Isami BJJ gi: opinions?

[GottaGoPee]

Anyone have one? How do you like it? Live up to the hype/worth the money?

 

[GottaGoPee]

Skip all the measurement stuff. Anyone have/like this gi?

Anyone aware of Isami versions of their BJJ gi in American sizing available in the US? I ask because I've seen them available at 3 online suppliers in up to A 6 and one of them specifically mentions that isami made specially sized gis for the US in American sizes. Anyone can verify?

 

[Regular Joe]

Can't verify. I only know one guy who has an Isami gi. It was expensive as all fuck. Doesn't seem worth it to me.

 

[Harukaze]

I know 2 people that have the Isami BJJ double weave gi's (one guy has both the standard "Real of Reals" model and the special "Flash" model). Both have reported that Isami gi's are both comfortable and durable, and although double weave, are not as thick as judo double weaves GSM-wise. Both have the the full-sashiko model, and both have the 0-7 sizing vs. the A0-5 sizing; as such, the 0-7 sizing is cut a bit more like a judo gi than a modern BJJ gi. Both would buy again as it's great training gi for day in and day out practice, although a bit on the heavy and smooth side for tournaments.

 

[GottaGoPee]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah its expensive. Wondering if it will live up to the hype or disappoint.

 

[Harukaze]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah its expensive. Wondering if it will live up to the hype or disappoint.

It really depends on what you're looking for in a gi. Guys into super lightweight gi's will be disappointed, guys looking for finger-wrecking suits of armor will also be disappointed. Guys looking for straitjacket-tight gi's will be disappointed as well. But if you want a comfortable, durable, stylish gi that will be your daily go-to (and that you could sneak into judo class if need be), then you'll love the Isami.

 

[jag6984]

Exactly as Harukaze said.

I've recently picked up an Isami and it's pretty much my favourite gi now. The craftsmanship is impeccable, and it's extremely comfortable to wear. Not the armor that is my Mundial #9 or super lightweight like my Bull Terrier Comp gi, but just a very solid training gi. Other than getting a competition specific gi, I think I'll be sticking to Isami from now on.

 

[ironwolf]

They are great gi's and harukaze bailed it.

I have one I heir made in Japan belts and it's great.

 

[GottaGoPee]

It really depends on what you're looking for in a gi. Guys into super lightweight gi's will be disappointed, guys looking for finger-wrecking suits of armor will also be disappointed. Guys looking for straitjacket-tight gi's will be disappointed as well. But if you want a comfortable, durable, stylish gi that will be your daily go-to (and that you could sneak into judo class if need be), then you'll love the Isami.

Yes your final point is what I am after.

Do the shoulder patches go under the collar or can they be easily removed? I know they make thrm plain but I've seen a couple with Patches on ebay before

 

[Harukaze]

Not 100% sure about the patches because I don't have the gi in front of me, and I tend not to stare at my training partners' shoulder patches too deeply LOL.

 

[ironwolf]

You can order it from choke sports with or without patches.

 

[BigBubba]

I have a sashiko weave and I really like it. The seam on the back took a little while to get used to, but I barely notice it now.

The pants only have a single loop in the center. I had a tailor add two more loops, and it's perfect for me now. I have two teammates that have done the same.

 

[GottaGoPee]

I have a sashiko weave and I really like it. The seam on the back took a little while to get used to, but I barely notice it now.

The pants only have a single loop in the center. I had a tailor add two more loops, and it's perfect for me now. I have two teammates that have done the same.

Hmm. So you do notice the seam in the back. Kind of surprised they have one. Wonder why they use that method.

According to Isami the Isami gis that Fuji sells were specially commissioned by and cut according to Fuji specifications. Waiting to hear from Fuji if they can provide the actual measurements of the dimensions of their Isami gis in A4 and A5 (I'm guessing are cut the same as their All-Around/summerweight) so I can compare with Isami Japan version dimensional size chart and against the gis I own to decide whose would offer the best fit. (and apparently every other retailer sells the same ones as Fuji except for chokesports which offers the Japanese sizing.)

From everything I am hearing, the Isami gis are very nice. Now if I can just get those measurements from Fuji!

 

[Harukaze]

Hmm. So you do notice the seam in the back. Kind of surprised they have one. Wonder why they use that method.

The seam in the back, known in Japanese as the setsugi, is actually quite handy in judo. It makes the back of the gi harder to grip and increases the strength of the gi across the overlap. There's a reason why width of the setsugi is regulated by the IJF. Let's say you have a double-weave judogi that clocks in at 800GSM; at the setsugi, not only do you have to consider the 3-5 rows of stitching itself, you have to consider the overlap of the two panels, and at the top of the gi (from about mid-shoulder blade to the lapel), you also have the two panels overlapping with not just one another, but also with the shoulder reinforcements. If you do the math, that amounts to at least 1600GSM on the setsugi, plus more at the top of the setsugi (where you'd try to get a high lapel grip or a Russian grip). If the average "thick" gold weave is about 550GSM, I'm sure you can imagine what 1600-2000GSM feels like haha.

It's why HCK always used the setsugi as well!
http://www.howardliu.com/FAQ/FAQ5.htm