My Unofficial Karate-gi Review

by Toru Shimoji

In the mid-eighties when the Japanese economy began to soar, it effected the karate-gi prices, especially the Tokaido and Shureido gi's we were so fond of. What used to be a $50-60 gi, is now well over $100, some $200!

This has spurred other foreign companies to introduce comparable uniforms at more economical prices. Kamikaze, JUKA, Pine Tree, and KI are a few of the current popular brands.

For the last eighteen months or so I have been using Shureido, Toyo, KI, and Kamikaze Europa (Nearly identical to JUKA Bronze). On average, each of the four gi's were worn for two classes, and then cold washed and hung dry. Below is my review for each of the gi's.
For your convienence we have included links for the various uniforms in the review:

Doshin MA - various including Shureido,Toyo,KI,Juka,etc

Juka Home-page

Kamikaze Worldwide

Tokaido Direct International

Shureido's USA contact info: ph: 714-921-0946 - fax: 714-921-4732.

Shureido (med. Wt.): By far the most durable gi of the set. It was already 4 years old when I started this test, while the others were new. This gi is made in Japan, and Shureido's standard of quality control is very high. This is a comfortable training gi that lasts for a long time. The down side to this gi is its price, the most expensive of the lot.

Toyo: This heavy weight gi is also made in Japan with its high quality cotton, and marketed by KI, Inc. The most noticeable characteristics of this brand is its prominent collar and the use of chord threading. I use this gi for teaching seminars and doing demonstrations. Some people have told me that the overall feel of the gi is too stiff for hot weather training. I tend to agree, and the sleeves are put together rather crudely with a large overlapped hump in the armpit. Even though this gi is still expensive, it was the cheapest Japan made gi on the market.

Kamikaze (Europa): Designed by Master Shirai, this was marketed as the ultimate training gi for the serious karateka. With plenty of torso and leg room to do any technique freely and comfortably, I have to admit that this is my favorite training gi. The brushed cotton is comfortable but not durable compared to Japan made gi's. The ties and the seams started to show considerable wear at 6 months. Instructors have complained to me of the difficulty of getting Kamikaze Europa in the U.S. But, this gi is also sold under another brand name, JUKA Bronze, which is slightly lower in cost and has better availability.

KI (14oz hvy. wt.): This brushed cotton heavyweight is the lowest price gi of the set. The overall quality is average and has been received well by those who prefer a heavy weight gi. I find this gi comfortable for teaching and training during the colder season. This heavy brushed cotton, however, seems to fray earlier than most. The quality control is also questionable because we have had samples with poor stitching.
(Editors Note: This gi has been discontinued and replaced. We have not had a chance to review it's replacement.)

In essence, if I could combine the best qualities of all four gi's, I would have a gi something like this: comfort and design of Kamikaze Europa, durability and high quality of Shureido, the collar of Toyo, and the economical price of KI. Currently, there exists no such karate gi, and I seriously doubt there will be one in the near future. Finally, no matter what brand of gi you wear you can optimize the life of your favorite gi by following these few simple tips:
1. wash only in cold water,
2. hang dry,
3. never use chlorine bleach or bleach added detergents,
4. wash regularly,
5. don't let the gi stay sweat soaked for too long,
6. treat yellow stains with Borax,
7. if you train often, have more than one gi.

Good Luck in your training!
Toru Shimoji.

For your convienence we have included links for the various uniforms in the review:
Doshin MA - various including Shureido,Toyo,KI,Juka,etc

Juka Home-page

Kamikaze Worldwide

Tokaido Direct International

Shureido's contact info: ph: 714-921-0946 - fax: 714-921-4732.