Editor’s note: This is a repost of the blog Mapping my BJJ Journey by Matthew Corley. Thank you to Matthew for permission to repost. I hope this helps our lanky lean grapplers, not that they need any help. 🙂
At 6’4” and 195lb I have a real hard time finding kimonos that fit me correctly. If they’re the right size in the body, the arms and legs are 4 inches too short. When the arms are the right length the rest of the kimono fits like a moomoo. We’re in a sport with weight classes and one that tends to favor those with long limbs and lean athletic builds. So why is it so hard to find a quality gi that fits when you’re tall and lean?
This list is intended at a resource to help you find companies that made kimonos that will (hopefully) fit you better. The methods that I’ve used are straightforward. Using Aesopian’s gi survey as a starting point. I looked at each company website and their sizing charts to determine if they offer kimonos to accommodate those of us that a more lanky than the average person.
I am not including reviews for any gis (other than Aesopian’s excellent survey) at this time because I haven’t used the vast majority of the gis. I’ll be doing reviews for BJJ Legends and they will be included in subsequent posts so keep an eye out for them. I am only including brands that specifically include sizing for the tall and skinny guy. There are several brands that are cut to be more suitable for someone with a slim build but without actually trying a gi on I wouldn’t be able to give good information.
Brands With Long Sizes:
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- Origin
- Shoyoroll
- Redstar
- Pirahna Gear
- Fushida
- Zombie Kimonos
- Omega Maniac
- Gorilla Gear
- Ground Control
- CTRL Industries
- De Firma
- Inverted Gear
- Ronin Gi
- Lucky Gi
Please let me know if you are aware of any other gi companies that offer sizing options specifically for the taller and leaner athlete so that I can keep the list current.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Gi on display at Rodrigo Medeiros Academy in San Diego, CA.
Shaq’s Gi w Professor Alvaro Romano at Rodrigo Medeiros Academy in San Diego
Apparently he’s a size A4?!!
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