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Showing posts with label Atama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atama. Show all posts
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Buy Women's BJJ Gi as Separates
Read more BJJ gi reviews
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Atama Leticia Ribeiro Limited Edition Gi Review
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| Butterfly guard |
Atama features
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| Embroidery at upper left leg |
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| Embroidery at shoulder |
Read the full review
[1] I purchased my gi from the US-based website. At the time of writing the Leticia Ribeiro Limited Edition was on sale for $156/£99!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Introduction
My size for reference – 5’4”, 124-135 lbs depending on how I’m training.
I currently own six gis, though I only regularly train in four of them. I have two Atamas, a Keiko Raca, a Koral, a Gameness, and a Catfight Gear. Of my six gis, only the Atamas and the Catfight Gear gis are a women’s-specific model.
My first experience with Atama Kimonos was somewhat negative. I swore I would never order from them again. That was two years ago, however, and when I found out about their end-of-2008 sale, I couldn’t resist. They have improved their website considerably in the last two years, and both of the gis I ordered (one for my brother) came in under a week. The Kyra Gracie special edition Atama has been the (insert expensive, and maybe over-priced car here) of women’s gis (over $200!). I got the much less expensive white one.
My first experience with Atama Kimonos was somewhat negative. I swore I would never order from them again. That was two years ago, however, and when I found out about their end-of-2008 sale, I couldn’t resist. They have improved their website considerably in the last two years, and both of the gis I ordered (one for my brother) came in under a week. The Kyra Gracie special edition Atama has been the (insert expensive, and maybe over-priced car here) of women’s gis (over $200!). I got the much less expensive white one.
In general I’ve found that the differences between the regular gis and women’s gis are minute. If you can find one that’s not an awful color I suggest trying it out (see rant). And always remember, it will shrink!!!!
Sizing
I used to be a doubter when it came to choosing between a gi designed specifically for a woman versus getting a regular old generic gi. My biases were exasperated by the unavailability of women’s gis in anything but the color Pepto Abysmal.
My mind has been changed. Here is why:
I recently aquired a CatFight Gear A1 and an Atama women’s size F3 gi, so now I can give a valid assessment of the sizing differences.
Jacket
The biggest difference between the women’s gi (as seen on Sharon at right and on me down below in the CatFight Gear section) and most of the male gis I’ve tried, is the belly bulge area. I cannot say for certain if women’s gis of other brands are adjusted in the same manner, but in this instance, the gi has smaller shoulders and a tapered waist, thus removing the inevitable hang-over I have around my belt in this picture. Less excess fabric in awkward places means less for your opponent to grab, and lapels that “stay in” better. I wont guarantee you that no one will Bravo choke you ever again, but it’ll help!
The downside to this skinny cut is that it makes it a little more uncomfortable for extra blessed women. Some of my training buddies have a hard time with getting their women’s gis completely closed. I don’t have that problem.
Pants
Have you ever felt useless in your parachute-like jitsu pants? Regular gi pants have an extra mile of fabric between the legs (as if most guys actually need that anyway?! Yes, I just took a shot at your masculinity; get over it). This restricts movement impossibly, makes you look like you’re wearing a diaper, and adds extra weight that only increases your chances of having your pants fall off. Thank goodness for spandex shorts.
A few simple changes make women’s gi pants much closer to wearable. You can never completely get rid of the diaper effect, but at least now I don’t have to constantly pull them up, re-tie, adjust mid-roll, feel restricted at all… FEAR MY NEWLY FLEXIBLE GUARD GAME!! MWAHHAHAHAHA!!!
The difference between "single weave", "double weave", "gold weave", "competition weave" etc.
Single weaves are light, but less durable, and often the cheapest.
Double weaves are heavy and make you sweat more than you ever thought you could (this might be a good thing).
Gold weave is not only light, but also strong. You'll usually pay more for a gold weave, but I think it's worth it.
Competition weave gis vary alot depending on the brand. I was discussing this with my friend Heather Ryder, who says that she does not like her Koral competition weave gi precisely because it did not shrink. Even in the A1, she's swimming. Essentially, you pay much much more for a few more patches (which doesn't help if you're trying to score sponsors anyway).
Finally, a note for beginner/intermediate jiu jitsu fighters -- start out in a REALLY heavy gi! It will restrict your movement and teach you to focus heavily on technique, plus your endurance will sky rocket. When you finally get into that "summer weave" you'll feel liberated.
Comments migrated from the old site:
Georgette said...
Love this! I need to review my new set of gis which includes the Kyra Gracie in an A2... I'm tired of the boys' gis (in A1; haven't tried an A0 like Koral offers yet since I walk around at 128ish) because the front corners of the lapels always hang down sooooo low in front...
I do love the M4 (childrens') gi size from Keiko Raca...
January 27, 2009 5:24 PM
Rubino said...
Rubino said...
Hi Elyse, I just want to thank you and Georgette for doing this! It has helped out tremendously!. I'm 5'6" and 125-130lbs. The first gi i bought was a Judo Star gi (it was a man's gi and the jacket didn't fit at all). The pants weren't bad though, except that while the pant length is good, the corresponding waist size is too large.
Then i broke down and bought myself an Atama F3. While I love the F3, i have only ever washed it in cold and air dried it and it shrank in the arm and pant lengths, (especially in the pant length!) This is not so good because I'm already at the upper end of the F3 height bracket so now i'm wearing Atama gi long shorts rather than Atama gi pants :(
You mentioned in your review of the catfight gear that it didn't shrink? Is that still true now that you've had it/used it a while?
October 26, 2009 11:31 AM
Hi Elyse, I just want to thank you and Georgette for doing this! It has helped out tremendously!. I'm 5'6" and 125-130lbs. The first gi i bought was a Judo Star gi (it was a man's gi and the jacket didn't fit at all). The pants weren't bad though, except that while the pant length is good, the corresponding waist size is too large.
Then i broke down and bought myself an Atama F3. While I love the F3, i have only ever washed it in cold and air dried it and it shrank in the arm and pant lengths, (especially in the pant length!) This is not so good because I'm already at the upper end of the F3 height bracket so now i'm wearing Atama gi long shorts rather than Atama gi pants :(
You mentioned in your review of the catfight gear that it didn't shrink? Is that still true now that you've had it/used it a while?
October 26, 2009 11:31 AM
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Atama Summer Weight by Georgette Oden
Note: For Georgette's original post, please visit her amazing blog HERE.
FYI, I'm obviously female -- 5'2" 125ish lbs, 34-27-36.
Atama summer weight: bought for about $80 at GroundandPound.com too. I have an A1 and it's just 3 lbs.
I loved this gi during the summer; I was training at a school without A/C and it regularly reached 100-110 degrees inside, and even with industrial fans on, the humidity made it feel more like 120. This is very comfortable in the hottest weather, but I suspect people who grip fight with really strong opponents would be unhappy. It is made with the same sort of fabric a normal karate gi uses, maybe a bit thicker, but definitely not the thickness of a BJJ gi. However, the collar is just as thick and stiff, so it would be harder to grasp in competition. The pants fit fine; the drawstring is also self-fabric, but is narrower so it adjusts more easily. Unlike the other two, though, these pants feel better when tied at your actual waist instead of a little below it, because they have a longer rise. The downside to this gi is the sleeve length (I used to roll them up about 2-3"). I tried to shrink it more without success.
Grade: A for the heat of summer; B to B- for the rest of the year.
Atama #1 by Aparna Modi
Model: Women's #1
Size: F2
Color: White
For reference, I'm 110 lb. and 5'4".
The only gi I had trained in prior to buying this one was a $30 judo gi, and at the time (about four years ago) this was the only women's gi that I knew was available, and was not just a pink version of a men's gi.
The initial fit wasn't so bad; however, a single wash in cold water and air drying, the sleeve length and the pant length shrunk. The sleeve shrinkage wasn't too bad, but at this point, the pants are way too short, and too wide for the length. For my height, I have slightly longer legs (really, my torso is just super short), so that might contribute to the short-pants. The sleeve shortness isn't awful, and the jacket otherwise fits really well. The material is pretty strong-- it's been trained in for about a year or two, and its the only one I trained in, and nothing has torn/come apart. The only other complaint I would have about the jacket is the back seam --shrimping and general movement on your back can be a little painful with the thick seam rubbing along your spine.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
Monday, October 12, 2009
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
Wanted to share some research...I own the Atama Womens Kimono Model #1 White in F3 (5'3"-5'6" 115-145). I'm 5'4 120 and the length is short, just below my calf when standing (cold wash/hang dry same fit as out of the bag)and very roomy. I contacted Atama about finding some better fitting pants. Jason at Atama said that "A1 pants are about 3 inches longer than the F4 pants. So if you are
looking for more length go ahead with the A1." Hope this helps someone...oh and P.S. I love the jacket (Atama Womens Kimono Model #1 White in F3) it fits perfectly.
Wanted to share some research...I own the Atama Womens Kimono Model #1 White in F3 (5'3"-5'6" 115-145). I'm 5'4 120 and the length is short, just below my calf when standing (cold wash/hang dry same fit as out of the bag)and very roomy. I contacted Atama about finding some better fitting pants. Jason at Atama said that "A1 pants are about 3 inches longer than the F4 pants. So if you are
looking for more length go ahead with the A1." Hope this helps someone...oh and P.S. I love the jacket (Atama Womens Kimono Model #1 White in F3) it fits perfectly.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
susan said...
susan said...
Any advice out there for the tall skinny grappler? I'm 5'11" and 140. No, really, it's true. Obviously pants length is an issue, but so is width of the whole gi. Thanks!
October 4, 2009 8:27 AM
susan said...
I could use some advice on gis. I'm 6 ft tall and 140 lbs. No, really. So gi fit is an issue. Anyone?
October 4, 2009 8:42 AM
Elyse said...
Hey Susan,
Hop on over to www.vjjbjj.com and send Jessy a message. She is TALL and SKINNY, and will probably be very helpful to talk to :).
-E
October 5, 2009 6:11 PM
Anonymous said...
Susan, I have just ordered Atama mundial model size F4. I´m 5'11'' and 154 lbs. I will post here how it fits for me. I´m a bit worried about the length... -saija-
October 8, 2009 9:43 AM
Any advice out there for the tall skinny grappler? I'm 5'11" and 140. No, really, it's true. Obviously pants length is an issue, but so is width of the whole gi. Thanks!
October 4, 2009 8:27 AM
susan said...
I could use some advice on gis. I'm 6 ft tall and 140 lbs. No, really. So gi fit is an issue. Anyone?
October 4, 2009 8:42 AM
Elyse said...
Hey Susan,
Hop on over to www.vjjbjj.com and send Jessy a message. She is TALL and SKINNY, and will probably be very helpful to talk to :).
-E
October 5, 2009 6:11 PM
Susan, I have just ordered Atama mundial model size F4. I´m 5'11'' and 154 lbs. I will post here how it fits for me. I´m a bit worried about the length... -saija-
October 8, 2009 9:43 AM
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Moodi Blues said...
Moodi Blues said...
Figured I would leave my two cents.
I got the Atama women's gi in white a few years ago, and the A2 fits me pretty well (110 lb. and 5"4'), except that it's short in the pants and the sleeves. It's the only one I have, so I can't really compare it to anything (I started off in a $30 judo gi, before I was positive I would stick with BJJ). Now that I'm training again after a 3-year break, I'm thinking of getting another one. Any suggestions?
Elyse said...
Dear Aparna -
If you like the fit of your Atama jacket, then I would suggest mixing and matching it with a pair of Keiko Raca pants, which run very skinny. My A1 Keiko pants sound like they would fit you perfectly (they're too tight on my 130 lbs body, but they're the right length for my 5'4").
Thanks! Do you have any suggestions for other gis that fit well on top? I do like my atama, but I sometimes feel like a dope with my forearms hanging out the sleeves.
P.S. I know this is random, but if the Mike Harmon you're talking about is from Boston, then I know him...I used to train with him at NYU!
Elyse said...
Catfight Gear kimonos fit girly like the Atama ones, but the sleeves don't shrink in length ;) Try that.
Also, yes, Mike's from Boston and he taught the NYU club.... you're the fourth person this month that's made the connection.
Figured I would leave my two cents.
I got the Atama women's gi in white a few years ago, and the A2 fits me pretty well (110 lb. and 5"4'), except that it's short in the pants and the sleeves. It's the only one I have, so I can't really compare it to anything (I started off in a $30 judo gi, before I was positive I would stick with BJJ). Now that I'm training again after a 3-year break, I'm thinking of getting another one. Any suggestions?
Elyse said...
Dear Aparna -
If you like the fit of your Atama jacket, then I would suggest mixing and matching it with a pair of Keiko Raca pants, which run very skinny. My A1 Keiko pants sound like they would fit you perfectly (they're too tight on my 130 lbs body, but they're the right length for my 5'4").
Thanks! Do you have any suggestions for other gis that fit well on top? I do like my atama, but I sometimes feel like a dope with my forearms hanging out the sleeves.
P.S. I know this is random, but if the Mike Harmon you're talking about is from Boston, then I know him...I used to train with him at NYU!
Elyse said...
Catfight Gear kimonos fit girly like the Atama ones, but the sleeves don't shrink in length ;) Try that.
Also, yes, Mike's from Boston and he taught the NYU club.... you're the fourth person this month that's made the connection.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Georgette said...
Georgette said...
Some new thoughts:
1. Tailoring! Two guys at my school are short but stocky and they swear it's the way to go, though you will end up paying about $50 (in our area, central Texas) to have the gi top taken in around the waist, sleeves shortened, and pants shortened.
2. For me (5'2" and now walking around at about 135, grr) I'm loving the Lucky gi (Lovato signature version) top in an A1, but the pants are a little tight in the booty.
3. My GTMA pink and purple gis have stretched a bit and now fit perfectly. Also, got a green Hsu gi from badgerlandjiujitsu.com and a 3 (different sizing) fits perfectly too...
4. I have a Kyra Gracie magenta thing in F2; it's barely legal by IBJJF sizing standards (though not in color) so it's great for competition... extremely hard to get a grip on pants or sleeves, and nice slim fit to the top. My Atama female-fit F3 in white also fits well but is a touch looser while not being baggy in any way.
Some new thoughts:
1. Tailoring! Two guys at my school are short but stocky and they swear it's the way to go, though you will end up paying about $50 (in our area, central Texas) to have the gi top taken in around the waist, sleeves shortened, and pants shortened.
2. For me (5'2" and now walking around at about 135, grr) I'm loving the Lucky gi (Lovato signature version) top in an A1, but the pants are a little tight in the booty.
3. My GTMA pink and purple gis have stretched a bit and now fit perfectly. Also, got a green Hsu gi from badgerlandjiujitsu.com and a 3 (different sizing) fits perfectly too...
4. I have a Kyra Gracie magenta thing in F2; it's barely legal by IBJJF sizing standards (though not in color) so it's great for competition... extremely hard to get a grip on pants or sleeves, and nice slim fit to the top. My Atama female-fit F3 in white also fits well but is a touch looser while not being baggy in any way.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
leslie said...
leslie said...
Hey Elyse,
I'm 5'2", ~125 lbs. I have a Koral A0 (MKM Competition blue) and an Atama F2 (white). Both of these gis fit me fabulously. I'm not swimming in fabric, especially width-wise, as you mentioned.
I haven't figured out what exactly it is, yet -- maybe the "women's specific" styling -- but I adore the Atama.
The Koral saw a teensy bit of the dryer when I first got it so that it would be dry for class. Both gis get washed cold and line dryed now.
I did notice on the sizing charts for both Koral and Atama that I have a better fit from the height chart than from the weight chart. (In the weight charts for both, I'd be up a size, which would be too big.) I don't know if anyone else has noticed any such trend when sizing gis to buy, but I know that was one thing that frustrates when I'm looking for gis.
Hey Elyse,
I'm 5'2", ~125 lbs. I have a Koral A0 (MKM Competition blue) and an Atama F2 (white). Both of these gis fit me fabulously. I'm not swimming in fabric, especially width-wise, as you mentioned.
I haven't figured out what exactly it is, yet -- maybe the "women's specific" styling -- but I adore the Atama.
The Koral saw a teensy bit of the dryer when I first got it so that it would be dry for class. Both gis get washed cold and line dryed now.
I did notice on the sizing charts for both Koral and Atama that I have a better fit from the height chart than from the weight chart. (In the weight charts for both, I'd be up a size, which would be too big.) I don't know if anyone else has noticed any such trend when sizing gis to buy, but I know that was one thing that frustrates when I'm looking for gis.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Underdog said...
I am madly in love with my atama mundial 08, A1 gi. Its freaking awesome, plus its got some badass patches on it. ~underdog~
April 5, 2009 5:22 AM
Monday, October 13, 2008
Georgette said...
Georgette said...
I'm 5'2" and vary between 120-130.
Gameness Pearl A1: thick, sturdy, a little big and a little rough. The pants are too long for my tastes, very little shrinkage in the dryer.
Keiko Raca kids' gi (white with pink) M4: My absolute favorite, light and flexible, perfect fit, and instead of a fabric cord, it's rope which slides easily.
Atama summerweight A1: perfect for 100+ degree days in an un-air conditioned academy. Very comfortable, but the sleeves are too long and I have to roll them up.
Badgerland Jiu Jitsu sells some gis in pink and lavender from Pakistan-- in sizes for kids up through adults-- and I like my pink one. Extremely thick compared to my other gis. The top is a little small around the waist but the pants are perfect.
October 13, 2008 12:04 PM
I'm 5'2" and vary between 120-130.
Gameness Pearl A1: thick, sturdy, a little big and a little rough. The pants are too long for my tastes, very little shrinkage in the dryer.
Keiko Raca kids' gi (white with pink) M4: My absolute favorite, light and flexible, perfect fit, and instead of a fabric cord, it's rope which slides easily.
Atama summerweight A1: perfect for 100+ degree days in an un-air conditioned academy. Very comfortable, but the sleeves are too long and I have to roll them up.
Badgerland Jiu Jitsu sells some gis in pink and lavender from Pakistan-- in sizes for kids up through adults-- and I like my pink one. Extremely thick compared to my other gis. The top is a little small around the waist but the pants are perfect.
October 13, 2008 12:04 PM
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Comments form Fightergirl.com
Here are some comments I received on the fightergirl.com forums! I hope they help :).
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judoka (Hamilton, Ontario) on Fri Apr 18, 2008 writes: Toraki. They have amazing gi's lots of different options as far as quality. and there customer services is awesome.
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Pankration_MuayThai (Vancouver, BC) on Fri Apr 18, 2008 writes:
I have the atama pink gi, and the atama white & pink gi and love both of them.
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irishspirit (Washington D.C.) on Sun Apr 20, 2008 writes:
I have a men's Atama (free with the sign up from my first day), a Gameness, a women's blue Atama, the White/Pink War gi, a Vulkan, and a Lucky gi.
The Lucky Gi is by FAR my favorite! I love the way it fits, the knee pads are nice and I think it looks sweet! (the pants shrink up a little high though, since I'm super short mine are still okay, but just be aware of it)
The women's Atamas shrink a little strange (even if you're careful) and I saw a few people not allowed to fight at Mundials and Pan Ams in that gi last year because it was too small in some places, but depends on your body style I guess.
My war gi pants never stay tied (the string is really thick, same with the Gameness). But it's nice because the collar is really stiff which makes it a little more difficult for your opponent to secure a grip.
The Vulkan summer weave is nice because it's super light (I bought it to make sure I'd make weight at Pan Ams). I feel like I'm weightless when I wear it to train, lol! Downside is it's super easy to grip.
I think the new OTM Medieval gis are really awesome (that's my next purchase) and they are supposed to be light like a Koral - which are almost as light as a Vulkan summer weave.
Hope this helps!
--------------------------------
Thanks Everyone for your responses!
Elyse
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judoka (Hamilton, Ontario) on Fri Apr 18, 2008 writes: Toraki. They have amazing gi's lots of different options as far as quality. and there customer services is awesome.
----------------------------------
Pankration_MuayThai (Vancouver, BC) on Fri Apr 18, 2008 writes:
I have the atama pink gi, and the atama white & pink gi and love both of them.
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irishspirit (Washington D.C.) on Sun Apr 20, 2008 writes:
I have a men's Atama (free with the sign up from my first day), a Gameness, a women's blue Atama, the White/Pink War gi, a Vulkan, and a Lucky gi.
The Lucky Gi is by FAR my favorite! I love the way it fits, the knee pads are nice and I think it looks sweet! (the pants shrink up a little high though, since I'm super short mine are still okay, but just be aware of it)
The women's Atamas shrink a little strange (even if you're careful) and I saw a few people not allowed to fight at Mundials and Pan Ams in that gi last year because it was too small in some places, but depends on your body style I guess.
My war gi pants never stay tied (the string is really thick, same with the Gameness). But it's nice because the collar is really stiff which makes it a little more difficult for your opponent to secure a grip.
The Vulkan summer weave is nice because it's super light (I bought it to make sure I'd make weight at Pan Ams). I feel like I'm weightless when I wear it to train, lol! Downside is it's super easy to grip.
I think the new OTM Medieval gis are really awesome (that's my next purchase) and they are supposed to be light like a Koral - which are almost as light as a Vulkan summer weave.
Hope this helps!
--------------------------------
Thanks Everyone for your responses!
Elyse
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