Well-made, lightweight, minimally-adorned, and has great features, but it’s just not for me.
A year and a half into this jiujitsu insanity and I'm still figuring what gis I like the best. I so far have a Ronin Five Boroughs and my Anderson’s Martial Arts Academy gi, but I'm now ready to build a more expansive gi wardrobe.
This is a review for the Grips Secret Weapon gi.
I bought this gi on the recommendation of my husband and other training partners who love it. I was just a few months in and the features (anti-microbial, anti-order, lined upper back and shoulders) sounded great. And I loved its clean lines and minimalist decoration. I bought the A1 in black, but have very much regretted it ever since.
I’m 5’6”, broad-shouldered, about a size 4 in typical clothing, and not very long-limbed. This gi top enveloped me in too much fabric. The sleeves were too long, and the openings felt too wide for me. “Grips” was a perfect name because everytime I wore it, my opponents could grip and control me endlessly from all points of this gi.
I have never wanted to like something so much in my life. The gi is beautifully made, has great features, isn’t overly designed, and is pretty lightweight and good to pack up to haul around the city. I kept wondering if there was just something wrong with me because everyone else who had one loved it so much. But sadly, I just couldn’t make it work for me and after several months decided it could no longer take up space in my wardrobe. I sold it on the cheap to my BJJ wife, N, who has much longer limbs than me. It fit her perfectly and is now being loved and used as it should be.
I couldn’t give up on Grips the brand, though, and decided that maybe one of their women’s specific gis would fit me better. So, I purchased the Amazona gi. You can read my review of this gi as well.
Rating: 6/10, mostly due to personal fit and feel issues. Summary: This is a very well-made gi. It is lightweight, minimally-adorned, and has great features. It’s just not for me. Many others have rated it among their favorites, so I’d encourage (unless you’re shaped like me) trying one.
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