Karate Gi

[SaiFightsMS]

I had a macho heavy weight gi that held up really well. And I payed a lot less for it than others payed for gi's that were made like it. Sensei thought it was like one he had custom made.

 

I also keep more than one gi on had. I really find that rotating them does prolong the lifetime. Just like running shoes.

[hobbitbob]

Yes indeed. I have five, and they get rotated.

[fireka]

i wear a century middleweight student uniform. i wouldnt suggest a light weight unless it was for just preforming katas because id think sparring would get crucial on it. heavy weights are mostly for grappling/submission styles right?

[hobbitbob]

No, Fireka. Heavy weights are usualluy used by "traditional" Karateka. They last longer, and wick away persperation better.

 

The obsession with heavyweight Gi is rather humourous when one considers their origin. In the immediate post-war period, with shortages in almost everything, the Japanese Karateka used old canvas, often pilfered form supplies that would have been used for ground cloths, to make their trainng unifors. This saved better quality closth for everyday clothing. These heavy canvas Gis became the standard,and became a status symbol for American and European Karateka.

[fireka]

will, i consider myself traditional and i wear a middle weight, just because its lighter and easier to move in.

[SaiFightsMS]

I think people develope preferences for the weight of the material their gi is made of based on differing factors.

 

Some want a brand name heavy gi as sort of a "snob" or status symbol. Some want heavy gi's because of the snap they give when performing movements. Some factor in durability. Heavier material does last longer. I only got 3 months out of a light weight gi.

 

Then their is the sweat factor. Some find they prefer a heavy gi to soak up more sweat. Some find that heavy gi's make them sweat more.

 

This may sound silly but it is kind of like underwear. Everybody developes a preference.

[karatekid1975]

I have a light weight uniform, and we grapple with them. The Proforce ones hold up well. But the Centery ones rib

[Shogun]

i like the heavyweights. i dont know why, other than i like that i can feel the weight of the fabric on me. same thing with my sheets on my bed. i like heavy sheets. has nothing to do with warmth, i just like the weight.

[hobbitbob]

One of my favourites I ahev worn was an Adidas heavyweight Karate gi. Except for the adidas label on the right chest and knee, it was great. they ahve discontinued these, and now make their karate gis out of that lightweight paper they make their TKD doboks out of.

[mArTiAl_GiRl]

Well, first, when I had a light weight uniform, then I wanted a heavyweight one. And now when I've got one, I wanna wear the light weight uniform, 'cause it's so simple and comfortable on me. The heavyweight uniform is so heavy when I do my kata and it's so big, I'm like a little ant in it! But I like the sound it makes, when I do my kata.