Showing posts with label Keiko Raca. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Keiko Raca. Show all posts
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Favorite Gi now retired
Monday, October 26, 2009
Keiko Raca
Elyse's Keiko Raca
I love my Keiko Raca Gi. It is a "limited series" double weave gi in size A1. Don't be fooled by the "double weave" title. It's actually very light, breathable, and the fabric flows, meaning, it's not stiff as a board, even after you wash it. This is my IBJJF competition gi.
The jacket flaps are cut nice and long, like the Koral so that they wrap around completely, but unlike the Koral, my Keiko is also nicely fitted on top. The sleeves are more narrow, and the fabric is softer. The only downside here is that the collar is not as stiff so it's more difficult to defend chokes.
A word of warning here, many people find that Keiko Raca pants run very small -- this is TRUE. They are SKINNY! But if you can get over looking like somewhat of a hipster, than it's worth it because skinny pants mean that it's harder for your opponent to grab at your ankles and knees! Skinny pants are great for women. Here you can see me and my super skinny pants (A1) with my friend Bethany McKee at the 2007 Mundials.
Still, the A1 pants are even too tight for me. Although they stretch slightly, they don't have the same airy freedom as my Korals. [Edit: after another year of use, the Keiko A1 pants are now stretched enough that they fit me wonderfully after one use (wash-use-compete).] I was lucky enough, however, that a very good friend of mine, Michael Harmon, had an extra pair of Keiko A2 pants (which were much too small for him). They have plenty of room in the crotch for movement, but are still narrow around the knees and ankles. Compared to the women's-specific pants of the CatFight Gear gi, however, they are too baggy and somewhat restrict movement. Unfortunately, you cannot buy the pants separately, but I think if you email the manufacturer, they will likely be accommodating.
Pros: Super light and soft, jacket flaps close hip-to-hip, love the black trim, looks great with my BJJU patch on the back, IBJJF regulation compatible
Cons: Pants maybe too skinny (chose size up), collar not as stiff
I love my Keiko Raca Gi. It is a "limited series" double weave gi in size A1. Don't be fooled by the "double weave" title. It's actually very light, breathable, and the fabric flows, meaning, it's not stiff as a board, even after you wash it. This is my IBJJF competition gi.
The jacket flaps are cut nice and long, like the Koral so that they wrap around completely, but unlike the Koral, my Keiko is also nicely fitted on top. The sleeves are more narrow, and the fabric is softer. The only downside here is that the collar is not as stiff so it's more difficult to defend chokes.
A word of warning here, many people find that Keiko Raca pants run very small -- this is TRUE. They are SKINNY! But if you can get over looking like somewhat of a hipster, than it's worth it because skinny pants mean that it's harder for your opponent to grab at your ankles and knees! Skinny pants are great for women. Here you can see me and my super skinny pants (A1) with my friend Bethany McKee at the 2007 Mundials.Still, the A1 pants are even too tight for me. Although they stretch slightly, they don't have the same airy freedom as my Korals. [Edit: after another year of use, the Keiko A1 pants are now stretched enough that they fit me wonderfully after one use (wash-use-compete).] I was lucky enough, however, that a very good friend of mine, Michael Harmon, had an extra pair of Keiko A2 pants (which were much too small for him). They have plenty of room in the crotch for movement, but are still narrow around the knees and ankles. Compared to the women's-specific pants of the CatFight Gear gi, however, they are too baggy and somewhat restrict movement. Unfortunately, you cannot buy the pants separately, but I think if you email the manufacturer, they will likely be accommodating.
Pros: Super light and soft, jacket flaps close hip-to-hip, love the black trim, looks great with my BJJU patch on the back, IBJJF regulation compatible
Cons: Pants maybe too skinny (chose size up), collar not as stiff
Overall Fit: great
Color: white, blue, black, red, dark blue
Patches: minimal, classy
Stitching: excellent
Fabric: soft
Pants: skinny, did not shrink length-wise (not too short); Drawstring: rope style, holding up well so-far
Jacket: good fit, sharp-angled lapels, tends to come undone easier than my others which can get a bit annoying
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Keiko Raca Childrens' Gi 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.
A note on my method: I probably should have measured each before washing and wearing them, but I didn't. I do have a good idea of how much shrinkage occurred. I have rolled in these gis for about 3 months, usually at least 3-4x a week and sometimes as much as 6-7x a week. I always wash my gi the same day I wear it. I usually machine dry them a little with a Downy dryer sheet because I love the smell; then I air dry the rest of the way. I weighed each minus the belt on my bathroom scale, so I don't have ounces, just pounds.
Keiko Raca childrens' gi: Purchased here at Budovideos.com for $130 plus shipping. I have a size M4 and it weighs just barely under 4lbs.
This is probably my favorite gi. It's very soft and fluid-feeling, comfortable in hot weather, smooth and light. The kimono fabric is almost silky to the touch. The collar is firm and surprisingly hard to get a grip on. The pants are extremely comfortable with a typical rope belt that is easy to adjust, and there are two loops, widely spaced, in the front. The pants fit well on me, with enough room for my "junk in the trunk" but without too much extra fabric at the knees and ankles. There were some loose threads but in general the stitching is tight and professional. I like the "hint" of pink it offers, and it's a nice light color, not magenta or Pepto-Bismol. The pink trim is sewn on well too. Keiko gis have a plasticky feeling to the name patches, but unlike cheap rashguards, the words haven't been flaking, peeling or otherwise damaged. My only complaint is that it shrunk a bit, so the pants are a touch on the short side, but the kimono fits perfectly. Also if I had my 'druthers, it would be available with other trim colors too (light blue? kelly green?).
Grade: A-
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Amanda said...
Amanda said...
I'm 5'7" and anywhere between 138-144 lbs. I have wear 3 kimonos right now.
First was the Gameness A1 Single Weave (it's like $75 at Budovideos). It fit really well when I first got it but with hang drying, the sleeves and the pants have become short on me. They would never pass for competition but I like it for training. It's really comfortable but the collar is very easy to grab. The pants have 2 loop holes and each drawstrings has kind of busted out on the side. It's hard to explain but it doesn't seem to affect the performance at all.
My second gi is a blue A1 Gameness Pearl. Unlike my single weave Gameness, I haven't noticed any shrinking at all. The sleeves and pants are still are great lengths for competition. This gi feels heavier than my other Gameness but it is still very comfortable.
My final gi right now is a red A1 Keiko Raca Limited Edition 2009. The pants fit perfectly for me since day one but the jacket was big. I've attempted to shrink it about 3 times now with some success. The shrinkage is very minimal each time (could be good or bad!). As of now, the sleeves are a good length but I feel like the width of the jacket itself is still big. It's definitely manageable though. The jacket closes perfectly on top of each side.
I just pre-ordered a White Ripstock Shoyoroll gi in A1. I should receive that in Dec 2009 or Jan 2010. I'll be sure to let everyone know how I like the fit.
I'm 5'7" and anywhere between 138-144 lbs. I have wear 3 kimonos right now.
First was the Gameness A1 Single Weave (it's like $75 at Budovideos). It fit really well when I first got it but with hang drying, the sleeves and the pants have become short on me. They would never pass for competition but I like it for training. It's really comfortable but the collar is very easy to grab. The pants have 2 loop holes and each drawstrings has kind of busted out on the side. It's hard to explain but it doesn't seem to affect the performance at all.
My second gi is a blue A1 Gameness Pearl. Unlike my single weave Gameness, I haven't noticed any shrinking at all. The sleeves and pants are still are great lengths for competition. This gi feels heavier than my other Gameness but it is still very comfortable.
My final gi right now is a red A1 Keiko Raca Limited Edition 2009. The pants fit perfectly for me since day one but the jacket was big. I've attempted to shrink it about 3 times now with some success. The shrinkage is very minimal each time (could be good or bad!). As of now, the sleeves are a good length but I feel like the width of the jacket itself is still big. It's definitely manageable though. The jacket closes perfectly on top of each side.
I just pre-ordered a White Ripstock Shoyoroll gi in A1. I should receive that in Dec 2009 or Jan 2010. I'll be sure to let everyone know how I like the fit.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
Hey! I saw that you are now a catfight grrrl. I am most likely going to buy the green gi they sell. I instantly fell in love with the green gi you have. Anyway I was wondering how it has held up in rolling.
[From Elyse: Hi Anonymous! I haven't forgotten about you. My Catfight Gear gi has held up quite well so far. I've only had it for a few months and I rotate it with all my other gis, so I'll certainly re-visit this question in 2010 and let you know how things are going ;). One of the benefits of owning many gis is that none of them get worn in too much... then again, one of the downsides of owning many gis is that none of them get worn in too much. I can't deny that the fraying lapels on my 3-year-old Keiko Raca make me happy.]
Hey! I saw that you are now a catfight grrrl. I am most likely going to buy the green gi they sell. I instantly fell in love with the green gi you have. Anyway I was wondering how it has held up in rolling.
[From Elyse: Hi Anonymous! I haven't forgotten about you. My Catfight Gear gi has held up quite well so far. I've only had it for a few months and I rotate it with all my other gis, so I'll certainly re-visit this question in 2010 and let you know how things are going ;). One of the benefits of owning many gis is that none of them get worn in too much... then again, one of the downsides of owning many gis is that none of them get worn in too much. I can't deny that the fraying lapels on my 3-year-old Keiko Raca make me happy.]
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.
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
Monday, May 12, 2008
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
I would like to share my thoughts...
I'm 5'9'' and have around 175 lbs.
I have two adidas gis:
1. Adidas judo contest 180cm - I feel very comfortable in this gi. Pants are roomy and long enough, and the jacket is great. The cut isn't the nicest, but I wore it and washed it in hot water (90°C) constatly for 2 years and I still wear it ;-)
2. Adidas jiu-jitsu contest 180cm - This gi has nicely cut pants, but in my opinion they are a bit short. The jacket is quite big and roomy. I have it only for several months now, but I believe it's great quality.
I've also tried Keiko gis - both male and female versions - and I simply couldn't find the right size for me. I fit in A1 jacket, but A1 pants are too short and too tight. A2 pants are the right size for me, but A2 jacket is way too big...
The bigest female size - M4: jacket is ok size, but the pants were too small to even try them. And I'm bigger in waitst-up area ;-)
May 12, 2008 5:58 AM
I would like to share my thoughts...
I'm 5'9'' and have around 175 lbs.
I have two adidas gis:
1. Adidas judo contest 180cm - I feel very comfortable in this gi. Pants are roomy and long enough, and the jacket is great. The cut isn't the nicest, but I wore it and washed it in hot water (90°C) constatly for 2 years and I still wear it ;-)
2. Adidas jiu-jitsu contest 180cm - This gi has nicely cut pants, but in my opinion they are a bit short. The jacket is quite big and roomy. I have it only for several months now, but I believe it's great quality.
I've also tried Keiko gis - both male and female versions - and I simply couldn't find the right size for me. I fit in A1 jacket, but A1 pants are too short and too tight. A2 pants are the right size for me, but A2 jacket is way too big...
The bigest female size - M4: jacket is ok size, but the pants were too small to even try them. And I'm bigger in waitst-up area ;-)
May 12, 2008 5:58 AM
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