Gi Review - Tatami Hokori (Tatami Fightwear)

Short Review: Comfortable, clean design and affordable, this is the entry level gi I recommend to my students. If you've liked previous editions of Tatami beginner gis, then this should appeal to you too. Available for around £60 on the Tatami website, you can also find them in the usual places like Amazon.

Full Review: Since I started my BJJ club, it's become increasingly difficult to make time for reviews. Hence why I do so few now, as they take me aaaaages. This is therefore likely to be the last gi review I do for the foreseeable future (though I can still get my students to review gis for me, which is what I've done a few times when people were especially keen to send me something). I'll finish on a high, as the Tatami Hokori is an excellent gi from an excellent company.

I have long recommended the Tatami Nova to my students, as it's a reliable entry level gi. Tatami gis tend to shrink a fair bit if you're not careful, but that's easy to avoid by sticking to 30 degree Celsius washes. The Nova has since been replaced by the Hokori as Tatami's entry level option, hence why I was interested in checking it out. If I'm going to keep recommending Tatami to my students, it makes sense to have a good understanding of their budget offering.

The gi originally arrived at my house in January 2018. Out of the box, the jacket had a wingspan (sleeve cuff to sleeve cuff) of 159cm, while the shoulder to hem measurement was 81cm. The trousers were 95cm long. After the first 30 degrees celsius wash, the wingspan shrunk to 153cm, while the shoulder to hem dropped only slightly to 80cm. The trousers became 92cm. A year's worth of washing later, almost all at 30 degrees (there were a few 40 degree celsius, mostly when I was dyeing it silly colours :D), my Hokori measurements now stand at wingspan 147cm, shoulder to hem 79cm and trousers 90cm.

In terms of feel, the Hokori is similar to the Nova and the Sub Zero. I no longer have a Nova, but by comparison to the SubZero (which I do still own), the weave is not quite as tight. It is also slightly heavier (1.3kg, compared to the SubZero's 1.2kg), which possibly is why it feels thicker and more difficult to fold into a tight package. Branding is restrained, no shoulder patches (one of the few bling elements I'm still not keen on, I've embraced just about everything else). This year I also pulled my SubZero out of retirement and gave it a new lick of dye, meaning the comparison is apt at the moment.

The reinforcements on the trousers are distinct from most other trousers I've seen previously. Rather than the standard rectangle, the extra material reinforcing the Tatami Hokori trousers has a diagonal cut at the top and bottom. It's an unusual design feature, demonstrating that Tatami are continuing to try and innovate rather than simply repackaging old gis under a new name.

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I can happily continue recommending Tatami Fightwear to my students, as this is another solid gi from the pre-eminent UK gi company. I like to come up with at least one disadvantage, but after over a year of wearing this regularly, I can't think of any. I suppose it isn't as light as my travel gis, but then that's not it's intended purpose. In terms of a regular training gi, for beginners on a budget this is tough to beat. Available for around £60 on the Tatami website, you can also find them in the usual places, like Amazon.

Gi Review - Tatami Sub Zero (Tatami Fightwear)

Short Review: Tatami Fightwear’s lightweight ‘Zero G’ range has a new addition, the Sub Zero Ultra Light Competition Gi. Although there are lighter options on the market, they largely rely on ripstop. For those who don't like ripstop (some question its durability) or are worried about getting past the gi checkers, the Sub Zero is a good choice when you’re struggling to stay under the weight limit at your next competition. The 350gsm pearl weave jacket and 8oz twill cotton trousers weigh in at 1.2kg, which is impressively light for a cotton gi that does not go the ripstop route. The bungee cord drawstring is too long for my taste and I could do without the logo on the upper back, but even by my standards this is a plain gi. If you liked the Nova, then this should be right up your street, with several improvements. Available for $110 (£75 in the UK) here (to buy direct from Tatami, go here).

Full Review: When it comes to super-light gis, I've yet to see anything that can match the Gorilla 'Hitman' and the Gimono. Hence why those two gis are what I take with me when travelling, such as my recent trip to California. However, they are both also made of unusual material, which will almost certainly cause you problems at the stricter competitions. This is a problem Tatami have sought to rectify with a recent addition to their Zero G range, dubbed the Sub Zero. While not as light as the two aforementioned gis, the Tatami Sub Zero manages an impressively low weight without plumping for either the ripstop or non-standard material option. You can get an idea of the fit from the photo on the right: I'm 5'7 and around 145lbs, wearing an A1 Tatami Sub Zero.

The jacket is 350gsm with limited bling, comparable to Tatami's Estilo Classic. The ornamentation on the Sub Zero is in almost exactly the same configuration, with a logo on the lower right leg, another on the sleeve and a third by the upper back. The ice blue border is a stylish touch, given the name of the gi. Unlike the Classic, the Sub Zero has embroidered text underneath the logos, which is not to my taste (I would prefer just the logo), but it's also relatively innocuous.

An atypical feature, or rather lack of feature, is the absence of any extra material shoring up the area by the armpit. Of my other gis, I can only remember seeing that repeated with the Gimono: presumably the purpose is to save weight. However, the usual triangles for reinforcement are in place above the side vents. A soft strip of fabric lines the inside of the cuffs on the sleeves and trouser legs, as well as the bottom of the inside jacket. According to the website the jacket vents are slightly longer than usual, although I did not notice a major difference in comparison to other gis I own. In terms of collars, the Sub Zero boasts one of the beefiest I've encountered so far.

In many ways, I was reminded of the Tatami Nova: the fabric felt similarly soft with that same bright sheen. The 8oz twill cotton trousers were especially familiar: I expect they are the same pants with a different logo, as the Nova uses the 8oz twill too. Again like the Nova, the Sub Zero has a bungee cord drawstring that dangles too far for my liking, but it's a minor irritation. A drawstring can always be cut or replaced (I've got a short guide on how to do that here: you just need a wire coat-hanger and a substitute drawstring).

The trousers are also reinforced in the typical manner, around the crotch and on the knees. The extra material reinforcing the knee would benefit from a slight increase in its length, in order to more generously cover the kneecap when your leg is bent, but it's sufficient. In terms of belt loops, there are only two: that's adequate for my purposes, though I know some people like to have lots of belt loops to evenly and securely hold the drawstring in place.

I found that gi shrinkage was fairly minimal. After two 30 degree celsius washes and air drying, the cuff to cuff wingspan dropped from 160cm to 153cm. The shoulder to the bottom of the jacket went from 79cm to 78cm, while trousers have reached a comfortable 93cm, having started at 96cm. Hung up in an unheated room directly after washing, the Sub Zero was completely dry after twenty-four hours.

The Tatami Sub Zero was my gi of choice at the GrappleThon in support of the charity RapeCrisis earlier this year. Though this has nothing to do with the quality of the gi, Tatami Fightwear have now supplied free t-shirts for that event two years running, without asking for anything in return. With ever more gi companies popping up with little to mark them out from the rest, I think it is worth mentioning that Tatami have proven they are willing to give back to the community.

An appealing finishing touch is that the Sub Zero comes with a snazzy black drawstring bag, emblazoned with the Sub Zero logo. This is something which has become increasingly standard with the Tatami Fightwear gi selection. Unlike the old blue bag I have from the original Zero G, this version goes over both your shoulders rather than just the one. The Sub Zero will set you back a reasonable $110 (£75 in the UK), available here (to buy direct from Tatami, go here).

Gi Review - Tatami Nova (Tatami Fightwear)

Short Review: Several BJJ companies now have budget gis available for the beginner. The Nova is Tatami Fightwear's contribution to that market and it's a good one. Lightweight, slim-cut and soft, the Tatami Nova is a strong contender. I'd still recommend a judogi as a first option due to the cheaper price, but as the Nova is £52.50, there isn't a huge difference in the strain on your wallet. Even the shoulder patches come off without leaving much of a trace, which is excellent news for plain-gi obsessives like me. It comes in either white or blue, available to buy from here for a little under $90 (or just over £50 in the UK, from the Tatami website).

Update Dec 2016: The equivalent Tatami gi now looks to be their Fundamental option, available here for £58.

Full Review: I often have beginners ask me what gi they should buy. My first recommendation is always a basic judogi, such as my £20 Blitz Kokuba (currently about £30), followed by two budget gis: the Black Eagle Basico and the Tatami Nova. However, up until now, I’ve always had to add the proviso that I haven’t personally tried the Nova. So, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to review Tatami Fightwear’s budget offering, as that means I can give a more informed opinion to those beginners in future.

The Nova currently retails at £52.50, making it roughly £10 cheaper than the Basico. Gi companies love giving their weaves new names: Tatami have dubbed the method used for the Nova a 'unique High Tech Weave'. Neologising aside, I like the softer feel of this weave. The 8oz cotton twill trousers also seemed less bulky than normal, but also more comfortable as a result, almost as if I was wearing ripstop. The Basico is possibly a little thicker and coarser, but there isn't much in it. Either way, the thinner construction is a point in the Nova’s favour. I have a preference for lighter gis: less damp in my house, reduced sweat when I'm training and more room in my travel bag. However, I can’t yet vouch for its durability. I’ll update the review a few months down the line if I notice any problems.

Update Dec 2012: I've been training in the Nova regularly for seven months now and have not noticed any significant wear and tear.

In keeping with other Tatami gis, the trousers are tied with a bungee cord rather than a flat drawstring. I'm still coming round to the idea of a bungee cord, but having used it for some time now with other gis, it's growing on me (though I still prefer the flat drawstring, like on the Basico). There are only two belt loops, which may bother some, though personally I'm not all that bothered by loop quantity as long as there are at least two. In terms of negatives, the bungee cord is excessively long, but you can always cut it to size.

With regards to reinforcement, all the usual places are triple-stitched, with double-reinforced knee padding on the trousers (or at least that's what it says on the website: as far as I can tell, that means an extra layer of fabric has been sewn into the trousers from just above the knee down to the lower shin).

The collar looks to be much the same thickness as the Basico. In common with many other lightweight gis, that collar is made of rubber rather than foam, which means that the website can tout its resistance to bacteria and quick-drying properties. I can't vouch for the former without being a microbiologist, but the latter is true. The Nova dried fast, taking about 12 hours to go from soaking wet to completely dry. That's while hanging off a clothes horse in a cold English kitchen, with a few hours in the sunshine the next morning.


At 425gsm, the weight is comparable to my Kingz Ripstop, though the Nova weave is smoother. I was surprised to see that my Padilla Ultra Light is apparently a bit thinner at 400gsm, according to the website, but the Nova nevertheless feels lighter (possibly also because the skirt on Padilla & Sons products tends to be longer). In fact, it feels so light that this is the third best travel gi I currently own, after my Gimono and Gorilla ripstop. The Nova has been perfect for the intro sessions I’ve been teaching at Aro Ling, as that involves about an hour of cycling.

When I first started BJJ, I always bought A2, but since then I’ve realised that I prefer a tighter gi. A1 has therefore been my size of choice for the last couple of years. Like the Basico and Predator, the Nova has a form-fitting cut, without lots of fabric left flapping around. Helpfully, Tatami have a swish gi size calculator on their site, which makes it easy to get the right size. Of course, I’ve only tested this for my own frame, but at least in my case it seems to be accurate.


Before washing, the Nova jacket was 160cm cuff to cuff. The trousers were slightly longer than I expected, at 97cm long: I had hoped they would be closer to 90cm, as my preference is for gi trousers to stop just above the ankle (probably higher than most people like). After one 30 degrees Celsius wash, the jacket shrank to 157cm cuff to cuff, while the trousers went down to 95cm. That's where it stayed after a second wash. Assuming it doesn’t shrink much more than that, the Nova A1 is a very good fit on my 5'7" and 145lbs/65kg frame.

Anybody who has read my gi reviews in the past will know I don’t like patches. The Tatami Nova is fairly clean, with no embroidery and nothing on the trousers except a small patch. The main bling is in the two shoulder patches, which are also sewn under the collar. There are two rows of stitching, so they are slightly tougher to remove than those on the old Zero G. Having said that, the stubborn sliver of patch which is normally left clinging on under the collar was much smaller than normal. I was able to remove the vast majority of that patch residue with a bit of fiddling.

For those who don’t share my strange obsession with eradicating gi ornamentation, in an effort to be objective, I would say the design of the patches is tasteful, the bold blue contrasting well with the white and black. Naturally that comes down to a matter of taste, but this will appeal to more minimalist gi buyers, rather than somebody who wants a head-turning piece of kit. For fashionistas, Tatami have numerous other offerings, with as many patches as you could want. ;)

The Nova also comes with a white belt, which isn't always the case with gis. Admittedly, it is a pretty thin belt, so lower quality than the white belt that comes with the Gorilla ripstop, but still better than the Gracie Barra belts (which are the flimsiest I've seen to date). Regardless, it is more than capable of holding your gi closed for a couple of years, which is all you need from a white belt. Bought on their own, the average belt can range from anywhere between £5 to £20 (top of the range belts, like Kataaro and Eosin, are of course much more). If you're a beginner buying your first gi, it is therefore worth factoring that into your price considerations.

This looks to be an excellent choice for a beginner. It is slightly more expensive than the judogi I would normally recommend, but only slightly. For that extra £20, you get a better fit, smoother fabric and lighter weight. It's also a potentially good option if you're looking for a travel gi, but can't afford a ripstop gi (I'm only aware of Grab & Pull who do that in the UK, which costs something between £70-80). It comes in either white or blue, available to buy from here for a little under $90 (or just over £50 in the UK, from the Tatami website).

Gi Review - Tatami Estilo Classic

[Thanks to BJJHQ for sending me the gi. If you've not heard of them yet, they offer a different BJJ product every day. That one product is sold at a reduced price, but it's only available for 24 hours.]

Short Review: This new offering from UK brand Tatami Fightwear is relatively plain, comfortable to wear and a good fit if you're slender with long arms (or at least longer than mine, as per the picture on the left). There is contrast stitching, along with white side vents, belt loops and drawstring.

Its £85 price tag is more than I would normally pay, but Tatami's construction is high quality with plenty of reinforcement. I found the tape at the back of the neck a bit scratchy, though I think I'm probably over-sensitive as I also find that with most t-shirts. Buy from Tatami and also keep an eye on BJJHQ. That will probably be the cheapest option, when it pops up on their site. Currently, you can only get the Estilo Classic in blue.

Full Review: I can remember several years ago when Tatami Fightwear had just started up: I think that would have been about 2008 or 2009. Since then, Tatami has managed significant growth, with a considerable range of gis on offer. Tatami sponsors lots of UK athletes, along with massive names like Terere and Robson Moura. They've also collaborated with BJJ bloggers, in particular Seymour from Meerkatsu, which resulted in the pin-up gi. I wasn't a fan of the pin-up design, but I was definitely a fan of Tatami's engagement with the local BJJ community. Today, they aren't just a UK company anymore, selling around Europe and also the US.

The Estilo range is among the 'premier' gis produced by Tatami Fightwear. Generally speaking, I find that the Tatami gi has too many patches and embroidery for my liking (which isn't saying much, as I find almost every gi has too many patches and embroidery). The Zero G, which I've reviewed previously, is a typical example: patches across both shoulders, on the back skirt and even down the sides of the trousers.

When BJJHQ asked me if I wanted to review a gi for them, I said I'd be happy to as long as it was plain. They suggested Tatami, so I expected that would probably mean the budget Tatami Nova gi: that's intended to be a simple, entry-level gi, retailing for £51 (which I have since reviewed, here). However, I was instead sent the Estilo Classic. Unlike the Nova, Tatami's Estilo range is closer to £90, generally with plenty of bling.

The Estilo Classic is a step away from that busy look, with almost no patches: there are just two small designs at the top of the trousers and the jacket lapel. In terms of embroidery, the Estilo logo appears on both arms and at the bottom of the trousers. 'Tatami Fightwear' is also embroidered across the back of the jacket. Finally, there is a branded strip of tape running down the inside of the jacket and the cuffs of the sleeves and trousers.

It is a well-made gi. I had a thorough look after I unwrapped the parcel, but struggled to find any loose threads. That was impressive, as almost every gi I've reviewed has at least a few, and speaks to the quality of Tatami's factory. As with other Tatami products, the Estilo Classic also comes in its own drawstring gi bag, which is a classy touch. According to the Tatami website, the jacket is made from a single piece of 500gsm pearl weave material, while the trousers are heavy 14oz canvas. It also apparently comes with the option to 'mix and match', which is a great feature, though I couldn't see a separate drop-down box for trouser size (but that might just be me being dim).

As regular readers will know, I'm somewhat extreme when it comes to gi plainness, so it won't surprise you to hear that the Estilo Classic was still a bit too bling for me. I would prefer just the Estilo logo on one arm and trouser leg, possibly the two small patches, but nothing else. However, they are all relatively understated, with the patches saying 'Tatami Fightwear', while a simple 'e' in a laurel wreath adorns the leg and arms.

I was pleased to see there wasn't any embroidery or patches on the shoulders, as that's something I especially dislike. Patches on the shoulders are difficult to remove, as they tend to be sewn under the collar. Then again, embroidery is much, much harder to remove, which is at least one advantage to patches. I'm not fond of the way the Estilo Classic has words across the upper back, but again, that is a personal niggle: I don't think embroidered text is a good look, but your taste may vary.

The Tatami Estilo Classic is currently only available in blue. I have never worn any gi other than white: hence why this gi was unlikely to ever get into my regular rotation, no matter how good it was. Obviously this isn't going to be a problem for most people. Also, it looks as if the shade of blue is IBJJF legal. I guess if I ever competed in an IBJJF event, it would be useful to have a blue gi. As far as I'm aware, Tatami are planning to offer other colours if the Estilo Classic proves popular.

You'll also notice there is plenty of white contrast stitching. The side vents on the jacket are white too, as are the two drawstring vents and the four belt loops on the trousers. As with the Zero G, the drawstring is a bungee rope cord rather than a flat cotton string. Drying time is fairly average, going from straight out of the washing machine to fully dry in about 40 hours. Not having washed a non-white gi before, I wasn't sure if the colour would run, but fortunately that wasn't an issue.

This is also the first time I've worn a gi with branded tape stitched along the inside. I was a little wary of that tape, as I know Seymour over at Meerkatsu has mentioned that this tape can be scratchy. My skin appears to be similarly sensitive, as I will generally cut off labels on the inside of t-shirts and the like. Otherwise that tickling sensation at the back of my neck swiftly starts to annoy me.

I found that the tape at the neck of the Estilo Classic was indeed slightly abrasive, but the tape did not cause discomfort anywhere else (I don't wear a t-shirt or rash guard under my gi, so the tape was in direct contact with my torso, neck, wrists and ankles). Also, I've still got the vestiges of sunburn on my back and neck, so the skin was probably even more sensitive than normal. Finally, people tell me that scratchiness diminishes over time: I didn't notice it during the open mat sparring on Sunday, so clearly it wasn't that much of a distraction.

In terms of shrinkage, I measured the trousers from top to bottom and the outside of the collar to the cuff. Before washing, the trousers were just over 99cm/39 inches. After the first 40 degree celsius wash, that went down to 98cm/38.5 inches. After a second wash, there was another drop to 96cm/37.5 inches. There is plenty of knee padding, another good touch, securely attached. The seams are also solid, given that they're triple-stitched, with loads of reinforcement in the crotch area as well.

The sleeve started out at 74cm/29 inches. After the first 40 degree celsius wash, it dropped to 72cm/28 and a bit inches, which is where it stayed after a second wash. Partly due to that lack of shrinkage, I found the sleeves were a bit long for me, as you can see in the picture at the top of this review. The sleeves are tapered, ranking third thinnest in my sleeve comparison. The jacket in general wasn't a bad fit, so looks like it would work well for somebody with a similarly slim build. The collar is made of rubber, but held its shape at 40 degrees. Still, I would recommend avoiding higher temperatures, as otherwise it is liable to warp.

If you like plain gis but still want a bit of style, then the Estilo Classic may be up your street. I think I'm unusual in my tastes, so the lack of patches and embroidery – by normal standards at least – should have wide appeal even among more conservative BJJers. Judging by my experience, there isn't a lot of shrinkage in the arms, so pick your size carefully.

The construction looks to be excellent quality, so I would expect that if you drop the £85 on this gi, it should last you a long time (though naturally I can't say that for certain without a longer test). Available to buy from Tatami and I suspect it will be up on BJJHQ.com at some point too: keep an eye on their site.

Gi Review - Tatami Zero G

The Zero G is one of several (relatively) inexpensive BJJ gis from the UK, currently coming in at £57. I saw a lot of other people wearing the Zero G at Gracie Barra Birmingham, whereas I’d previously been a lot more familiar with Black Eagle, apparently the beginner gi of choice at the Roger Gracie Academy (at least when I was there).

The Zero G is light, comfortable and not too expensive. I’ve been rolling in it for a few months now, and I’ve been happy with the gi so far. The material doesn’t feel too stiff, and it isn’t overly abrasive on the inside. You also get a blue drawstring bag included in the price, which is a nice touch: naturally that has ‘Zero G’ in big letters down the side.

There are three main drawbacks: first, the cut is rather square, and despite some shrinking, I still find that the A2 jacket is a bit baggy, with the sleeves also a bit long for my liking (I’m 5’7 and 65kg). Secondly, I’m not too sure about the rope drawstring, which feels looser and less secure than the flattened cotton strip I’m used to.

However, having paid close attention to it during sparring, it didn’t come loose, and unlike the flattened strip, I wasn’t retying it several times during the lesson. It also seems to be less prone to the problem I have with all my other gi trousers, where one side of the strip (normally the right) gradually ends up much longer than the other, requiring some tiresome pulling and pushing to try and equalise the two lengths.

The third problem is that the Zero G is doused in patches, making me feel like a walking billboard. It isn’t much of a problem though, as to remove the patches is a simple matter. You can either use a seam-ripper (I think that’s what they’re called), or like me you can just use nail-scissors. Digging underneath a part of the patch, cut a few strands, until you can pull up an edge. That then enables you to methodically chop your way through the rest of the threads, which are now clear to see: most likely you’ll be able to rip it free at points, but I’d assume that is more risky.

I don’t like to spend a lot of money when I’m buying a gi, so £57 is about as much as I’m willing to fork out. For me (and I babble about this more in an article from a while back), it is a functional piece of equipment, not a fashion statement. Hence why I’m most likely going to be sticking with basic, cheap judogi (like the one from Black Eagle) and budget gis for the foreseeable future.

Having said that, I am tempted by the super lightweight ripstop gis, as that would ideal for the US training trip I’ve been wanting to make for some time now. Something like the new Grab and Pull should pack up tight, weigh little and dry fast, none of which is true of my other gis. The Fushida Mantis might fit the bill too (there’s a review of their impressive customer services here), though that only has ripstop trousers, so I’m not sure how quick the jacket dries. Howard was wearing one at RGA Wycombe, so I’ll check with him.

Speaking of Meerkatsu, Seymour has already done a very comprehensive review of the Zero G, which you can check out here. He compares it against several other similarly priced British brands, so if like me you don’t like to empty out your wallet for a load of cotton, Seymour tells you everything you need to know about buying a gi (also be sure to check out his excellent article on the topic).

To finish, here's a promotional video Tatami did for the gi, with BJJ School instructor Eamonn (who I had a chance to train with last year):