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KD Elite Gi (Uniform)
Going from an 8oz student gi to a heavyweight gi is one of the most delightful experiences in a martial artist’s career. Many of us can remember the magic improvement we experienced once we had a gi that didn’t look and feel so much like pajamas. But as time goes on, it becomes more and more evident that not all heavyweight gi’s are created equal. Some are tournament cut, some are ventilated, some are so stiff that they leave red lines in your neck after training.
KD Elite seems to manage the best of a lot of different worlds. It has a normal cut (which I personally wanted), instead of the shorter tournament cut. It has intense stitch work, up to thirteen lines in some places. And it also has very comfortable cotton fabric. This is important for proper training as an uncomfortable uniform can lead to constant distraction and irritation. In many traditional dojo, fidgeting and adjusting is seen as a lack of focus and can be downright annoying to instructors.
One note on the cotton fabric – it does have some shrinkage the first time you wash it. I let mine drip dry and it still shrunk a bit. Nothing severe, but enough to make it notable, so expect a little of that.
Let me tell you something I liked about the KD Elite (even though it’s not at all important). Have a look at this bag it came in –
It’s got a shoulder strap and everything. I know, I know, Small amusements for small minds, but I liked it.
Back to something that matters – The KD Elite has a very nice fit. I didn’t feel like it was draping off of me, or that it was puffy and weird in any way. Normally when I get a new uniform I have to adjust to it, but the KD and I bonded very quickly.
Most of my uniforms are a size five, and my KD is no exception. I mention that because I’m always worried when ordering a new gi that the sizing will be different, and that I’ll find myself wearing a jacket better fit for tarping over a baseball field. The sizing here is very standard to the main brands, such as Ironman and Proforce. Karate Depot also includes a sizing chart, so even if you’re paranoid like me, you can rest assured you’re getting it right.
Ikigai108 gives the KD Elite…
RYKA Athletic Shoes
Ryka is a company that was started by a woman frustrated by her choices in athletic footwear and clothing. I have echoed her frustration myself. Remember the Velcro shoe crazy of the early 80’s? Yeah, well my feet didn’t "work" in those shoes, because I had narrow feet and an even more narrow heel. My foot slipped out and it was another pair of lace up shoes for me. Trendy, I was not.
On their website, RYKA has this to say about their shoes:
"All RYKÄ shoes are made on a woman’s last (the mold or shape of a woman’s foot), and are designed and developed taking into account a women’s unique fit needs – narrower in the heel and wider in the forefoot (it’s not just you, our toes need more room and our heels slip too). Outstanding fit and exceptional comfort consistently place RYKÄ shoes among the highest rated in the industry. After all, if your shoes don’t work out, neither will you."
After reading about the shoes, I registered in their on-going contest called "Good for your sole" to win a pair of new shoes or athletic clothing. Unlike every other time in my life, I actually won. RYKA shipped me the below pair of walking shoes and I am thrilled with them.
They say they design them for a woman’s foot and they certainly do. The inside back of the shoe comfortably hugs your heel and there is absolutely NO slipping what-so-ever. They are super comfortable and provide a lot of support for your foot. Although I would have preferred a more colorful pair of athletic shoes, I’m certainly not complaining about the MC2 pair that I received, which retails for $79.99. They’ll be a little less likely to glow in the dark in no time, I’m sure.
If you haven’t yet registered for the RYKA contest, go here to do so. They are giving away 50 pairs of shoes and 50 pieces of athletic clothing every single day until October 25th, so there’s still time to register and be a winner! For every pair of shoes they give away to those who enter the contest, they’re also donating a pair to the Women’s Sports Foundation. Sounds good to me!
I don’t know about you, but nothing makes me happier than a new pair of shoes. If they’re free? Even better.
BBM gives the RYKA MC2 Walking Shoes:
For more information on the BBM Rating System, go here.
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