Martial Arts Uniform Reviews

Reviews

Karate gi come in one of three weights: light, medium and heavy.

Light gi are usually for beginners. They are less expensive and of course not quite as hot; however, they do tend to cling once you begin to sweat which causes binding.

Medium gi are a compromise between heavy and light weights. Less expensive than heavyweight, but more feedback than a light gi.

Heavy gi are for serious practitioners. They give excellent feedback by way of snap. They look better and, if treated correctly, last much longer. Also, even though they're hotter, they don't cling so much and breath a little more. If you're committed to your training, a good heavyweight gi is probably more cost effective than a lighter one because of its durability.

Century Lightweight Student Uniform
This is a good beginner's uniform. It's a 60/40 cotton/polyester blend, which means it doesn't wrinkle as bad, but isn't as comfortable as 100% cotton. It's available with both a drawstring or elastic waist. There's not much to distinguish one beginner gi from another. I give it three kiai.

Shureido Super Heavy Weight Karate Uniform
This is the best of the Japanese gi. It is the softest and cut very large, which makes it very comfortable. It's also the only one that's made in Okinawa instead of the mainland. That's special to practitioners of traditional Okinawan arts. Like all the high end Japanese gi, it has a bluish tint that takes a while to go away, but I consider that a small price to pay for such a high quality gi. This gi, like all the Japanese gi, is very expensive, so you shouldn't consider it unless your seriously committed to your training. I give it five kiai.

Tokaido Super Heavy Weight Karate Uniform Tokaido Gi
This is another gi from Japan. It's cut smaller than the Shureido, and is not quite as soft. It also hasn't been as durable and is starting to fray at the waist after about three years. Until I bought a Shureido, I was very impressed, but it just can't compare to the Shureido. It does come in both a traditional cut and tournament cut. The tournament cut has shorter sleeves and pants. I give this gi four kiai.

Karate Uniforms: White Heavyweight 100% Cotton Hayashi Heavyweight Uniform
If you are looking to moving up to a heavyweight gi, but aren't quite ready to commit to one of the Japanese Gi, this is a good choice. It's soft for a heavyweight, but is still very durable. My only gripe is that it tends to bind in the shoulders. I give it three kiai.

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