Sweat + Gi = trouble kicking

[grenage]

Hi guys,

I'm one of those unfortunate souls who sweats an awful lot when exercising, and while the sweat doesn't bother me, after a while the buildup in my trousers cause issues.

When I lift my leg up in front of me for a kekomi kick, the damp fabric glues itself to my upper thigh and knee, so I can't get my leg up as high as required. I've bought a bigger gi on the off chance that there wasn't enough room, but have the same problem.

I can't imagine there's a solution, but might as well ask! Any tips?

Russell.

[mushybees]

Heavier gi.

I sweat a lot when training and the 8oz beginners gi I had was horrid. I now wear a 14oz Japanese cut gi, loads of room in it which keeps me cooler than I was wearing the lighter gi.

[grenage]

Alas, my gis are 14 and 12oz!

[mushybees]

What kind of cut? I find a Japanese/ kata cut far more roomy in the thighd than a kumite cut gi

[grenage]

Ahoy!

My first (180) was a Japanese cut, so shorter arms and legs but pretty roomy; my second (185) is a European cut, which is a lot more generous - I shrank the top with a tumble drier as it was too roomy.

[rhilllakefield]

I agree with these guys. Heavier Gi, and a wider leg.....maybe I'm not training hard enough. lol

I use a Benza sports heavyweight. I'm not sure if I just broke a rule, but they're cheaper than the Japanese big brands and they're tough! My last Gi was a Kyokushin brand gi...not sure who does theyre gi's but it was good as well.

You want a gi that's almost canvas. I'm betting starch would help repel sweat as well.

[sensei8]

Try wearing something underneath to combat the sticking problem. Yeah, it might be, might be, might be, uncomfortably hotter, but that would depend on what that material would be; a lighter material would be much better.

OR...

Bring an extra gi pants with you, and when it gets sticky, ask the CI if you can change real quick. First though, speak with your CI in private about this and see what he/she says.

[DWx]

Get yourself some compression shorts. There's a reason pro athletes, including MMA fighters, wear them. 6 inch ones will cover you down to mid or lower thigh. Plenty of brands now carry them, Nike, Addidas, Reebok, Under Armour etc. Not only will they help wick away the sweat and help the fabric slide, they'll also help keep your muscles warm.

Personally (as a female) I prefer the Nike Pro stuff but men have a far wider variety of brands to choose from.

[sensei8]

Get yourself some compression shorts. There's a reason pro athletes, including MMA fighters, wear them. 6 inch ones will cover you down to mid or lower thigh. Plenty of brands now carry them, Nike, Addidas, Reebok, Under Armour etc. Not only will they help wick away the sweat and help the fabric slide, they'll also help keep your muscles warm.

Personally (as a female) I prefer the Nike Pro stuff but men have a far wider variety of brands to choose from.

Yeah...THAT!!

[grenage]

Great advice, thank you; I had no idea stuff like compression shorts existed - I'll check them out!