Yet Another Dogi Question

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[John McBride]

Hello all,

I am reading here, catching up as it were. I am returning to the Mat after many, many years.

I used to have a few wonderfully thick and heavy Dogi/pants sets back in my younger days. These were purchased through my old Dojo, and I think they were the "Old" Bujin company IIRC.

As I mentioned, I have been reading here and doing my due diligence regarding dogi purchases. However, I find that a LOT of the threads are old, and that a lot of the links do not work.

My question is this,

Since I am obviously going to need new Dogi for my reemerging journey, could some of you help me with locating a high quality, all cotton, hard wearing Dogi? I am going to be buying at least two, One for colder months, and one for summer, and I would like to get some input on what is considered to be of high quality, comfortable, and hard wearing these days.

I may also be buying additional pants as well. i like to spread the wear and tear over several pairs.

I like the old Bujin Dogis, but I am reading less than stellar reviews of some of their products post Boulder Colorado days. Is there another brand/manufacturer who can approximate these?

I like the thicker material, and I like the reinforced/harder wearing pants.
I am as of this writing, standing 6foot 3in tall and weighing in at a .... ahem ...."Svelte" 245 lbs.
I am assuming that for an all cotton Gi, I will need to be buying a size 6 or maybe a 7? Any input here?

Also,I am in the USA, if that helps any.

Any Colorado Aikidoka with insight into local sources that are good, please do chime in.....gives me a chance to meet some of you all!!!!

Any help is very much appreciated.

Domo,

John

[Larry Feldman]

Why don't you see what your local dojo recommends. Should be plenty of 'samples' worn around the mat. If not, quite a few places you can order from.

I use Kiyota Co. in Baltimore MD. Big selection, and the owner can help you select what might be best for you.

[John McBride]

Thanks Larry!

Exactly the type of info I was hoping for.

Domo,
John

[john.burn]

Ive got about 7 'new' Bujin jackets that I currently use and about 4 or 5 older original Bujin ones. The new ones are better made. They've held up just fine for the past several years of use.

John.

[John McBride]

Ive got about 7 'new' Bujin jackets that I currently use and about 4 or 5 older original Bujin ones. The new ones are better made. They've held up just fine for the past several years of use.

John.

Ok John, that is actually a welcome bit of news. I had always lived my old gi's, so maybe I gi with new bujin. I had been looking at some of the other offerings online and was more than a little flummoxed. Thanks for the heads up.

[Michael Hackett]

I purchase my dogi from Kiyota as well and have been very, very happy with the service and prices. I personally choose the heavyweight Biesu dogi. They are expensive to purchase (about $ 225-$250), but cheap to own. Most of mine have lasted close to ten years before retirement.

[Michael Hackett]

I called Kiyota Budo Company yesterday to order two new dogi. The two phone numbers I had for them BOTH led me to a company that provides nutrition training or something, but isn't in the martial arts supply business. I checked the website and there was no mention of closing and those same two telephone numbers were still listed. I now have two questions as a result....does anyone know the status of Kiyota Budo Company? Does anyone know where I can buy Biesu dogi? By the way, the label for Biesu dogi looks like "BESU", with the "I" being almost invisible. Thanks in advance.

[Steven]

Myself and a couple of my students have ordered these.
http://www.tozandoshop.com/FREE-SHIPPING-Double-Essential-Aikido-Gi-Pants-p/set560.htm

Appear to be the official uniform if the Aikikai as the Aikikai crest is attached to the coat and pants. They also embroider and those far they have held up quite well.

[Michael Hackett]

Thanks, Steven Sensei. Tozando items are always first class, but I'm gonna hold out for Biesu if I can. If I can't find a reputable source, I doubtlessly will turn to Tozando. I've bought two hakama from them and a number of other items. Top drawer company in every respect.

[Larry Feldman]

Kiyota Company, Inc.

kiyotacompany.com

2326 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218 · ~565.4 mi

(410) 366-8275

[Currawong]

For Summer I recommend the Yomogi (though now Tozando has the Hourai) gi, which uses a special thread the center of which is polyester, but the outside of which is cotton. They dry much faster than my regular cotton gis. They look almost new after a year of daily training in them so I think they will hold up well.

[Michael Hackett]

Larry,

Thank you - it worked! When I called that same number last week (and the 800 number too) I got that nutrition company. I tried again this morning and reached Kiyota Company. Obviously I did something wrong, but darned if I can figure out what. Doesn't matter though, because I soon will have two new Biesu dogi. Thanks again!

[Michael Hackett]

When I contacted Kiyota Budo Company I asked for two new Biesu dogi. The gentleman I spoke with explained that Biesu gi really don't exist as a separate item - he said that they are made by Yamata Sakura and just have a different label sewn in. Based on that I ordered the two and when they arrived they appeared to be exactly the same as the Biesu gi that I have owned for years. They did feel lighter in weight and thinner. I went ahead and washed them and wore one Friday night in class. My bottom line as they don't feel anything like the Biesu gi.

Maybe I'm all wet, but in any event I still want to purchase a couple of Biesu dogi. Can anyone refer me to a source? Thanks in advance.

[Michael Hackett]

For what it's worth, the Biesu label really looks like "BESU" with the letter "I" almost invisible. If anyone here can refer me to a source, I will be grateful. Thanks in advance.