Tani karate-gi uniform

[jaacvb]

Hi everyone,

in the 80s in South Africa, I used to practice Shukokai in Johannesburg, most senior students, brown belts and black belts wore Tani karate-gi, a uniform that had a thin black rim along the top edge, from the waist line, around the neck and back to the waist line.

So this karate gi brand is more than 30 years old. I have been looking all over the internet for suppliers, but I can't find this brand anywhere anymore!

What I am asking is if anyone can help me find where this Gi is still produced and can be purchased.

Cheers.

Joao Bernardino

[stoneheart]

I am just speculating, but it's possible "Tani" comes from Chojiro Tani, the deceased Shito-ryu teacher. He passed away in 1998 according to a search on the internet.

If this was his house brand, it's probably long out of business.

For a substitute, you might look at some Moo Duk Kwan uniforms to see if you find them acceptable. They have black piping around the lapels, but also around the skirt and the sleeve ends too.

Alternately, you could buy a quality uniform of the brand you prefer and then have a seamstress add the black trim post-purchase.

[sensei8]

Welcome to KF, jaacvb; glad that you're here!!

I, as well, haven't heard of this gi brand my entire MA career, which spans over 52 years. However, what stoneheart suggests is quite possible. I'm sorry that I can't offer you any concrete leads in your search.

Hope you find it or at least have a closure, if that brand's no longer being manufactured anywhere.