myself, what's the difference in quality? Tokaido is an excellent gi but you pay the prices for that too.

I thought the Stats looked a bit extreme myself but it was quoted in the magazine article. I will search my library to find the article and get back to everyone on this.

To the OP, visualising yourself with a Black Belt on gives you the focus, I let my students put on one if they feel the need to then know how it "feels" watch the other Black Belts, see how they act, a good Black Belt is no different to you, they've only been practicing longer.

I have no issues students purchasing their own Gi's but I find they can get it cheaper through the school.

[JohnASE]

Juka's reputation is good, but I don't have any first hand experience with them. The Silver and Emerald are made of the same material, so between the two, like still kicking said, choose according to which works best for your body type and your preference. Tournament cut typically has shorter sleeves and pant length but also longer jackets, as is the case with the Emerald.

These gi are a little more expensive than I was thinking for you, but as long as you take care of them, they should last for many years.

I don't use American Products myself, what's the difference in quality? Tokaido is an excellent gi but you pay the prices for that too.

I'd imagine that the quality of our brands is similar to that of UK companies. I'd bet we use many of the same factories in Asia. Just about anything made in Japan is expensive, and Tokaido is no exception, but Tokaido also has many products produced in China that are excellent quality.

[quinteros1963]

I like Bushido. You can pick up a 14 oz for about $60. I really like the uniforms. Check them out at Budomas.com.

[LittleW]

I tried a tokaido silver once, but the fabric felt sweaty.

I have Hayashi Gi now, and it's really good.

[Willard814]

I decided to go with the Juka Emerald size 6 paid $75.52 including shipping purchased from Dragon International direct thru my karate club and I could be happier. The Juka gi has a much better fit and much more heavier weight than the Ronin med weight gi. I like the absorbent qualities of the Juka Emerald gi as well, because this gi a much bigger cut with roomier pants I thought it would hide my technique and forms but that's not the case at all. I'm 6' 0" and 195lbs so for me the tournament cut is the way to go. Thanks for all your feedback

[Kevin Wilson]

Weight is up to you and hwo hard you work . I had a always wore heavyweight suits apart from my first couple of cheap gi's when younger. I got a Kwon kata gi 10oz though it looked superb . I got it for heavy session were I didnt want to be bogged down by a heavy suit.

I liked the gi so much I decided to get Kwons 16oz version. I had been wearing the 10oz for so long now I prefer it so much its strong enough to sand up to some grappling we do to.

Any chance you can maybe try a couple of weight on to see what you like ?

[Willard814]

Any chance you can maybe try a couple of weight on to see what you like ?

I plan on trying the Tôkon Okinawa Karate Uniform, Ronin Shiai Deluxe Japan Cloth (Blk/gold Label) 14oz. and the Tokaido YAKUDO Heavyweight Kata Uniform. There are other but those are my first choice.

[Kevin Wilson]

I'd bet money you chose lightest of them ....

Good choice to try though, there expensive but good investment thell last years so you will want to get it rite.

[Willard814]

I'd bet money you chose lightest of them ....

I like my gi heavy... the heavier the better! If the gi slows down my technique then I have bigger problems and the gi isn't one of them. OSO!!!

[Shotoseidoka]

I'm surprised no one suggested getting a Shurei-do Gi. They are of top quality, comfortable, almost pajama like. The fit is really up to you...some things to consider:

1. Average weather

2. A/C?

3. Tournaments: Kata, Kumite, or both

4. Body style

I train in Okinawa, which has an yearly average temp of 80F and 80% humidity, our dojo has no A/C, and I'm wearing a Shurei-do KW-11, very heavy and stiff but great for Kata and demonstrating. I like a good pop when I kick, punch, or block. Again it all depends on what you want out of it.

If your Sensei gets upset that you didn't order through him, it's usually because they get a discount or kick back from the company that they are using.