What Color Gi?

Dana Sheets · Post by **Dana Sheets** » Tue Jul 20, 2004 10:47 pm

I'd like to hear what folks have to say about the color of gi (or lack of gi) they train with in their dojo.

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 4:56 am

Where is green?

Seriously though, for several years I bought green gis. Why?

It was a special "Self Defense" gi made by KWON. It was intended to be used outside, where you could grind your bodies around on the grass and not worry about stains.

These days, they only make them in white, red, and black.

So I guess my green gis are now collector's items.

SELF DEFENSE Uniform

SELF DEFENSE Pants

If you order from KWON, make sure you check out the size chart. The sizes are different than standard gis.

- Bill

Rick Wilson · Post by **Rick Wilson** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 6:14 am

For sometime I’ve been working out in Gi pants and T-Shirt during the adult classes.

I like the lack of “Gi snap” when doing Kata. It just gives and entirely different feel to it.

The white Gis are really the most impractical colour you could think of to work out in and roll around on the floor.

However, I have found that T-shirts just don’t stand up to being grabbed (RIP) so they will be out soon.

I am going to give a pull over top black Gi a try.

Black being more practical for getting down and dirty.

Hopefully the Gi top will be sturdier.

Pull over top so the ladies don’t have to worry about them pulling apart.

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:04 pm

I do require my students to have at least one clean white gi in good shape with all the proper patches so they can travel to other dojos and present a proper appearance at promotions. It's the equivalent of the suit and tie in the martial arts world.

Other than that, anything is game. You really do need to experiment with different kinds of clothing.

The SD gis from KWON actually have belt loops so you can put a normal belt on. That can be good and bad; a belt can be used against you (as in seisan kata). Can you say wedgie?

Best to figure that one out in the dojo...

Rick

Give us a link if you find good pullover tops that will withstand grappling. I agree about the problem with T-Shirts. Poor Joey must have gone through several at camp last summer.

- Bill

diegoz_ar · Post by **diegoz_ar** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:40 pm

In my case, I think white is better, because I used to practice kobudo, and I only have to change the top for a black one.

Saludos

Van Canna · Post by **Van Canna** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 5:40 pm

diegoz_ar wrote:In my case, I think white is better, because I used to practice kobudo, and I only have to change the top for a black one.

Saludos

Master Uechi was known to have worn a black top from time to time.

I think the answer is to have several of them to fit the occasion.

For a traditional Uechi workout, nothing "fits" better than a white.

At camp, you are better off with a black gi. I really liked Bill's green gis_ too bad they are history.

RACastanet · Post by **RACastanet** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 6:36 pm

My preference is a white top with black pants but have white over white for tests or other special events. The black pants hide dirt on the knees and bottom nicely so are good on grass. I have the green one as well.

At my other 'dojo' we wear cammies. Sometimes instead of the top we wear an olive drab or black tee. The cammies are very durable and hide dirt well. Anyone can wear the standard issue cammies unless they have the insignias on them. Surplus stores and gun shows usually have the tops and bottoms for $5 a piece. Even new, they are typically only $20 a piece.

The downside is they have buttons which can be popped off.

Rich

Van Canna · Post by **Van Canna** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 7:26 pm

My preference is a white top with black pants but have white over white for tests or other special events.

That is excellent.

hoshin · Post by **hoshin** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 9:22 pm

my personal opinion is that dress for martial arts class should be no different then normal dress. you gi should match the situation. relaxed if your at home but dress nice if your going out.

i do know that for some oganizations the colors of the gi is a type of rank on top of the belt.
example,,,
beginners wear white
advanced wear black
new instructors can wear white top,black bottom,
senior instructors wear red top and any color bottom

not sure i agree with that but i can understand it.

hoshin
~~~~~

2Green · Post by **2Green** » Sat Jul 24, 2004 3:19 am

I would love to wear my Gi pants and belt, and just a white tank top during the summer months as an alternate to "full dress".
That way;
A: You could avoid heat stress during a workout.
B: Your upper-body form would be exposed for the teacher's scrutiny, as in the "topless " Sanchin test.
C: The white tank-top would work for both genders.
D: You would have no "snapping Gi" to add false impression to your techniques so maybe one would work on them more realistically.
E: It would still appear as a uniform. I think uniforms are a functional way of creating group identity without displaying monetary advantage.
As in "we all wear the same uniform": creates a level learning field.

If I ever get to vote on it...

NM

2Green · Post by **2Green** » Sat Jul 24, 2004 3:26 am

Sorry: just a further thought:
WAY too often I see two things:
#1: Showing up at the Dojo WEARING your GI! Aren't you going to sweat?!

#2: Your Gi pants are so long you have to hitch them EVERY time you plan to kick! Roll them up! High-tide is OK in the Dojo!

NM

Stryke · Post by **Stryke** » Sun Jul 25, 2004 1:37 am

Gi`s ... we dont need no stinking Gi`s

My real question is how many badges I can get away with , Ive got so many associations I`m thinking of going the BJJ route .

http://www.darryl.com/badges/mov.php?mo ... amadre.mov

Jackie Olsen · Post by **Jackie Olsen** » Sun Jul 25, 2004 3:55 pm

One thing about training with a black top (which I really wish was standard).. IT DOESN'T SHOW THE SWEAT! Plus, if I come straight from work and forget to take my makeup off (a problem guys don't have) ....

Question: How many GIs do you buy a year? It seems as though I go thru at least 2-3 gis a year. I train mainly in Kwon and I guess I am extremely hard on the Gi!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jul 25, 2004 11:51 pm

Int the old days the just wore these things, (Photo from Georges book Uechiryu Karate Do)

I don't think it matters what you wear...as long as you train. I spent about 5 years without a gi...didn't effect my training.

Marcus is going to say that this is worse than breaking in ladies lingerie.

We spent many years in t shirts and sweats, we also trained in jeans and work boots....try training in snow boots some time....it's a good reality check, as most of us will never be engaged in uniform and unshod foot.

Laird

Stryke · Post by **Stryke** » Sun Jul 25, 2004 11:57 pm

can't help but remember the time Jimmy sent a group of us to a Zellers Department store to do demo to promote Uechi. There was about six of us doing kata, bunkai, conditioning and breaking…..in ladies lingerie

What Color Gi?

What color gi belong in the dojo?

What Color Gi?

WHITE

Re: WHITE