Paid to Destroy…
Usually I keep my work as far as possible from my jiu-jitsu and Arcanum.
But it recently occurred to me: I’m a software quality engineer. I SCRUTINIZE AND BREAK THINGS FOR A LIVING. And yet my gi reviews are sadly devoid of breaking. I know how to test, and I should be testing the stitching out of these things.
The BJJ gi market is brutal; and so should the reviews be. Not necessarily negative, but raw and creative. Elvis had it right when he said, “A little less conversation, a little more action.”
Part I: The Interview
The first gi to be subjected to my new madness is the Submission Light gi. Shakib from Submission Fight Co. graciously sent me the gi for review. Before I get into the grizzly details of what this gi went through in part 2, I wanted to give Shakib a chance to plug the product.
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Arcanum What was your objective in designing and making the Submission Light gi?
SubmissionFC Our goal was simple, to create a Bjj Gi that surpasses expensive gis in terms of style quality and durability for the lowest possible price. Many things that are featured on expensive gis are also featured on the Submission Light Gi such as the rip stop collar, contrast stitching, pre-shrunk fabric, rope draw string, rip stop pants, etc.
Single-leg me, won't you?
Arcanum What is unique about this gi that should set it apart in the eye of jiu-jitsu practitioners?
SFC What makes these Gis unique is the fact that it is not based off any previously made Gi, but instead was designed from the ground up and refined until it reached its current excellence. And believe me, you will not find another Gi on the market with similar style quality and durability at the price point we have. Everyone is quickly making the switch to the Submission Gis. One roll and you will know the difference. What kind of tests are performed on the gi to ensure quality?
Arcanum
SFC Before we start producing and selling any Gi we put it through thorough testing to ensure its quality. We order samples of Gis we design and have them tested by a few high level Bjj practitioners. Given their input we order another sample and go through this process several times until we create the perfect Bjj Gi.
Arcanum What influenced your brand’s name?
SFC As I was brainstorming possible names for the new brand I wanted to start with the most obvious names first and go down the list. I expected them all to be taken and they mostly were; however, I had realized that the best name possible was not even used! Submission!
Arcanum How is this model different from previous models from Submission?
SFC The Submission Pearl Weave Gi was our first model to test the market. After going through thorough research and taking all feedback received into consideration we have created a Gi that our customers want and deserve. In the Submission Light Gi we have increased lightness, increased durability, increased aesthetics, increased comfort and best of all increased Submissions!
Arcanum Where is the gi manufactured?
SFC Pakistan
Arcanum Do you think the ripstop pants trend is a trend or is it here to stay?
SFC Rip stop pants are light weight and durable so they are here to stay.
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Shakib’s confidence in the Submission Light has me intrigued. What constitutes “the perfect BJJ gi” is of course subjective. And I’m not sure how you put increased submissions into a gi.
But as I said, the interview is the opportunity for the manufacturer to plug their product, and the review is my opportunity to put those claims to the test. So I subjected this gi to some pretty heavy testing…including using it as a piece of gym equipment:
Collar pull-ups
That’s just the beginning.
Did the gi survive? Is it even still shaped like a gi? Did I manage to get tickets to the Harry Potter 7.2 midnight showing? You’ll have to check back next Tuesday to find out…
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I love this format for a gi review! Nice! I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the second part
Looks like a really nice gi! I really like your idea of using it as a work out tool to better my grips. Let us know is it as good as they say it is? Does it withold your testing? Me and Steve are on the edge of our seats waiting for that second part! bring it on!