Dogi Questions

Hi guys,
I just started Aikido here in Tokyo and I have a much more mundane question about travelling with Aikido Uniforms....

How many times do you have to wash the darn things in order to get them to soften up?

Also, I have tried carrying my gi in a backpack, sportsbag and a even a briefase, but it always seems that no matter what I put it in. it ALWAYS seems to baloon up to fill the space.

Has anyone else ever encountered this? How do YOU carry your gi to practice? Can anyone out there recommend a special bag or something?

Thanks in advance for the help. I apologize that this post was not more on the subject of Aikido, but once I learn more I will jump into the conversation

Thanks
Dan Nakagawa
Kobayashi Dojo
Tokyo Japan

As far as what kind of bag, Bujin Design, www.bujindesign.com , has a great gi bag. Although I just use a regular gym bag.

Have you tried rolling up your gi and tying your belt around it? I do that to save space since the belt keeps it from coming undone.

Helmet bags are the perfect size...

Some gis come soft already... some take forever to get comfy unless you use fabric softener, and if you use that, it destroys the gi... sigh

I like the thinner gis as opposed to the thicker Judo gi, especially for travelling (takes up way less space, dries faster).

Fabric softener ruins gi?

How, exactly?

I'm down with the fact that tumble dryers ruin gi, now that my gi trousers are now capri pants, but the fabric softener threat is alarming news!

Please elaborate.

Kia ora
Ian

Originally posted by ianb Fabric softener ruins gi? How, exactly? I'm down with the fact that tumble dryers ruin gi, now that my gi trousers are now capri pants, but the fabric softener threat is alarming news! Please elaborate. Kia ora Ian

Fabric softener reduces the durability of the fabric since it the threads. At least this is what I have been told. It also reduces the capability of the fabric to absorb liquid as it creates a thin film on the fabric. This wil result in the sweat being contained inside the gi instead of being absorbed...

Finally it is very difficult to gain respect among your fellow students if you smell like a 'Fresh spring meadow' or 'Summer peaches'

To Dan:
I use a regular size sportsbag. And each time I buy a gi it's lighther and thinner than the last one. Actually a heavy duty karate-gi is easy to transport and very nice to wear, especially on a hot day, but not all dojos allow that. The very heavy gi's tend to never loose their 'stiffness' unless they are of a very high quality (expencive...)

Because of all the horror stories I have heard about shrinking dojis, I was mine sans bleach and fabric softener and line dry it.

Doesn't make for the softest gi but I'd like it to last!

I think I have what was called "heavy duty karate-gi", it's at least quite thick. It's as stiff as new after each wash but it's nothing a couple of breakfalls can't fix.
I have tried to pound it but breakfalls is what works best for me

/Tobias Harms

My dogi is pretty rock hard after washing too. It does depend on the manufacturer, my other gi is always soft (both are heavyweight Judo types). I prefer the stiff one as it fits better and stays together more when training. I also concure that it seems to soften pretty quickly after a few breakfalls. Before packing it up, I roll mine up and jump on it a couple of times then pack it up into a nylon Adidas back pack.

Finally it is very difficult to gain respect among your fellow students if you smell like a 'Fresh spring meadow' or 'Summer peaches'

I like smelling of Mountain fresh thank you. LOL rather smell like mountain dew tho.

i jsut wash mine with standard washing powder it seems quite comfy anyhoo, its a lightweight gi i didnt know tumble drying them wasted them tho, dortunatly i've only done that once so far (G)

pete

On a related note. Will ironing your dogi hurt it? I like to have a neat looking dogi and find that the pants are especially wrinkled when they come out of the washer.

Ross Lewandowski (rosskl) wrote: On a related note. Will ironing your dogi hurt it? I like to have a neat looking dogi and find that the pants are especially wrinkled when they come out of the washer.

I've ironed my dogi pants quite a few times. Actually I allways did it before a grading before I got my hakama. Apart from looking your best it is a nice way to fend off the butterflies for a while. When I used to wear a karate gi I sometimes ironed the gi top as well, but I have never tried ironing the judo gi top that I use these days. I hardly think it would do any difference.

Anyway the pants shouldn't be harmed by ironing - but use lots of steam to get those pesky wrinkles out.

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