Hi boys, I am an agonist of the karate shotokan, especially in kata. At the moment I have got this karate gi: itaki ultimate kata, but it is veru old, and I want to buy a new and better karate gi. I read in the net that hirota #163 (ichi roku san) is one of the best karate gis on the market. Is it true? Or there are other karate gis that are better?

I'm looking for a heavyweight karategy, made for kata. Please, help me!!!

I've also heard good things about the tokaido yakudo. Is it better than the hirota #163? Help me!

p.s. excuse me for the lenght!!

I don't know about those from personal experience, but Hirota does have a good reputation. Tokaido has a pretty good reputation, and it seems to be more popular than Hirota. Shureido is typically the "gold standard" of karate gi.

But shureido is very very expensive!

I saw these Gis that are cheaper than shureidos, and I want to know what is the best.

Did anyone try one one Gi or both Gis?

However, hirota 163 is the hirota mh 10 full tailoring. Then, consider hirota 163 like hirota mh 10.

Excuse me!!!

For me, any good Okinawa pattern Gi can be just as good. As a guild line I would expect to spend £30 on a new Gi, no more.

I think Japanese or Okinawan made Tokaido, Hirota, and Shureido are all pretty close to each other in price. I would guess that all should retail for close to US$280 or $300 for a heavy weight gi. I would recommend that you make your choice based on other factors than which is "the best". All are exceptional quality.

First, I recommend you find one local to you. That way you can try them on and see which fits and feels best. Also, it's more convenient if you have any questions or problems. At least try to find a distributor in your country.

I mentioned fit above. That's an important factor in which is best for you. The Tokaido Yakudo tends to run a little narrow, so it usually fits better on thinner people. It's tournament cut, so the sleeves and pants are on the short side, so if you're not thin, and you want a long jacket, this might still work. Tokaido has other models with other cuts. Back when we carried Shureido (15 years ago?), they were cut more full. That's probably still true. They have both tournament cut and standard cut gi. I don't remember how Hirota fits, and I am unfamiliar with their various models.

You mentioned being Shotokan. If you're a JKA or ISKF member, I know the Tokaido Yakudo is available with a JKA or ISKF label in addition to its normal fist label. I'm not sure what other organizations have special labels available.

Good luck on finding the best gi for you!

Thank you!!! At the end, I took the tokaido yakudo. Im also very thin, so it should be the best choice!

hi I actually trying to buy a tokaido yakudo gi but the problem is i dont know what size to choose because i ve been seen different chart size out there im height is 5'11 and my weight is 170 pound , what you guys think should i get

hi I actually trying to buy a tokaido yakudo gi but the problem is i dont know what size to choose because i ve been seen different chart size out there im height is 5'11 and my weight is 170 pound , what you guys think should i get

If Tokaido Yakudo has a chart use their chart. I generally go with the height chart for myself.