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…