A gi that can take some abuse

[mushybees]

Hi,

I bought a 14oz Blitz Odachi gi but the jacket ties snapped after a week.

I train pretty hard in wado ryu with a partner who is of the same opinion that there's a lot to gain by practicing against someone who won't just comply with the attacker. The gi can get tugged and pulled during takedowns and grabs so I thought a heavyweight would be best.

As the Odachi is one of Blitz's most expensive heavyweights I thought it would be up to the task but a defense against a clothing grab resulted in a snapped tie and the other side is on its way out.

Can anyone recommend a 14oz ish gi that can take a bit of a hiding? I don't want to go heavier or use a judo gi as I still want to be able to to do kihon and kumite in it without passing out.

Thanks in advance.

[The Pred]

If money isn't an option why not use both the judo gi top then, when it's time for kumite wear the heavyweight gi.

[Spartacus Maximus]

I use a Shureido brand heavy or medium weight, but I requested that the areas prone to tearing be reinforced. This very easy to do for the ties. I had them resewn with heavy nylon thread in tight stitches, then covered with another strip across sewn to the jacket. If the gi provider is unable to do it, any tailor should be able to reinforce at least the ties. This is cheaper to do and there really is no need to buy a whole new dogi.

[mushybees]

Thanks for the replies.

I fully intend on getting this gi repaired and the ties reinforced 👍. I'm just thinking ahead in case this gi turns out a total lemon and I need to buy another in the near future.

[Spodo Komodo]

I don't think I have a Gi with any ties! Since they are the first thing to go I just remove them and rely on my belt to keep the uwagi closed. The gi comes open when the eri is grabbed which gives you a little distance to get the elbows in while my opponent marvels at my manly chest and chiselled abs

Some of the above may be a lie...

[mushybees]

Ha! Sound in theory!

[Wastelander]

Ties are definitely the first thing to go, if you are doing much grappling--there is a reason that judogi and BJJ kimonos don't have ties to begin with! Personally, I just cut them off from the get-go. I did keep the ties on my formal dogi, since I only really wear it for seminars and belt tests, and the ties are reinforced so they can handle that much wear and tear. At least, they have so far.

[JohnASE]

Ties are easy to repair or upgrade, but like Wastelander says, judogi don't have them for a reason. How about just untying them whenever you do something that might result in some grappling?

Alternatively, maybe do something with velcro that will allow the straps to pull apart, rather than tear, when they're greatly stressed. It might take some careful design to make it work and be comfortable while both connected and separated. Just a thought.

[Spartacus Maximus]

Any skilled professional tailor would also be able to reinforce the stitching in areas prone to tearing. I have had my sleeves done as well as an extra strip for the trim of the jacket that forms the collar. For the pants I aksed to redo th crotch.

[ZenPilot]

I would suggest the Blitz White Diamond over the new Odachi. I have a White Diamond and it is great. I’m looking at getting a second gi and looked at the Odachi. They are very similar and both 14oz. However, for the Odachi, the mesh inside across the shoulders really seems a gimmick. What I didn’t like it that the side edges are trimmed in simple cotton webbing (the White Diamond used the same material as the gi) and the ties are of the same simple cotton webbing. The Odachi is simply a higher profit margin item for Blitz as opposed to being higher quality gi as compared to their White Diamond.

The White Diamond ties stand up better to grappling, but as posted above just have your local dry cleaner/seamstress reinforce the stitching – or just untie them for grappling sessions.

After seeing one (Odachi) and trying one on; I will now opt for another White Diamond or step up to a Tokaido or Shureido. I originally wanted one until I inspected it firsthand.