- Description
- Review
Handogi - The Ultimate Old-Style Training Gi
Description:
The original Handogi training uniform, inspired by traditional Okinawan karate with a modern twist. Designed for serious martial artists who train hard—especially in hot conditions. This set includes the signature short-sleeve jacket and mid-length training shorts. Durable, breathable, and built for movement.
Jacket
- Sleeves extend just past the elbows for comfort & ease of movement
- Thick, durable collar designed for gripping
- Wider fit for better mobility and comfort
- Extra lining behind the neck and shoulders for reduced friction
- Thick cuffs for added durability and grip
Shorts
- Cut just below the knee for freedom of movement and ventilation.
- Side Slit Design for ability to kick easily
- Traditional cord for comfort and a secure fit
Material & Fit
- 100% breathable cotton—lightweight, durable, and comfortable
- Wider fit for unrestricted movement and modern styling
Built for training - not for sport.
Customer Reviews
Living in a tropical area where dojo temperatures are routinely in the high 30s (95+ f) and humidity is 95% for 4 months of the year, I have routinely had my keiko-gi shortened, or rolled up for training. I've also had a stash of cheap 8oz gis for home training. When I heard rumours about the handogi, I was cautiously optimistic.
The Handogi gi is noticeably lighter than what I’m used to wearing at the dojo (I'm guessing 10oz), but it still feels strong and well constructed. While I haven’t yet tested it in a heavy grappling context, my confidence in its durability is high based on overall fit and finish.
The cut is excellent. The pants allow full freedom of movement through deep stances, and the jacket is well balanced and unobtrusive. Kata, kihon, and kobudo all feel completely unrestricted.
Where this gi really stands out is comfort in extreme conditions. The lighter weight combined with shorter sleeves and pants made training in the humidity far more manageable.
For North Queensland, where summer training can be brutal from November to March, this is a game changer.
For those who are interested in such things, there is a trade-off in terms of “snap” due to the lighter fabric and shorter cut, but this is clearly a keiko-gi built for daily training rather than performance or demonstration.
Early impressions are very positive, and I can see this becoming my staple training gi for the long term.
