Best Heavyweight Kata Gi - suggestions please...

[sampionce]

Well, as I introduced myself, I'm 40 years old. I had my black belt more than 25 years ago (soon after that I stopped practicing Karate and went to basketball...) and now my 6 years old kid starts to practice Shotokan Karate.

Seeing him, I start to feel again that voice from the inside... Now I'd like to be back in karate.

I'm looking for a reel good Karate Gi for myself. The price really doesn't matter, as I want to make an investment in a Gi that will last for years (I don't think I'll grow any more... ). I prefer shorter cut Gi's, Japanese style, for Kata mainly. I don't see myself in Kumite any more...

I'm 185cm (6' 1") tall and 92 kg (200 lbs). I have a strong body, and I'm not fat.

Now, what are your suggestions for a Heavyweight (or not?) great Kata Gi?

Thanks!

Cheers.

[JR 137]

Everyone's body is different, therefore gis won't fit everyone the same way. Then there's preferences regarding cut.

Regardless of that, the 2 best gis I've been around are Shureido and Tokaido. Tokaido is the unofficial JKA/Shotokan gi, and Shureido is the unofficial Okinawan gi. Both are equal in quality IMO, the difference is cut. Shureido is a boxier, stocky guy's cut, whereas Tokaido is a taller and thinner cut.

Both are available in traditional and tournament cut. I'm pretty sure they use the same material too (the Shureido K-10 and Tokaido TSA "Ultimate").

Hirota has a very good following. I've never seen one, so no comments.

Those gis are the best, and everyone else is trying to be like them IMO.

[Wastelander]

I've had a Tokaido, and known many people with Shureido gi, and they are certainly cream of the crop. That said, Ronin and KI/Mugen make some very good heavyweight gi that are more affordable. My Sensei has actually taken a real liking to his KI/Mugen, even more than his Shureido.

[JR 137]

I don't know how available KI and Ronin are in Switzerland, where the OP is from.

KI and Ronin are quite good for the money. I really like my Ronin heavyweight gi. Several classmates wear KI Mugen gi and like them. The Mugen gis are tournament cut though, which the OP more or less said he wanted a traditional cut.

[Wastelander]

I don't know how available KI and Ronin are in Switzerland, where the OP is from.

KI and Ronin are quite good for the money. I really like my Ronin heavyweight gi. Several classmates wear KI Mugen gi and like them. The Mugen gis are tournament cut though, which the OP more or less said he wanted a traditional cut.

It's true, I have no clue how available they are. I want to say KI/Mugen has a fairly decent reach in Europe, though. As far as the cut goes, I always take mine to a tailor or seamstress to be hemmed, anyway.

[sampionce]

Thanks for the tips.

I'm kind of narrowing my choice to Japanese-made Gi's.

Here's what that will be most probably:

- Hirota 163 Kata

- Shureido New Wave 3

- Shureido TKC-10

- Shobu Special 12 oz.

- Hayabusa Champion (I believe this is USA made).

So, if you have comparative experience with these Gi's, what would be your Pro and Contra's ?

[sampionce]

And yes, I have no possibility to try test them...

So it will have to be a "blind" order.

[sensei8]

Meijin

There are several types of Meijin gi's to choose from, depending on ones needs for the moment.

100% cotton, underarm gussets with vent holes, straight cut for the pants and sleeves, wide selection of weights, sizes 3-12, and free embroidery up to $15. The price of a Meijin gi can range from very low prices to the pricey, but if price isn't a factor, then the prices are affordable.

I've purchased several Meijin gi's, and I am more than satisfied with them. I'm a long time customer of Century, and their gi's have served their purposes. I felt like a traitor when I switched to Meijin, yet, I still purchase from Century.

[JR 137]

Thanks for the tips.

I'm kind of narrowing my choice to Japanese-made Gi's.

Here's what that will be most probably:

- Hirota 163 Kata

- Shureido New Wave 3

- Shureido TKC-10

- Shobu Special 12 oz.

- Hayabusa Champion (I believe this is USA made).

So, if you have comparative experience with these Gi's, what would be your Pro and Contra's ?

I have no experience with any of the ones you've listed. The Shureidos you listed are a blend, and not 100% cotton. Not sure if you were aware of this or not. They're highly regarded, but I've never seen them nor do I know anyone who's worn them (in forums nor "real life").

[sampionce]

Now, some really GREAT news!!!

I've just spoken with the Chief-Sensei in an Academy where I'd like to practice. I told him that I was Black-belt 25 years ago and that I'm willing to be back again in karate.

Guess what?! He told him that I can come with my Black belt to practice with them...

I thought I'd be going it all over again from White belt...

Really great stuff!