Post by wrangler on Sept 20, 2006 22:19:13 GMT -5
Hey guys,
As you have all seen, Randy explains the need for the gi on that page that is linked from the home page. I will attest to the fact that, once I started training in the gi, my technique developed significantly. I wish I had trained in it from the start.
The gi that Randy suggests will be, as he said, perfectly suitable for all the grappling we do at the club. If you are interested in a more high-end gi, and you have a little cash to throw around, you can take a look at some of the links I will include below. If you plan on grappling for a long time, a nice gi can be a good investment, and you'll get a lot of wear out of it. However, as I said, the gi Randy linked for you is fine and is a great bargain.
Once again guys, get a gi. Not only does it make you better, it adds a whole new dimension to the sport. The game becomes more technical, and weight differences between fighters are less of an issue, so you'll be able to train with bigger guys and not be pushed around as much, (and you bigger guys will finder your smaller training partners more challenging!)
So for those of you who have no idea about gis, I'm gonna give you a brief rundown. If you plan on continuing in grappling for some years to come, this information will be valuable to you down the road.
Gi's come in a few different types. First there is the standard single weave, which is your basic gi, used very commonly for training. It is pretty light, but generally durable enough to last a good long while. (any where from ~$50 and up, depending on manufacturer)
A double weave is a thicker, more durable gi. It is harder for your opponents to grip, and is usually a bit hotter. These are commonly prefered for competition. They are a bit more expensive. (Typically ~$100 and up, again, dep. on manufacturer)
There is also a summer weave gi, which is much thinner in most areas, with reinforcements in highstress areas. These are usually only used for hot-weather training, and aren't meant for yearlong wear, since they'll probably wear out after extended use. Don't bother with these. (~$120 and up)
Finally, there is the gold-weave. This falls between the double and the single. It is lighter than the double, but stronger/thicker than the single. It is also between the two in price. These are becoming really popular, and if you've decided to spend around a hundred bucks on a gi, than I would recommend one of these. (~90 and up).
You'll find other variations, but these are the most common. Prices can go much higher too, as you begin to look at really high quality gis, but buying a gi that is really expensive is pretty much unnecessary unless you plan to become a pro.
Finally, I'll list a few sites that have good deals on gis. Check 'em out and do some bargain hunting elsewhere.
Howard Combat Kimonos
howardliu.com/catalog/bjj/single.htm
One of the best deals around on singles. Randy has one, it's quality. Only downside with
these is sometimes they're out of your size. You might have to wait (I'm waiting on one of
these right now).
Atama Kimonos
www.atama-kimonos.com/products/kimonos/index.htm
One of the most trusted names for gis. Their singles are a little steep (93), but their gold
weeves (99), at only 6 bucks more, are a good deal, and I have read that they are great. I
own an atama double weeve, and it's very durable and thick, but a bit hot.
WAR Kimonos
www.casca-grossa.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=601
Some grapplers swear by these as the finest available. Some other big names for
expensive gis are Krugans and Koral. If you want to spend a lot of money, War is for you.
And one last thing. Unbleached, Bleached, and Blue gis are fine. Don't bother with black, red, green, camouflage, or other nonsense. Many competitions, only allow unbleached/white/blue.
I hope this helps guys. Let me know if you have and questions, and I'll see you on the mat.
-B
As you have all seen, Randy explains the need for the gi on that page that is linked from the home page. I will attest to the fact that, once I started training in the gi, my technique developed significantly. I wish I had trained in it from the start.
The gi that Randy suggests will be, as he said, perfectly suitable for all the grappling we do at the club. If you are interested in a more high-end gi, and you have a little cash to throw around, you can take a look at some of the links I will include below. If you plan on grappling for a long time, a nice gi can be a good investment, and you'll get a lot of wear out of it. However, as I said, the gi Randy linked for you is fine and is a great bargain.
Once again guys, get a gi. Not only does it make you better, it adds a whole new dimension to the sport. The game becomes more technical, and weight differences between fighters are less of an issue, so you'll be able to train with bigger guys and not be pushed around as much, (and you bigger guys will finder your smaller training partners more challenging!)
So for those of you who have no idea about gis, I'm gonna give you a brief rundown. If you plan on continuing in grappling for some years to come, this information will be valuable to you down the road.
Gi's come in a few different types. First there is the standard single weave, which is your basic gi, used very commonly for training. It is pretty light, but generally durable enough to last a good long while. (any where from ~$50 and up, depending on manufacturer)
A double weave is a thicker, more durable gi. It is harder for your opponents to grip, and is usually a bit hotter. These are commonly prefered for competition. They are a bit more expensive. (Typically ~$100 and up, again, dep. on manufacturer)
There is also a summer weave gi, which is much thinner in most areas, with reinforcements in highstress areas. These are usually only used for hot-weather training, and aren't meant for yearlong wear, since they'll probably wear out after extended use. Don't bother with these. (~$120 and up)
Finally, there is the gold-weave. This falls between the double and the single. It is lighter than the double, but stronger/thicker than the single. It is also between the two in price. These are becoming really popular, and if you've decided to spend around a hundred bucks on a gi, than I would recommend one of these. (~90 and up).
You'll find other variations, but these are the most common. Prices can go much higher too, as you begin to look at really high quality gis, but buying a gi that is really expensive is pretty much unnecessary unless you plan to become a pro.
Finally, I'll list a few sites that have good deals on gis. Check 'em out and do some bargain hunting elsewhere.
Howard Combat Kimonos
howardliu.com/catalog/bjj/single.htm
One of the best deals around on singles. Randy has one, it's quality. Only downside with
these is sometimes they're out of your size. You might have to wait (I'm waiting on one of
these right now).
Atama Kimonos
www.atama-kimonos.com/products/kimonos/index.htm
One of the most trusted names for gis. Their singles are a little steep (93), but their gold
weeves (99), at only 6 bucks more, are a good deal, and I have read that they are great. I
own an atama double weeve, and it's very durable and thick, but a bit hot.
WAR Kimonos
www.casca-grossa.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=601
Some grapplers swear by these as the finest available. Some other big names for
expensive gis are Krugans and Koral. If you want to spend a lot of money, War is for you.
And one last thing. Unbleached, Bleached, and Blue gis are fine. Don't bother with black, red, green, camouflage, or other nonsense. Many competitions, only allow unbleached/white/blue.
I hope this helps guys. Let me know if you have and questions, and I'll see you on the mat.
-B