Gi Oz

[karatefreak91]

I'm wondering what the best weight for a gi would be.

I've been looking at this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Century-Martial-Arts-Karate-Gi-Free-White-Belt-Size-5-/141281362248?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20e5068148

Perfect price for me.

I think this is a 6 oz (lightweight?) and there are a few 8oz for about the same price.

Is it better to go with the 8 or 6oz for a beginner? I'm just worried if I go 8oz it'll hinder me.

[GojuRyu Bahrain]

Is it better to go with the 8 or 6oz for a beginner? I'm just worried if I go 8oz it'll hinder me.

I would always go with a heavier Gi, and I would avoid such cheap beginner's Gis.... They shrink, they don't fit well, under pressure they tear, and the worst is that hey look like pyjamas...get a decent Gi for USD 100 to 150, I prefer Kata cut with shorter arms and legs.

[Wastelander]

I completely agree with GojuRyu Bahrain, but only if we're talking about someone who knows that they are going to be a long-term karateka! Beginners typically don't know that, for sure, so it doesn't make sense for them to invest in a good gi. Since karatefreak91 is asking about a gi for a beginner, I would recommend something cheap, but workable. 6oz is probably a bit too thin, but 8oz will do just fine, and isn't too costly for someone just starting their training.

Once you've been training for a year, or so, you should have a better idea of whether you want to stick with it long-term or not. If you do, then definitely shell out the money for a good, heavyweight gi.

[mal103]

8oz is fine for beginning, later on you may want to consider a medium 12oz and much later on you may like a heavy weight 14/16oz.

The thinner Gi's (8oz) will do you for 2-3 years but eventually they tend to stick to you if you train hard, thicker Gi's won't do this and you will also get a snappy feel when you increase in speed.

8oz certainly won't restrict you, I have seen some real thin/cheap Gi's that really do look bad but then i've bought some better Gi's and had to adjust them due to bad cuts - or assuming everyone who is 6 foot tall had a belly the size of a beer barrel....

Spend a little more if you can or buy one through your club, depends on how much they are selling them at?

[sensei8]

Whichever one they can tolerate!!

Experience is the teacher here, imho!! It's their money, and if want to get a heavy gi, then get it. If they get all blown up by carrying the darn heavy thing up and down the floor, then they can get a gi that's more to their liking.

[unknownstyle]

I say go for a ki intl heavyweight gi. they run$50-70 depending on color and material and are extremely comfortable.

[unknownstyle]

Also if anyone is looking at getting one. you will save a few bucks buying directly fron them as opposed to your favorite online supplier. trust me i tried to find a lower price.

[cheesefrysamurai]

I have light gis and heavy. I prefer the heavy but i introduced lighter cheaper gis to extend the life of my favorite.

This is my favorite

http://www.kinjisan.com/robrsuhe16ka.html

[Lupin1]

I was told 8oz is good for a beginning adult, 6oz for a kid. Too light and it won't last long, too heavy and it'll be more expensive as well as weigh you down and restrict your movements while you're still learning and impede the development of proper form. Plus they're a lot hotter.

I use to use a 6oz when I was a kid. I've used an 8oz since college and it does all I need it to. Feels sturdy enough, still has some snap, but lets me move. I might bump up to a 10oz brushed cotton as a reward when I get my black belt (hopefully sometime next year).

[JohnASE]

I was told 8oz is good for a beginning adult, 6oz for a kid.

I agree with this, but even for a kid, I'd recommend going with something a little heavier than 6 oz. For a few dollars more, you can get something in 7 or 8 oz that will probably last a lot longer.

I'd bet that most 6 oz and lighter uniforms are sold to schools that give them away free to new students. It only saves the school owner a couple bucks per uniform, but many students quit within the first few months anyway and don't need them to last any longer.