tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post6795349977056281606..comments2024-03-22T06:38:42.927+00:00Comments on Meerkatsu's Blog: Gi Review: TUFF Fightwear Lightweight BJJ KimonoMeerkatsuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147715586194844173noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-64486000993140520392011-05-04T15:00:58.671+01:002011-05-04T15:00:58.671+01:00great review, i have been trying to find a gi to ...great review, i have been trying to find a gi to bring in for my students and i do not want to go ith adidias. i will definitly have to check these guys out.Mattnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-32449535626313422162011-01-21T23:16:58.952+00:002011-01-21T23:16:58.952+00:00well i bought a tuff in an a4 and jacket shrank li...well i bought a tuff in an a4 and jacket shrank like 1cm in the arms n trousers hadno shrinkage so i guess this is dependable on size, still helpful review though :Pd henwoodnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-30741867018223719472010-12-02T16:24:44.546+00:002010-12-02T16:24:44.546+00:00Just want to add in, I've had my Tuff gi now f...Just want to add in, I've had my Tuff gi now for 4 months and train for at least 5 hours a week, I've had no problems with my gi, no rips or tears, I must say when I first got it the collar was very stiff but after a few weeks and washes got softer, I'd say for the money it's worth buying, not the most interesting to look at but extra details are extra money.<br />As far as shrinkage, my trousers have shrunk nicely, which I like because i get more skin to skin grip with my legs, the top has shrunk a bit but not much on the sleeves which are a little long.<br />As far as sizing I went by Tuff's guide and choose an a3 because I was on the line between a2 and a3, I exchanged my a3 for an a2.<br />I'm 5'7" and a very solid 74kg @ 12%bf. I went for the a3 because of my weight but looked like a drowned rat in the gi.<br />Hope my comments help anyone looking to buy one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-37414992488907543342010-09-21T12:19:19.288+01:002010-09-21T12:19:19.288+01:00I might just try the local tailor option if I can&...I might just try the local tailor option if I can't get it to shrink anymore. I'll let you know how it goes and post a comment on here if thats ok as it may help other guys thinking of buying the same gi.<br />BTW i'm a touch under 6ft 4 and weigh in at 205lb.<br />thanks for the advice and keep up with the blog, its a fantastic read.<br /><br />BTW the link to my blog is below<br />http://stuartjudo.blogspot.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-85685882354527041272010-09-21T11:30:52.321+01:002010-09-21T11:30:52.321+01:00I absolutely share your pain, gi sizing for me has...I absolutely share your pain, gi sizing for me has always been and probably always will be a complete nightmare. even when gi companies send me two pairs of different sized gis, whichever one I plump for is never gonna fit me perfect.<br />Oh there's a tip - in the US, it seems no problem ordering two different sized pairs and sending back the one that fits the least. Here in the UK I think you can still do this, but have to nag them in to it.<br />Yes, tumble dry by all means but watch that the high heat doesn't warp or even melt the rubber collar. Check every five to ten minutes.<br />The trousers do continue to shrink so only wash at 30.<br />If all else fails, get a quote from your local tailor/dry cleaners for sleeve shortening. If it costs £20 then that's cheaper than buying a new TUFF or other gi.<br /><br />NB: My wife has given up on me and my gi obsession. the feeble excuse of writing reviews for my blog doesn't cut it in her eyes.Meerkatsuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04147715586194844173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-92200410741819057772010-09-21T10:57:44.922+01:002010-09-21T10:57:44.922+01:00Meerkatsu - thanks for the reply.
Do you honestly ...Meerkatsu - thanks for the reply.<br />Do you honestly think it wont shrink anymore? I mean your gi shrunk 9cm in the arms??<br />what about tumble drying?<br /><br />I bought a 190 Black Eagle Judo gi which fit nicely before I washed it and now after 2 months it is a little on the small size so I figured a 200 or A-5 would be the sensible choice. I also own a Blitz Olympian 190 Judo Gi which has never shrunk and is built to fit a very fat person with short arms so I wasted my money on that. I think if I try and sell this BJJ gi my wife will kill me and no amount of BJJ training will protect me.<br /><br />Buying a gi is an absolute minefield and i kinda wish I had bought one form the club now but I wanted something a bit different and in blue as all the guys who have white gi's now have sort of off white/grey gi'sAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-78480727931755402042010-09-21T10:40:30.755+01:002010-09-21T10:40:30.755+01:00I doubt you'll get much more shrinkage out of ...I doubt you'll get much more shrinkage out of that JohnnyH. gi sizing based on just height and weight alone is woefully inadequate. Reviews like mine help but if you are not my size then my stats don't help much.<br />The TUFF is still a damn good value gi I mean no other brand can touch it for pure price v quality.<br />However, higher priced gis do have a better quality service - some will allow you to mix and match (eg Tatami fightwear) and some will even custom fit a gi for you (eg Fushida). Obviously you pay for that.<br /><br />Can i suggest you maybe sell you oversized TUFF on Ebay or to a team mate and invest in a Tatami Fightwear goldweave or Black Eagle singl weave - they both have a ridiculously cheap sale on at the moment (£40 or £50, used to be £70 gis).<br /><br />I personally would not recommend a Cyclone. I was sent a review gi and it was awful.<br /><br />Finally, there are a batch of brand new budget gis coming out in October I beleive and I have been offered the chance to review these, so you could wait I guess. But have a look at the sale items first. Any more questions, please pm me (seymouryang gmail)<br /><br />Ta!Meerkatsuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04147715586194844173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-38641731555643868972010-09-21T10:31:36.934+01:002010-09-21T10:31:36.934+01:00At JohnnyH.
Well my A-5 turned up and the Gi top w...At JohnnyH.<br />Well my A-5 turned up and the Gi top was too long in the arms and slightly baggy in the body. The pants were actually a good fit which means they will probably be too small after a dozen or so washes.<br />I washed the top once at 40c where it shrunk about 2cm and then again at 60c where it did not shrink at all. This means the arms are still way to long (approx 4 inches)so i'm contemplating washing again at 95c. Any recomendations Meerkatsu?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-80232338933479964392010-09-20T16:08:18.995+01:002010-09-20T16:08:18.995+01:00To JohnnyH, i'm exacttly the same dimensions a...To JohnnyH, i'm exacttly the same dimensions as you and have just bought an A-5. I haven't tried it on or washed it yet so i'll let you know how it goesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-9851836526659471932010-04-26T22:05:43.548+01:002010-04-26T22:05:43.548+01:00Hi, just found your site it's really helpful. ...Hi, just found your site it's really helpful. I'm looking to buy my first Gi and like the look of the Tuff light weight. The only problem is I am 6ft3" and 205lbs. I am not sure if I would need the A4 or A5; the A4 would probably be too short after washing, yet the A5 is for 215lbs+ according to the Tuff website:<br /><br />5'10"-6'1"| 195-215 | A-4 <br />6'1"-6'3" | 215-230 | A-5<br /><br />Based on your experience - should I go for the A5 and wash it a few times before first use? OR find a different brand altogether. I had been looking at the Cyclone Gis here: http://cyclonekimonos.com/<br /><br />Any help would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks in advance.JohnyHnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-20839429243679794612010-04-26T16:10:42.605+01:002010-04-26T16:10:42.605+01:00I wouldn't say it has padding, no, it has the ...I wouldn't say it has padding, no, it has the usual extra layer of fabric covering the knee area. But then I tend to wear knee pads anyway, so I wouldn't feel if these were sufficiently 'padded' enough. Hope this helps.Meerkatsuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04147715586194844173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-6722894813155984612010-04-26T12:59:48.772+01:002010-04-26T12:59:48.772+01:00I was wondering if this gi had padding on the trou...I was wondering if this gi had padding on the trousers around the knee area. Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-49964716366220375872010-04-22T01:09:04.741+01:002010-04-22T01:09:04.741+01:00I do not have a facebook account nowadays. Should ...I do not have a facebook account nowadays. Should I? :)<br /><br /><br />I do still keep a myspace account as well as msn messenger address, if that's any good.Andréhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06738820486180254114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-73647919455205383612010-04-21T11:37:14.541+01:002010-04-21T11:37:14.541+01:00Hey Andre, are you on Facebook? Would be good to h...Hey Andre, are you on Facebook? Would be good to hook up there.Meerkatsuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04147715586194844173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-91314079984499662782010-04-21T11:11:26.028+01:002010-04-21T11:11:26.028+01:00When I asked you about Tuff's gis you said you...When I asked you about Tuff's gis you said you had contacted them in the past so I guess not. Unless of course they want to offer something to that person. If so, I'm totally your guy.<br /><br /><br />Nah mate. My BJJ is coming along quite slowly because of logistics and business stuff (on their part) so I don't think I'll even be at competitive level by the time the next European Open gets here.<br />OTOH, I'd love to gather a few quid and return to London to spend a couple of weeks going to one of Roger Gracie's academies, but my girl would RNC-me if that was my priority there :)Andréhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06738820486180254114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-36959794786977710582010-04-21T00:02:29.206+01:002010-04-21T00:02:29.206+01:00ADDENDA: I just had an email from the guys at TUFF...ADDENDA: I just had an email from the guys at TUFF and they say their next batch of trousers will be better designed with regard to shrinkage and belt loops.Meerkatsuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04147715586194844173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-10268085134973850142010-04-21T00:00:48.521+01:002010-04-21T00:00:48.521+01:00Thanks Georgette, help yourself mate!
Andre, chee...Thanks Georgette, help yourself mate!<br /><br />Andre, cheers buddy, I think it was you who originally pointed me to this company. Hope it meets your expectations. Are you coming over to the UK to compete, perhaps ar SENI? Or other?<br /><br />Ulysses, thanks man, my measurements were for an A2 I don't know if an A4 will shrink to the same proportions, but no reason why not. I doubt it will be a sbug fit unless you do a really hot wash and see how that goes. Let us know how you progress. Long-term feedback I think is useful.<br /><br />TUFF products seem cheap by comparison, but as I hinted in my review, other martial arts uniforms are even cheaper than this so you have to ask yourself instead this question: why are BJJ gis so expensive?<br /><br />Oh yeah, my camera is a Nikon D200 and I just use natural light in those photos and play around a little in Photoshop to get the right levels and white balance. Hope this helps.<br /><br />SeymourMeerkatsuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04147715586194844173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-24544765736978308822010-04-20T22:23:28.632+01:002010-04-20T22:23:28.632+01:00Just looked at the website everything seems SO! ch...Just looked at the website everything seems SO! cheap? <br />im looking to buy an a4 and shrink it down as an a3 is a sng fit and may shrink on me after a few washes do you think this could be possible?<br /><br />p.s WHAT CAMERA do you use your photography is off the HOOK!Ulysessnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-22056693857932534352010-04-20T22:21:18.421+01:002010-04-20T22:21:18.421+01:00Just looked at the website everything seems SO! ch...Just looked at the website everything seems SO! cheap? <br />im looking to buy an a4 and shrink it down as an a3 is a snug fit and may shrink on me after a few washes do you think this could be possible?<br /><br />p.s WHAT CAMERA do you use your photography is off the HOOK!ulyssesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-30686032797351489612010-04-20T16:52:55.437+01:002010-04-20T16:52:55.437+01:00Hah, finally a Tuff Gi review on the interwebz, th...Hah, finally a Tuff Gi review on the interwebz, thank you!<br /><br />I'll probably get one as soon as I want to add a cheap blue and/or black gi to my closet.Andréhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06738820486180254114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-34058121078723528602010-04-19T16:40:00.068+01:002010-04-19T16:40:00.068+01:00Love your gi reviews, always. I'm stealing yo...Love your gi reviews, always. I'm stealing your gi diagram for measurement purposes on my future reviews.<br /><br />And I like the new look. :)Georgettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08705282002904234217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-46351599527776638012010-04-19T10:04:06.686+01:002010-04-19T10:04:06.686+01:00Heh heh thanks Allie, gave it a Spring clean! Yeah...Heh heh thanks Allie, gave it a Spring clean! Yeah this gi is pretty cool, so cheap and yet it is almost as good as a Vulkan or Koral. Time will tell if it is as durable as the top brands.Meerkatsuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04147715586194844173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724305.post-54884803954180663642010-04-19T10:02:04.561+01:002010-04-19T10:02:04.561+01:00I like the new look of your blog! :) And nice writ...I like the new look of your blog! :) And nice write-up.A.D. McClishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07019434821749308292noreply@blogger.com