BJJ Gi Review: MKimono Hybrid

The late Helio Gracie rolling with his son Relson Gracie
in a beautiful MKimono

The very awesome Xande Ribiero doing his thing in the M

MKimono are the stuff of legends. They are one of the earliest kimono / BJJ gi brands and the beautiful Luciana Machado, the brains behind the brand, designed many of the original BJJ academy / team gis out there such as the original Gracie Barra..etc. so I feel honoured that they sent me this gi to review.

The best advert I've ever heard for MKimono gis is the ones Tim et al do at InsideBJJ Podcast:

Shoulder patch

If you want a real gi, buy MKimono. If you don't think BJJ is a fashion show, you need an MKimono!

Here's what the MKimono.com website says about the Hybrid gi:

Lapel patch

This is an enhancement on the legendary MKimonos Hybrid Weave kimono. MKimonos created the Hybrid weave in 2001 and it quickly became our most popular gi. It successfully combines the lightness of a Single weave and the durability of a Double weave into a Middleweight package. The weave pattern is reminiscent of traditional Single or Double weave fabric, but the weight is more in line with most of the Gold weaves on the market. We have made small enhancements on the original design that we are sure will continue to make this the one of the most sought after designs in the industry. The new design features a return to the classic M and straight JIU-JITSU logo. This is one of our most requested embroidery combinations. The top contains proprietary revisions to two reinforcement points while maintaining the traditional, clean MKimonos lines. The pants feature three enhancements to the reinforcements, new quadruple stitching on the cuffs and a new, corded drawstring.

Here's the Part Time Grappler's review:

The Hybrid by MKimono.com:

Disclosure and cost:
The lovely team at MKimono.com sent me this gi to review. MKimono.com sell the Hybrid gi for $180 which works out to around €136 or £117.

Gi Review:
The first thing that hits you with the Hybrid gi is the classy cut and the distinct lack of clutter. It's a blank (in my case, black) canvas). This is a very classy suit. It comes in black, white and blue.

The gi arrived in a see-thru plastic bag in under a week! In fact, I think by the time I finished reading the email saying they had sent it, there was a knock on the door! At least, that's how it felt. As usual, I weighed myself holding the gi then weighed myself without adn the difference told me that the MKimono hybrid gi weighs approximately 1.9 kg :)

I can't remember where I read this, but someone had posted a review that these gis shrink to size. Below are my pictures and measurements:

Drawstring and loopy loops

The gi I was sent is an A3 (keeping the shrinkage in mind as I'm 5'10'' (175cm) and weigh 183lb (83kg), measurements below:

Out of the bag

Wing Span : 170 cm (67 inch)
Wrist Cuff: 19 cm (7.5 inch)
Jacket Length: 85 cm (33.5 inch)
Jacket Width: 62 cm (24.5 inch)

Waist Width: 56 cm (22 inch)
Outside Leg Measurement: 98 cm (38 1/2 inch)
Inside LM: 74 cm (29 inch)
Ankle Cuff: 22 1/2 cm (9 inch)

The PTG Gi Map

After 3 washes at 40 degrees

Wing Span : 166 cm (65.5 inch)

Wrist Cuff: 18 cm (7 inch)

Jacket Length: 81cm (32 inch)

Jacket Width: 59cm (25 1/2 inch)

Waist Width: 55 cm (21.5 inch)

Outside Leg Measurement: 95 cm (37.5 inch)

Inside LM: 70 cm (27 1/2 inch)

Ankle Cuff: 22 1/2 cm (9 inch)

So some measurements shrunk a lot (jacket) while others not so much (pants)

Reinforced cuffs

I do think that further washing will bring a little more shrinkage, as would higher temperatures.

The general fit of the gi is a tad on the generous side, I will probably make this my training or maybe even seminar gi. It's beautiful but it might give an opponent too much to hold on to in the sleeves etc.


In short? Treat yourself to a great gi and feel like jiujitsu royalty. Keep the shrinkage in mind when ordering the gi and you will not be disappointed. A particular useful point from the Part Time Grappler perspective, their super fast delivery is a huge bonus.
--------------------------------------------------

ZHOO ZHITSU IS FOR EVERYONE!

Liam "The Part Time Grappler" Wandi

Proudly sponsored by Predator Fightwear: Built for the kill and Brutal TShirt: Made By Grapplers For Fighters