OSS Kid’s Prototype Gi Pre-Wash Review

If you haven’t read Meerkatsu‘s interview with OSS Clothing, the “About Us” blurb on their site goes like so:

Welcome to OSS Clothing, a premier apparel company born on the island of Oahu and spreading across the pacific. We believe that it’s the journey, not the destination that defines us and makes us who we are.
The name OSS is short for Oshi Shinobu. The first character “Oshi” means “to push,” and the second character “Shinobu” means “to endure.” Together they symbolize the importance of pushing, striving and persevering. To push yourself to your limit, when your body quits but your mind keeps pushing, when your mind is exhausted, but your spirit keeps you going, you endure the pain, you persevere, that is OSS!
OSS is a lifestyle brand designed by the people and powered by heart. We draw our inspiration from the indomitable spirit, we may lose the battle but we shall never be defeated! OSS!

When I saw OSS Clothing post the photo below on Facebook, I knew I needed to have that gi right away. Unfortunately for OSS, but fortunately for me, they had ordered adult gis but were shipped children’s gis in error. I immediately jumped on the opportunity to buy one of the unwanted gis and was able to work out a deal for one of their prototypes. The person I spoke to about the gi was Eric Goo; he was so nice he even sent me a photo of his 4’11 inch tall daughter to show me the sizing of the gi.

I own this. FYI.

There’s a great thread on Sherdog about the testing of the OSS gi so check it out when you have a few minutes.

The jacket features:

550 gram pearl weave one-piece jacket (no back seam)
Rubberized collar
Contrast grey stitching
Reinforcement along the inner chest seam
Contrast grey cotton reinforcement at the skirt splits.
Tailored cuffs reinforced with cotton taping
Embroidered kanji “to push” and “to endure” on each sleeve
“OSS” embroidered at the back collar
“Persevere” embroidered in silver on the front jacket skirt

The pants feature:

8 oz cotton twill
Tailored fit
Reinforced, 550 gram pearl weave gusset
Padded knees with 6 rows of vertical reinforcement stitching
Tailored cuffs reinforced with cotton taping
Embroidered kanji at the right hip
Embroidered “O” with kanji at the back left calf
8 drawstring loops
Corded drawstring

This gi has a very modern, yet traditional feel. It’s very, very cool.

The measurements of the gi (pre-wash) in inches are:

Gi Size	K4
Sleeve Length	59
Jacket Height	25.5
Jacket Width	21.75
Jacket Overlap	12.5
Wrist Cuff	5.5
Armpit	9
Pant Waist	17
Pant Length	32
Ankle Cuff	7
Crotch Depth	8.5
Crotch Width	9.5
Gusset width	12.5

My measurements are:

Height	5’0
Weight	105
Chest	33
Waist	28
Hips	33
Thigh circumference	17.5
Calf circumference	12.5
Inseam	26
Hip to ankle	31
Bicep circumference	10
Forearm circumference	8.5
Shoulder to wrist	19
Arms front wrist-to-wrist	57
Arms side to side wrist-to-wrist	49

I’ve used the Fushida Sports Corp measuring guide model for these measurements. Here is OSS’s posted size chart:

Please see the video below for a complete, pre-wash review. I will be following up with an additional review once I have been able to roll in the gi and measure any shrinkage. I am also wearing the Jaco Hybrid Performance Training Top and Tatami vale tudo shorts; the shorts are the most comfortable shorts I’ve ever trained in and are on sale right now (May 16, 2012) at Tatami Fightwear.com for $7. Reviews of both coming soon! Following the video is a series of photos of the gi’s features.

Check back soon for a post-wash, post-roll review plus new measurements and contact OSS Clothing to purchase one of these sick gis for yourself!