Another Gi post

[rrhodes]

I have returned to Kenpo after about 18 years and need to find a quality black Heavy Gi. I have narrowed my choices down to 3 but still not sure about sizes.

I am 6'1" and 205lbs and have narrowed my choices down to Meijin, shureido and Ronin. I called shureido and they said I needed a 6 but Discount Martial Arts supplies says a 5 and looking at the charts it looks like a 5 1\2 would allow a little shrinkage and still fit.

So I am looking for someone that has a similar build and what size they wear. Also is the shureido worth the extra $100 over the other 2?

[Wastelander]

I can't speak to Meijin, but my Sensei wears a size 5 Shureido and he is 5'10" and 160lbs, so a 6 would probably be appropriate for you. That said, I have a size 5 Ronin and at 6'1" and 180lbs it is actually too big for me! I've washed it in hot water and dried it on high heat 4 times and it's still pretty bulky, in general. The sleeves and pant legs are badly in need of hemming, as well, because they cover my hands and feet completely.

[rrhodes]

So what do you think about the Quality of the Ronin versus the Shureido?

[Wastelander]

So what do you think about the Quality of the Ronin versus the Shureido?

The Shureido lasts a long time, if you take care of it--it's hard to argue with success. The Ronin uses thicker fabric (16oz canvas) that feels tougher, but I've only used it a couple times because I haven't gotten it hemmed, so it's hard for me to say how it stands the test of time. Even if it doesn't last quite as long, though, it might be worth it due to the price difference. I have noticed Ronin has raised their prices quite a bit over the past few years, though.

[Harkon72]

The draw back with Black Gi's and they get worse as they get heavier is that they lose their color. 100% cotton Gi's seem to hold their color better depending what temperature you wash them at. Our Sensei spent £60 on a black Gi that was gray in 6 months. Be careful, read reviews. I need to buy one in December, I've got my eyes on a cheap MAR black medium weight gi, if it goes gray, I'll just buy another.

[rrhodes]

I actually like the marble effect on the black GI as it fades a bit. In my case I recently found my old instructor and he has agreed to continue my instruction. Most of our practice will be out doors as he no longer has a studio. So for the most part we will train in street clothes but I will need a Gi for testing and practicing Forms. I figure with little wear a quality Gi should last for a very long time.

[nyramat911]

The easiest way to determine the size of a gi is to try it on. Often martial arts stores will stock several brands, so try on several, as each brand fits slightly differently. For example, I'm 5'5", and wear a 4 in heavy weight gis, but a 5 in lightweight and my SMAI gi is a 6! But, they are all different brands. If I bought all the same brand, but different styles, then they would all be the same size.

Personally I don't like the feel of Shureido fabric, as I prefer the heavy canvas. That being said though, everyone I've ever met who has owned a Shureido has said that they'll never ever go back to wearing a different brand.

Good luck!