FAQ

Once you decide to keep up with your study in karate you will want to invest in a gi. A gi is your single most important purchase in the practice of karate. We prefer that you purchase a gi through us in order to maintain club spirit and standards, however, we leave the decision to you.  If you decide to purchase a gi on your own, please maintain club standards.  Simba Dojo students wear the traditional white karate gi. The gi should be a kimono-like wrap around gi, not the pullover type used in taekwondo. There should be no markings, patches, or school advertisements on the gi.

There are many ways to obtain a student gi.  You can purchase them online through one of hundreds martial arts suppliers such as Cenury Martial Arts.  It has been our experience, however, we often buy the wrong size and it can be difficult to exchange them.  We recommend that you buy your gis at Karate Mart at 1411 W Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013, were you can try on the gi before you buy it.  Prices will vary from around 25 dollars depending on size, material and brand.

Karate gis are made out of different fabrics.  Most of the less expensive gis are made from polyester cotton blends.  This material is very durable and will last many years.  However, the synthetic materials can get very hot and do not breath well.  We recommend you purchase a 100% cotton gi.  Cotton gis may cost a little bit more, but well worth it.  They are more comfortable to wear, breath easier and do not keep in moisture like the synthetics. You will be much happier with a cotton gi and remember a well taken care of gi can last many years.

Alternatively you can order a gi through us.  We do not make a profit on the gis and sell them at our cost. We generally do not stock gis and have them made to order. These gis run between 40 to 110 dollars each depending on options.  Please contact us for exact prices.  We offer a couple of different grades of gis ranging from the less expensive American cut student model to a more competitive Okinawan cut gi. We put a lot of thought into choosing a gi to represent our dojo. Not all gis are made the same and we are currently working with gi manufacturers to produce our own line of Simba Dojo branded gis.  These new branded gis should be available in December 2020!  If you need a gi before then, we can help you with that as well with the same quality and prices.

The American gi: This is the standard student grade gi.  They are made with a lighter grade 100% cotton 8 oz. material that is breathable and very comfortable to wear.  This is an ideal gi for beginning karate students without spending a lot of money.  It is an American cut design, meaning that it is tailored to American standards of clothing.

The Okinawan gi: We wanted a high quality, traditional Okinawan gi that was affordable.  We wanted a gi that was comparable to those worn in Japan, not the typical gi found in American Dojos.  Our gis are cut to traditional Okinawan standards and are designed differently than the “American cut” gis you order online or buy locally.  Okinawan gis tend to be a little longer at the torso, keeping the gi tucked in the belt during heavy practice.  The sleeves and legs are cut a little shorter with heavy stitching giving that classic pop sound when you punch and kick.  They are made from high quality 100% 10 oz. or 12 oz. cotton material with durable stitching that should last for years. Our gis are comparable to the much more expensive Japanese gis that cost up to four times more!  After wearing these gis for years, I have a difficult time going back to my older gis which are thinner and just feel (cheap) less durable.

Our Logo:  The kanji we have adopted for our club simply reads Lion Spirit.  This Kanji is placed on the breast of our gis.  We offer several strategies of placing our club insignia on the gis ranging from screening to embroidery.

Customizations:  If you wish we could have your name embroidered on the lower lapel of your gi.  This is an extra charge and the gi is not refundable if this service is ordered.