12oz Black Canvas Gi

Description

If you’ve been training for a while, you know the difference a heavier gi makes. The 12oz black canvas gi sits in that sweet spot — substantial enough to hold its shape and deliver that satisfying snap on techniques, but not so heavy that you’re fighting the fabric during a long session. It’s a solid, honest training gi for karate, Taekwondo, and general martial arts training.

Belt not included. This is jacket and pants only.

Why 12oz Canvas?

Weight matters more than most people realise when choosing a gi. Lighter gis (8oz and under) are great for beginners or hot climates, but they can feel flimsy and don’t drape or move the same way. Go too heavy (18oz and above) and you’re lugging around extra fabric that slows you down.

At 12oz, this canvas gi hits a practical middle ground. The fabric is dense enough that you feel your techniques — punches and kicks carry that crisp snap that lighter cotton simply can’t replicate. At the same time, it’s not so stiff that you’re fighting restricted movement from the moment you put it on.

For seasoned practitioners who train regularly, this is often the weight range they naturally gravitate toward.

Construction and Materials

The fabric is 100% cotton canvas. Unlike poly-cotton blends that can trap heat, pure cotton breathes well during intense training — something you’ll appreciate whether you’re drilling kata, sparring, or pushing through conditioning rounds.

The stitching is heavy-duty double stitching at all the stress points — collar, cuffs, seams. These are the areas that take the most punishment when someone grabs your jacket or you’re repeatedly folding and unfolding your arms for blocking. Cheap single-stitched seams pull apart. These don’t.

The gi has been pre-shrunk, so what you order is roughly what you’ll get after washing. You’ll still see minimal shrinkage over time with repeated washing, but nothing dramatic.

The Cut: Jacket

The jacket is cut generously through the shoulders and chest. This matters because a gi that’s too tight through the shoulders will pull when you chamber a punch or raise your arms for blocking — it’s distracting and restricts your technique. This cut gives you the room you need without being baggy or shapeless.

The fabric has enough body that it moves with you rather than bunching up, which also makes it look sharp on the floor.

The Cut: Pants

The pants have a full gusset — extra fabric sewn into the crotch area specifically to allow deep stretches and high kicks without pulling at the seams. If you’ve ever had gi pants split during a front kick or squat, you’ll know why this matters.

The waistband is elasticated with a narrow internal drawstring. The elastic keeps things comfortable and in place, while the drawstring lets you dial in a secure fit. It’s a combination that works well across different body shapes without the pants riding down mid-session.

Who This Gi Is For

This is a good fit for:

• Karate practitioners who want a heavier training gi that holds up to daily or twice-weekly training
• Taekwondo students whose club uses black uniforms
• Mixed martial arts students who train striking and want a durable, traditional-style gi
• Anyone moving up from a lightweight beginner gi who wants something that lasts

It’s not ideal for BJJ or judo, where the fabric needs to withstand constant grabbing and collar grips under load. For those disciplines, you’d want a weave-specific gi built for grappling.

Sizing

This gi is available in two sizes: 3/160, 4/170, 5/180 and 6/190. The number after the slash indicates height in centimetres, which is the primary guide for selecting your size.

Check the size chart image on this page before ordering. If you’re between sizes, consider whether you prefer a closer fit or a bit more room through the jacket — the generous shoulder cut means most people find the standard size works well.

Because this gi is pre-shrunk, you can wash it normally without worrying about it coming out two sizes smaller.

Care Instructions

Machine wash cold or warm. Air dry — avoid the dryer on high heat, which can break down the cotton fibres over time and cause unnecessary shrinkage. If you’re washing after every session (as you should), this care routine keeps the gi in good shape for years.

What’s Not Included

Belt is sold separately. If you need a replacement or a specific grade belt, you’ll find them in our belts section.

Specifications

• Weight: 12oz cotton canvas
• Material: 100% cotton canvas
• Colour: Black
• Includes: Jacket and pants
• Belt: Not included
• Sizes: 3/160, 4/170, 5/180, 6/190
• Pre-shrunk: Yes
• SKU: BlGI12
• Package weight: 1.5kg
• Price: AUD $103.50 (same for all sizes)

Features Summary

• 100% cotton canvas — breathable during intense training
• Heavy-duty double stitching at all stress points
• Generous cut through shoulders and chest for full range of movement
• Full gusset in pants for high kicks and deep stretches
• Elasticated waistband with internal drawstring
• Pre-shrunk — minimal further shrinkage with washing
• Machine washable
• Free shipping on orders over AUD $150

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this gi include a belt?

No. This gi is jacket and pants only. Belts are sold separately in our belts section.

Is this gi suitable for BJJ or judo?

Not really. This is a traditional karate/Taekwondo-style canvas gi. BJJ and judo gis are constructed differently — with a tighter, reinforced weave designed to handle repeated collar grips and heavy contact under load. If you train BJJ or judo, you’d be better served by a purpose-built grappling gi.

Why is 12oz a popular gi weight?

It’s a practical middle ground. Lighter gis (8oz and below) can feel flimsy and don’t deliver the same crisp technique feedback. Heavier gis (14oz and above) can be restrictive and slow to dry. At 12oz, you get durability and that satisfying snap on strikes, without fighting the fabric through a full session.

Will this gi shrink after washing?

It’s been pre-shrunk, so you won’t see dramatic shrinkage. Expect minimal change over time with repeated washing. To keep it in the best shape, wash in cold or warm water and air dry rather than using a hot dryer.

I’m between sizes — which should I choose?

The sizing is primarily based on height — the number after the slash (170 or 180) indicates your height in centimetres. Check the size chart on the product page. The jacket is cut generously through the shoulders, so most people find the standard size for their height works well. If you’re right on the border, consider whether you prefer a neater fit or a bit more room for layering compression gear underneath.

Can both men and women wear this gi?

Yes. The sizing is based on height and the cut is generous enough to accommodate different body types. The elasticated drawstring waistband on the pants also helps with fit across different proportions. That said, the available sizes (4/170 and 5/180) are on the larger end, so if you’re shorter or smaller-framed, check the size chart carefully to make sure it’s the right fit for you.