Ronin Brand Super Heavyweight 16oz. Karate Gi (White, 4)

I’ve trained in and taught Tae Kwon Do for 46 years. I’ve owned numerous uniforms throughout those years from lightweight traditional uniforms to WTF v-neck uniforms to traditional heavyweight uniforms like this. And this uniform doesn’t disappoint. It’s well crafted and made from very heavy canvas. I usually wear a 14 ounce uniform and this 16 ounce is thicker to the touch. I originally ordered a size 4 which, according to the measurements would fit however, it was rather large on me. Several review on the Ronin web site said the uniform shrinks a bit so I tried that. It did shrink a bit but it is a traditional Japanese cut with a longer top. I then ordered a size 3 and the 3 is a little smaller than I like. I wish Ronin would make half sizes in this uniform. I have been wearing a ProForce 14 ounce heavyweight uniform and this appears to be better than that. All in all, I’m very pleased with both the size 3 and 4 and will have two great uniforms for years to come. My advice for anyone who purchases this uniform is to go a size smaller.

I am 5' 10" 185 lbs. I purchased a light weight size 5 and a medium weight size 5. There were both too large for me. I washed them to see if I could shrink them to fit. The light weight fit me perfect after washing. The medium weight did not shrink much and is too large me. I will have to hem the pants 4 to 5 inches. The top looks like I am a kid wearing my fathers clothes. Based on what I learned from purchasing the size 5 in the light and medium weight gi, I purchase a super heavy weight gi in a size 4 and it fit me perfect after washing. All my other uniforms from different brands are a size 5 and fit fine. In the heavy and super heavy Ronin uniforms I wear a size 4.

...I've been contemplating coming back to karate for 2 years. Karate taught me everything - discipline, sacrifice, hard work, humility and passion - and at the age of 14, I received my Shodan black belt. It was awesome and kinda rare back in the 80's. Unfortunately, the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake destroyed my dojo. My sensei attempted to rent a place, but it was very difficult, and we all had to scatter. I simply stopped going. It was BMX pretty much after that through the rest of my teens. Now, here I am at the age of 43, riding BMX and doing Karate! Only difference is I now have a family and a mortgage... speaking of those two... what brought me to this Gi was *budget*. The last Gi I wore and competed in was a Tokaido. I remember when I upgraded to a heavyweight Gi and how much better it felt. So, I gravitated towards that same brand, and I even played with the idea of a Shureido Gi. Unfortunately, the ones I wanted were upward near $300-$500, and again, I'm on a budget. After my typical Amazon Prime search, I came upon this Ronin Gi and the reviews were great. I also loved the idea of a 16oz Gi - that brilliant snap and and stiffness I remember with my 14oz Tokaido I had when I was a kid. It came to my doorstep super quick. I unboxed it and immediately noticed how heavy it was. I took heed of the suggestions and ordered ONE SIZE SMALLER (the chart says I'm a 5, but I got a 4) - but I train with weights in the gym - maintain a very clean ketogenic diet - so I have a compact frame for a 200lb'er (smaller waist, broader shoulders, bigger legs) and wondering If I should've gone with a 3. The 4 is pretty big on me. The Gi top is a little long, but I know this is a more traditional cut. I have to roll up the sleeves. My pants are also long, and I have to roll up the pant legs. I've washed it twice and it still hasn't shrunk to where I want it - kinda regretting not getting a size 3. I sweat like a madman in this Gi - it is very heavy - but I think that's what you get for desiring a 16oz Gi. I have to hang it to dry after every class. It has that beautiful snap, as well. Construction is top notch. Since it is so heavy, it gets to be very wrinkly. I take care in folding it between classes to try and iron out the wrinkles, which doesn't help much. I would say If you plan on competing or testing, I would get it professionally pressed, or try to iron it as best as you could. Lastly, the pants can use 1-2 more draw string loops - so I sewed some on myself. My pants are always falling, but I still think this is a sizing issue. I believe this Gi is going to last me a very long time - it is as beefy as you can get. I really wish the sizing chart was more accurate, but 5'9" 200lbs looks different on a lot of people. For me, the chart says size 5 - but I think I would've been better off going two sizes smaller to a 3 for the way I'm built. If you have more a bodybuilder type build, take extra time to get the size right for you, because the sizing chart won't work for you. I am going to wash it in hot water every time with hopes it shrinks even more. I recommend going a size smaller and trying it on before committing to keeping it - you may need to go two sizes smaller. All the criticisms aside, this is an exceptional value.

The best karate gi that you can buy for the money.

Great Gi. Heavy duty...feels like canvas.

AMAZING UNIFORM I bought a heavy weight tokaido GI and this one is much heavier

Nothing wrong with the Gi just not sized correctly.

Good fit, strong material. Buy it, you will not have regrets.