My First Gi, What does a rookie need to know? Options

[boakes.org]

We're about to order our first his & hers Gi's.

I've found a fairly relevant discussion and it's given me enough information to know a bit more about what to look for and I'll be looking around the dojo tonight and asking everyone's opinion, but (oh wise forum) what is best for a rookie?

Should we go for canvas or cotton?
Does a gi have to be a GKR gi?
If we're training several times a week, do we need multiple gi's?
Are there other questions you wished you'd asked before buying your first, or most recent gi?
Are there forum topics covering this that I missed?

Thanks

[Jess]

Wow, so many questions! But in my area of expertise. My opinion, for what it's worth...

Should we go for canvas or cotton?

I'm a canvas convert. There is nothing like the sound of a canvas gi. I bought mine when I was an orange belt. Most beginners go for a cotton to start off with and then graduate - I got mine as a sort of reward for myself - but if you are truly serious about your training, there is no reason why you shouldn't go for the canvas. I highly reccommend them. They are more expensive than cotton gis - by about 50 - 60 bucks, so you may want to be sure you are sticking with it before you make the investment.

Does a gi have to be a GKR gi?

No, you can buy a gi from a Martial Arts shop, just be sure to purchase a GKR badge from your Sensei (think they are about $5) as that is one requirement - all students wear the GKR badge.

If we're training several times a week, do we need multiple gi's?

Maybe not when you first start, but definitely try and buy at least one other Gi before too long. You get more time out of your Gis, and it is definitely handy with a canvas gi in winter... they tend to not want to dry in time for your next class. Can't count how many times I've trained in a damp gi.

Are there other questions you wished you'd asked before buying your first, or most recent gi?

Not that I can think of... remembering I am typing this at 6:30 am.

Are there forum topics covering this that I missed?

Ditto.

[WombatOneSix]

I'd say go for a cotton gi, they're comfortable and lieghtweight enough for you to properly get used to wearing one.

I usually train in a heavyweight canvas Gi, it's the heaviest I could find - but I wouldn't recommend it for beginners. It tends to double in weight when you have a tough class or attend seminars, gradings, tournaments or other physically demanding classes.

Having said that - canvas gi's (Or Dogi's - if you speak to Sionnagh ) look and sound the business - but they can be expensive, I remember paying about £38 for mine last year.
So it really is a case of "swings & roundabouts"

[Sionnagh]

Dogi. No 's'. Don't need to pluralise japanese words.

IMO for your first karategi, just get a cotton one. You can probably get it cheaper from a martial arts supply shop, plus you can try them on to see what size you need, and different brands can have different cuts so you can walk in and walk out with one you like.

You can shell out the extra for canvas next time round, and then you'll have two.


Mick

[leela]

Like Sionnagh et al.
I would recommend cotton dogi while you are starting, firstly because they are longer wearing, a canvas dogi wears out within one to two years, depending on how often you train and wash it. A cotton one lasts for quite a few years. The best time to get a canvas dogi is when you are a brown belt. That is when I have seen most students go to the expense. If you buy one and then stop training it can be a very expensive mistake, you can always sell a cotton dogi second hand within the club.

You will see that your Sensei has a canvas dogi, a canvas dogi looks better but they also need a bit of extra care in washing them, and ironing a canvas dogi can be a nightmare. Personally I would never wear a cotton dogi again, but then i own three canvas dogi and i train three times a week and teach once a week. For me they are a good investment.

Whatever you decide on here are some hints on caring for it:

• Sew the hems so they are the right length otherwise you can hurt yourself and others.

• do not soak your gi in Napisan or bleach, it can turn it yellow or just rot it. I recommend soaking it in Biozet or something similar overnight.

• be aware that deoderant can also leave unsightly stains, I always shower before and after training and wash my dogi asap and do not get too smelly, if you are a smelly type person I would recommend using a deoderant crystal (available at health food shops) These have no smell and do not stain the dogi and they stop you from smelling too.

I hope this helps and good luck.

[Susan]

• do not soak your gi in Napisan or bleach, it can turn it yellow or just rot it. I recommend soaking it in Biozet or something similar overnight.

I find nappisan plus works really well.....

but then i don't soak my gi i just use in wash nappisan and it comes out bright white...


just do not wash your gi with bright colours...
ive had students turn up to class in yellow, blue and pink gi before...

[boakes.org]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I think we'll probably be opting for cotton; and will seek out a local shop so we can get the right sizes.

Happily neither of us sweat, ever, and we both smell like beautiful flowers in springtime, so we won't need to wash them...

[WombatOneSix]

Happily neither of us sweat, ever

wait until you get to gradings............

[bradt]

Happily neither of us sweat, ever

wait until you get to gradings............

Let them enjoy theeir sweatless bliss while it lasts...

[ironpalm]

Canvas Gi is warmer then cotton in cold months when you live in cold climates and sweat alot.( Melbourne in july) Cotton will cling to your body.
Cotton also seems to yellow quiker.

Buy a gi one size larger then you are if you want a canvas gi as it shrinks alot.
Especially if your spouse doesnt set the drier on the right setting

[Goyle]

Happily neither of us sweat, ever,

I drip puddles from my forehead when I'm doing pushups....

[Mitten]

If we're training several times a week, do we need multiple gi's?

I'm getting a second gi now because I've ended up having to train in a wet gi a couple of times lately. I keep frogetting to put it in the drier after I wash it Taken me oh, about seven months to decide to get a second one? I'd get a canvas gi (which I really want) but cant afford it right now, so am going for the cheaper cotton again

[boakes.org]

The combination of Fuschia Fairy Smurfette's "gkr badge" answer and Ironpalm's "yellowing" observation has planted the seed of another question...

I notice that a few local vendors have black karate Gi's and remembering that good guys wear black I'm a little tempted; so does a Gi have to be white, or are there historical, sartorial or other reasons why white should be preferred?

[WombatOneSix]

I've wondered why I shouldn't train in a black Gi ....... I don't think theres anything concrete to say that a Gi should be white.
After all, according to karate mythology, white belts turn black due to time spent training and by not washing it. Isn't it true that you could theoreticly buy a black Gi and a white belt at the start of your training - and due to repeated washing - the colour would fade out of the Gi and end up white?
You`d end up with a black belt and a white Gi - problem solved

Ok, i'm going to bed now...........

[Matt]

I have a black gi for another style, and I must actually say they are harder to care for and probably last less time than a white one. When black fades it starts to look pretty tatty, which happened a lot sooner than any of the aforementioned effects on my white ones, and I wear the white ones more. yes you can always dye it but Im a bloke and what do I know about that sorta stuff

However, as gkr's policy states it must be a white gi the point is alas moot.


And Tom, your train of thought disturbs me sometimes