Welcome to AikiWeb Aikido Information
AikiWeb: The Source for Aikido Information
AikiWeb's principal purpose is to serve the Internet community as a repository and dissemination point for aikido information.

Sections
home
aikido articles
columns

Discussions
forums
aikiblogs

Databases
dojo search
seminars
image gallery
supplies
links directory

Reviews
book reviews
video reviews
dvd reviews
equip. reviews

News
submit
archive

Miscellaneous
newsletter
rss feeds
polls
about

Follow us on



Home > AikiWeb Aikido Forums
Go Back   AikiWeb Aikido Forums > Supplies

Hello and thank you for visiting AikiWeb, the world's most active online Aikido community! This site is home to over 22,000 aikido practitioners from around the world and covers a wide range of aikido topics including techniques, philosophy, history, humor, beginner issues, the marketplace, and more.

If you wish to join in the discussions or use the other advanced features available, you will need to register first. Registration is absolutely free and takes only a few minutes to complete so sign up today!

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 04-11-2006, 12:13 PM   #1
SteenSuder
Dojo: Aarhus Aikikai
Location: Aarhus
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Denmark
Offline
Blush! Keep my new Tozando gi?

I've just received my new Tozando gi (deluxe model, AG-600, size 5L) and pants (also deluxe, AP-500, size 5L).
I'm 187cm (6 ft and 2 inches) and weigh in at ~100 kg (~220 pounds).

I'm now a bit worried if this gi is too large:
* Sleeves are (just) covering/reaching my wrist line, arms down.
* Sleeves are quite wide.
* Legs are right on the ancle bone.

* Waist of jacket seems to be perfect, though.

The sizes are right on the spot according to schemes, though.

* Is it "OK" or...?
* How much will this type of gi shrink?
* How much *can* I make it shrink?

--
Best regards,
Steen Suder,
Denmark
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2006, 04:29 PM   #2
Michael O'Brien
Dojo: Nashville Aikikai
Location: Nashville, Tn
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 288
United_States
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Steen,

Sounds like a pretty good fit to me. If you wash it in cold water and drip dry then you will have no shrinkage at all.

Wash in warm/hot water and tumble dry in the dryer then (and I'm guessing here) you could expect anywhere from 1/2" - 1 1/2" of shrinkage.

My laundry skills are basic at best, but I have shrunk more than item (non martial arts related) to the point I can no longer where them. LOL

Harmony does not mean that there are no conflicts,
for the dynamic spiral of existence embraces both extremes.
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2006, 02:57 PM   #3
pezalinski
 
pezalinski's Avatar
Dojo: Aikido of Harvard (IL)
Location: harvard, IL
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 159
United_States
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

As long as you are not showing your elbows, belly, or knees while wearing it, and you are not tripping on the pants legs, it's probably the right size for you,

They make 'em roomy so we have something to grab onto, without having to grab 'meat' every time.

Enjoy!


A little danger is a knowledge thing...

"Helping the planet make an impact on people, since 1985"
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2006, 03:35 PM   #4
MaryKaye
Dojo: Seattle Ki Society
Location: Seattle
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 522
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

If the sleeves just cover your wrists, and you plan to wash it in warm water, my experience is that you have exactly the right size. (First time this happened I thought the gi was too big and hemmed up the sleeves. I regretted it quickly.)

My advice is not to return it, and not to hem the sleeves unless they are still too long after several warm-water washings. A new gi should be quite roomy. If it isn't, better plan on washing it in cold and drip-drying. My last purchase no longer meets in front, and I swear I have not gained *that* much weight....

Mary Kaye
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2006, 06:20 AM   #5
koz
 
koz's Avatar
Dojo: Kaiso Dobun Kenkyukai
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 41
New Zealand
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Please post an update on size after washing.

I'm just about to order a similar sizing and would like to know.

True mastery can be gained
by letting things go their own way.

Lao Tzu - Tao Te Ching, Ch48
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2006, 11:11 AM   #6
SteenSuder
Dojo: Aarhus Aikikai
Location: Aarhus
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Denmark
Offline
Smile Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Paul Kozlovskis wrote:
Please post an update on size after washing.

I'm just about to order a similar sizing and would like to know.
I was about to ;-)

Anyways... first I did a 40 deg. Celsius wash in the washing machine and hangdried it afterwards. As far as I can tell, it did nothing to the size - still roomy. I attended a single training pass (Easter Camp with Arisue Sensei ;-) in the dogi and it was a tad to large.

Then I did a 60 deg. Celsius wash in the washing machine followed by some 50 minutes in the drier.
I have not done any training in it after this, but it definitely seems like it has an almost perfect fit now.
The size of the sleeves are more in "harmony" now, I think. Perhaps they have shrunk like 1-1½cm in length , but not more.
It has also shrunk a bit in width (waist).

Now I just need like six months of training to see how it will "fall".

To sum up: I think the size recommendation from Tozando is about right in my case.

Please dont hesitate to ask if I can give you further information.

--
Best regards,
Steen Suder
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2006, 01:36 PM   #7
Josh Reyer
 
Josh Reyer's Avatar
Location: Aichi-ken, Nagoya-shi
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 644
Japan
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Steen Suder wrote:
I was about to ;-)

Anyways... first I did a 40 deg. Celsius wash in the washing machine and hangdried it afterwards. As far as I can tell, it did nothing to the size - still roomy. I attended a single training pass (Easter Camp with Arisue Sensei ;-) in the dogi and it was a tad to large.

Then I did a 60 deg. Celsius wash in the washing machine followed by some 50 minutes in the drier.
I have not done any training in it after this, but it definitely seems like it has an almost perfect fit now.
The size of the sleeves are more in "harmony" now, I think. Perhaps they have shrunk like 1-1½cm in length , but not more.
It has also shrunk a bit in width (waist).
Tozando keikogi are designed to shrink little, if at all, with just washing. Most people in Japan hang-dry their clothes. It's the drier that will shrink them, but this can be minimized (perhaps even controlled) by drying on the coolest setting (tumble dry, permanent press).

Yesterday I just got a new Tozando keikogi top, the AG-250 "Ryo" (cool) summer aikidogi. Listed on the English site as "Seersucker Aikido Gi". It's just really excellent. My old keikogi was a cheap, run-of-the-mill one I got at a local sport shop. Whenever I did suburi the whole thing would ride up when I lifted my arms, even though on the whole it was on the big side for me. This new one, though, has a great fit, and doesn't ride up at all.

Josh Reyer

The lyf so short, the crafte so longe to lerne,
Th'assay so harde, so sharpe the conquerynge...
- Chaucer
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2006, 04:36 PM   #8
cguzik
Location: Tulsa, OK
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 166
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

I bought the AG-600 4-5 years ago, size 3L, and the sleeves came right to the wrist line. Now, they are two thirds of the way to my wrist -- perfect. I washed and dried them about at least a half dozen times with fairly high heat before they did not feel too big.
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2006, 12:04 AM   #9
SteenSuder
Dojo: Aarhus Aikikai
Location: Aarhus
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Denmark
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Chris Guzik wrote:
I bought the AG-600 4-5 years ago, size 3L, and the sleeves came right to the wrist line. Now, they are two thirds of the way to my wrist -- perfect. I washed and dried them about at least a half dozen times with fairly high heat before they did not feel too big.
How about width/waist and across your chest?

--
Best regards,
Steen Suder
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2006, 05:32 PM   #10
NathanD
Dojo: Nathan Darnell
Location: Riverside, CA
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 3
United_States
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Steen,

How do you like your Tozando dogi? How does it compare to other dogi you have used? I have studied Kenpo for a long time and am new to Aikido, so I have always worn Karate dogi. I just bought a pair of Tozando Aikido pants and they seem pretty nice so far. I'm thinking about buying a Tozando top as well.

Nathan
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2006, 06:58 PM   #11
vjw
Dojo: Rochester Phoenix
Location: Rochester, NY
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 83
United_States
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Nathan,
Tozando gis are great. I bought size 3 and 3L. The size 3 fit me well, but I like the extra length of the 3L which prevents the jacket pulling out of my belt.

Do it, you know you want to.
Vic
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2006, 01:50 AM   #12
SteenSuder
Dojo: Aarhus Aikikai
Location: Aarhus
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Denmark
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Nathan Darnell wrote:
Steen,

How do you like your Tozando dogi? How does it compare to other dogi you have used? I have studied Kenpo for a long time and am new to Aikido, so I have always worn Karate dogi. I just bought a pair of Tozando Aikido pants and they seem pretty nice so far. I'm thinking about buying a Tozando top as well.

Nathan
It's a very fine dogi as far as I'm concerned. It's very different from, say my old karategi which is made from canvas.
It's also varmer, due to the heavier quality.
The pants has a very good fit and sits tight, even though it has the same drawstring-system as my old pants.
I can only recommend it. Just be aware of the warmness of the dogi.

--
Best regards,
Steen Suder
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2006, 10:49 AM   #13
Neal Earhart
 
Neal Earhart's Avatar
Dojo: New York Aikikai / Aikido of Westchester
Location: New York City
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 98
United_States
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Joshua Reyer wrote:
Yesterday I just got a new Tozando keikogi top, the AG-250 "Ryo" (cool) summer aikidogi. Listed on the English site as "Seersucker Aikido Gi". It's just really excellent.
Those Gi tops are excellent ! I purchased one last year for the summer months and it has been great. It fits well (it has shrunk a bit from numerous washings), and doesn't "stick" to your skin when you perspire like lightweight Karate Gi tops tend to do.
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2006, 01:01 PM   #14
Josh Reyer
 
Josh Reyer's Avatar
Location: Aichi-ken, Nagoya-shi
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 644
Japan
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Neal Earhart wrote:
Those Gi tops are excellent ! I purchased one last year for the summer months and it has been great. It fits well (it has shrunk a bit from numerous washings), and doesn't "stick" to your skin when you perspire like lightweight Karate Gi tops tend to do.
Indeed, I'm quite happy with mine. It absorbs sweat quite well without feeling disgusting, is roomy without being baggy, and moves smoothly and freely when I'm doing suburi after a 60 minute taijutsu session. It's worked out quite well so far. The real test, though, will be the ridiculously humid summer months.

Josh Reyer

The lyf so short, the crafte so longe to lerne,
Th'assay so harde, so sharpe the conquerynge...
- Chaucer
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2008, 04:10 AM   #15
Kent Enfield
 
Kent Enfield's Avatar
Location: Oregon, USA
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 224
United_States
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Joshua Reyer wrote: View Post
The real test, though, will be the ridiculously humid summer months.
As I'm thinking of getting one of Tozando's seersucker iaidogi specifically for summer, I was wondering how you faired in yours, now that you've had a chance to go through a summer with it.

Kentokuseisei
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2008, 10:09 AM   #16
Tambreet
Dojo: Tenshinkan Dojo, Chicago
Location: Chicago, IL
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 36
United_States
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Kent Enfield wrote: View Post
As I'm thinking of getting one of Tozando's seersucker iaidogi specifically for summer, I was wondering how you faired in yours, now that you've had a chance to go through a summer with it.
I don't know about him, but I have a Seersucker Aikido Gi Jacket-5, and I love it so much I think I'm going to order another one.

The one I have lasted about a year and is starting to get a little frayed now (disclaimer: I wash it between every use, so about 2-4 times a week).

I train in Chicago, and it's worked for me both in the freezing winter and through a very hot and humid summer (and I am somewhat of a sweater).
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2008, 12:33 PM   #17
Aiki1
 
Aiki1's Avatar
Dojo: ACE Aikido
Location: Los Angeles
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 346
United_States
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Jordan McClure wrote: View Post
I don't know about him, but I have a Seersucker Aikido Gi Jacket-5, and I love it so much I think I'm going to order another one.
Mind if I ask - what's your height and weight? I'm thinkiing of getting a Tozando gi as well and am unsure of what size to get....

Larry Novick
Head Instructor
ACE Aikido
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2008, 01:11 PM   #18
Tambreet
Dojo: Tenshinkan Dojo, Chicago
Location: Chicago, IL
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 36
United_States
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Larry Novick wrote: View Post
Mind if I ask - what's your height and weight? I'm thinkiing of getting a Tozando gi as well and am unsure of what size to get....
5'10", roughly 180 pounds. The size 5 is good but maybe a tad large. For the new one I may try a 4.
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2008, 01:43 PM   #19
Aiki1
 
Aiki1's Avatar
Dojo: ACE Aikido
Location: Los Angeles
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 346
United_States
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Jordan McClure wrote: View Post
5'10", roughly 180 pounds. The size 5 is good but maybe a tad large. For the new one I may try a 4.
Thanks - I'm 5'11" around 165, so close. Do you know if they have half-sizes? I hate paying shipping from Japan and finding out I got the size wrong....

By the way, anyone ever bought or seen the Super Soft Gi Jacket they sell? It's the AG800 I think....

Last edited by Aiki1 : 03-07-2008 at 01:51 PM.

Larry Novick
Head Instructor
ACE Aikido
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2008, 02:45 PM   #20
DanielR
Location: New York
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 164
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Hi Larry,

I'm about your size and weight. I have one Seersucker jacket, size 5, one Super-Soft jacket, size 5, and one Deluxe, size 4L.

The Seersucker is relatively new; it hasn't shrunk much and feels too long to me; I might end up having to cut its sleeves and (whatever you call the bottom part of the jacket), or maybe give it a few more hot wash and dry cycles in the hopes it'll shrink more. I would roll up its sleeves rather than cutting them, but the fabric is too thin for the rolled-up sleeves to hold throughout the practice. Overall it feels a bit insubstantial to me; after practicing in it for a bit I decided that I prefer a thicker gi, but that's just a personal preference.

The Super-Soft and Deluxe have been in active use for about two years. I'm very happy with both, the best gi tops I ever tried (not that I tried that many though). The 4L Deluxe now feels a tad smaller than I'd like, although fine overall. The 5 Super-Soft feels nicer volume-wise, but I do roll up its sleeves.

I'm a bit confused with Tozando's sizes at this point: being more or less satisfied with my 5 Super-Soft, I ordered the Seersucker of the same size, but with that jacket size 5 doesn't seem to work as well.

As far as the "softness" of the Super-Soft, I can't say I feel much difference between it and the Deluxe at this point. I'll probably go for another Deluxe if I decide to get another Tozando.

Just in case you find this useful - I have Tozando's Deluxe pants of sizes 4L and 5. 4L is perfect for me, 5 is a bit too large/long.

Daniel
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2008, 03:32 PM   #21
Aiki1
 
Aiki1's Avatar
Dojo: ACE Aikido
Location: Los Angeles
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 346
United_States
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Daniel Rozenbaum wrote: View Post
Hi Larry,

I'm about your size and weight. I have one Seersucker jacket, size 5, one Super-Soft jacket, size 5, and one Deluxe, size 4L.

The Super-Soft and Deluxe have been in active use for about two years. I'm very happy with both, the best gi tops I ever tried (not that I tried that many though). The 4L Deluxe now feels a tad smaller than I'd like, although fine overall. The 5 Super-Soft feels nicer volume-wise, but I do roll up its sleeves.

As far as the "softness" of the Super-Soft, I can't say I feel much difference between it and the Deluxe at this point. I'll probably go for another Deluxe if I decide to get another Tozando.
Great, thanks. Are there any "other" differences between the Super-Soft and the Deluxe? Weight of fabric, collar, anything? What about the anti-bacterial stuff, do you notice it? I think I might be allergic to it. Does the Super-Soft gi have it as well? Also, how heavy are the two gis - double weave?

Thanks for all the info, by the way. I really appreciate it.

Last edited by Aiki1 : 03-07-2008 at 03:42 PM.

Larry Novick
Head Instructor
ACE Aikido
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2008, 05:54 PM   #22
DanielR
Location: New York
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 164
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Quote:
Larry Novick wrote: View Post
Are there any "other" differences between the Super-Soft and the Deluxe? Weight of fabric, collar, anything? What about the anti-bacterial stuff, do you notice it? I think I might be allergic to it. Does the Super-Soft gi have it as well? Also, how heavy are the two gis - double weave?
The gi's are both double weave. Pretty heavy by comparison to others I've had. A huge pain to pack for a trip. I can't say I feel or notice much difference between the two; what difference I do notice I'd attribute more to difference in size than to anything else. I mean Tozando does claim difference in fabric, but I can't say I see much of it. Heck, they might've sent me a Deluxe instead of a Super-Soft! :-) Don't know about the anti-bacterial stuff - both stink equally bad if I don't take good care of them :-) I don't think the Super-Soft has it though.

Last edited by DanielR : 03-07-2008 at 05:57 PM.

Daniel
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2008, 11:10 PM   #23
Aiki1
 
Aiki1's Avatar
Dojo: ACE Aikido
Location: Los Angeles
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 346
United_States
Offline
Re: Keep my new Tozando gi?

Thanks for the help.

Larry Novick
Head Instructor
ACE Aikido
  Reply With Quote

Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tozando Gi Jacket Tinyboy344 Supplies 10 10-12-2006 12:28 PM
FS: TOZANDO Hakama aikijoel Marketplace 0 09-04-2005 10:47 AM
New dogi - Tozando CaseyD Supplies 2 08-15-2005 05:21 PM
Buying from Tozando Craig.Mc Supplies 8 02-21-2005 01:53 PM
tozando iaito Mathias Supplies 0 11-21-2002 07:32 AM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:20 AM.



vBulletin Copyright © 2000-2024 Jelsoft Enterprises Limited
----------
Copyright 1997-2024 AikiWeb and its Authors, All Rights Reserved.
----------
For questions and comments about this website:
Send E-mail
plainlaid-picaresque outchasing-protistan explicantia-altarage seaford-stellionate