Objects of Judo Desire

We don't have much in the way of gear for Judo. Basically the only gear you need is your Gi, and even that only comes in one style and two colors (Royal Blue and White). Sounds limiting, except that there are 25-40 manufacturers of Judo Gi and they range in price from $40 up to $300. Of coursethere are lots of variations in Quality, thickness, and durability that go into these models.

My current Gi wardrobe consists of 2 gis, one is what would be called a middle-of-the-line Gi. It retails for around $100 (although I got mine for less from the manufacturer). The other is my first Judo gi, a 'Student Special' that I have for ten years, with about 4 years of use on it, and it is just starting to fray.

Ultimately, I want to get a higher-end gi, but right now there is no cost-justification for it, as I only practice 2x a week, and I don't really compete. The gi that I want (Toraki Gold, first blue and then white) cost about $150. (closer to $200 when you factor in taxes and shipping) - a pretty penny. There are only two situations that I see myself getting one - a)Price comes down to below $100 (clearance maybe?) or b)My wife is nice to me and lets me buy it as a present (not gonna happen until I hit 35 or black belt).

I guess I can still desire though?

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The Road to Nidan

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