Gi Advice for Tall, Thin Student

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[Le Samourai]

I’m expanding my martial horizons and starting Aikido soon and am in need of an inexpensive plain white gi. The thing is, I’m 6’ 3” and 170 lbs. Based on the charts I’ve looked at, going by my weight I’d wear a size 3 or 4 but going by height a 5 or 6. I don’t particularly want to be swimming in my gi, but I don’t want to be in high-waters either. My BJJ gi is a 3 and fits fine in the body but is pretty short in the arms and the legs. Any thoughts on what size I should get? Maybe 4 or 5? I know there are some companies offering gi in tall sizes, but to be honest I don’t want to spend a lot of money just starting out. Also, am I correct in assuming that a Judo gi would be better than a Karate gi for my needs?

Thanks in advance.

[robin_jet_alt]

Well, I'm 5'7" and 154 pounds (I just did the conversion to US measurements for you). I wear a size 4 gi. Maybe a 5 would work? You can always just wrap it tighter... Why don't you just wear your BJJ gi to start out though?

[lbb]

Every brand's sizing is different, fyi. A size 3 in one brand is different than a size 3 in some other brand. If you can find someone with roughly your proportions to recommend a size AND brand (that is still being made), you're golden; otherwise you're going to have to be like the rest of us and do the best you can with size charts.

[Krystal Locke]

Short in the arms and legs is fine, so your bjj gi should work great. However, they are usually pretty patch laden, so you may stick out a bit or gather some odd looks from your dojo mates. Billboard with limbs doesn't always go in an aikido dojo. It is possible to get bjj competition/regulation gi without the bling.

Another factor is the bjj gi are reinforced at specific places for bjj activities. The reinforcements may not match where aikido stresses your gi, and you may wear out a very expensive gi quickly.

Both judo style and karate style gi work fine for aikido, too. A judo gi will last longer than a karate style gi, but will be much hotter. You'll be sweating a lot in any gi you choose, and I find that all cotton gi feel better when wet than cotton/poly blends.

But, as with all other aikido questions, the real answer is that your dojo and your sensei will let you know what will work and what wont. Often, dojo will get gi deals, and will give newbies a gi that will work. It is usually a cheap POS, but free is a nice price point, and the beginner gi often lasts longer than the student.

[Peter Wong]

I would speak to the instructor first to see if you can use your BJJ gi as Robin suggested to see if Aikido is for you. Most dojos the students wears a Judo gi, again I'd ask the instructor. You can get a Pro Force judo gi at Amazon for short money. I'd do a size 5.

[Le Samourai]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Krystal pretty much hit the nail on the head re: my BJJ gi. It is a bit too garish for Aikido.

After asking around online and speaking to folks at the dojo, I think I'll go for a Karate gi in size 5. I figure I can always upgrade later, and it's handy to have a spare, lighter gi, especially since I live in Hawaii.

Thanks again!

[Krystal Locke]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Krystal pretty much hit the nail on the head re: my BJJ gi. It is a bit too garish for Aikido.

After asking around online and speaking to folks at the dojo, I think I'll go for a Karate gi in size 5. I figure I can always upgrade later, and it's handy to have a spare, lighter gi, especially since I live in Hawaii.

Thanks again!

You should see the bizarre patches I am collecting for my bjj gi if they ever make one for folks with my giant really big ass. My instructors are young guys who teach kids a lot, so they slip up in the adult class and say goofy shit like "Awesome Possum!", "Cool Beans!", and they call the seatbelt "Mother Goose Control". So, I find patches that say Awesome Possum, etc. Honor your sensei!

Living where sweat is a thing, and being a mat rat, I suggest having 2-3 gi. Being stinky gi guy is bad in any art, and daily laundry kills gi faster than most anything else. And, that's how you figure out which gi is the lucky gi.

[Walter Martindale]

Every brand's sizing is different, fyi. A size 3 in one brand is different than a size 3 in some other brand. If you can find someone with roughly your proportions to recommend a size AND brand (that is still being made), you're golden; otherwise you're going to have to be like the rest of us and do the best you can with size charts.

Big time... I've worn size 4 during my judo days (178 tall (5'10.5") 85ish kg (185lb)) When I started aikido my tummy demanded a size 5 of the same brand, because that brand of gi shrank on washing - a lot.

Move ahead to a great opportunity to get gi made in China, embroidered with "Aikido Shinryukan New Zealand" and my name. Size 5 it is. I get two.
They didn't shrink after hot washing, and hot tumble dry. Not a bit. I can't wear them because they're just too big. Beautifully made, sturdy, bleached white cotton - but they're TOO BIG.

[Larry Feldman]

5 is your best bet. You will swim in a 6 and have trouble getting the pants tight enough in the waist.
The 5 will be a little short, but not effect your practice. It's good to have your wrists exposed...