Rockin' the Padilla

I am about to tell you about my favorite kimono. It is not my most expensive kimono. It is not my most stylish kimono. And despite being “lightweight,” it’s not even my lightest kimono.

But for some reason, putting on my Padilla & Sons Lightweight just feels like coming home. Maybe it’s because I’ve owned it for over two years now. But I think the real reason is that it’s just a fine piece of fightwear.
As a testament to the mat time this gi has seen, here’s what remains of my school patch on the back:

And yet, if I were to re-dye it cobalt blue, it would look brand new. There are no holes and no fraying except a little on the inside reinforcements. That’s quality.

Buying Experience

Working with Joe Padilla and his family was a pleasure. Other reviews I’ve read mention similarly good experiences. If I’m not mistaken, Joe’s wife responded to one of the calls I placed, and Joe also responded personally to emails and calls. Both were extremely gracious in helping me determine what size of gi I should order.

We decided that I was in between an A3 and an A4. The solution was to pair A4 trousers with an A3 jacket, which turned out to be perfect for me. I was charged an extra $10 to mix and match sizes…but considering the modest $95 price tag, this was not painful in the least.

My order arrived promptly, and included specific washing and drying instructions along with the gi. Oddly enough, one of the instructions is to not machine wash it. I thought that was a little weird, kind of like saying don’t take your tank to the carwash. I’m not sure how it could damage your gi to machine wash it in cold water, I’m definitely not going to take the time to hand wash it.

Decoration

Right Shoulder Logo

If ever there was an understated gi, this is it. The lightweight is completely devoid of flourish other than two small shoulder embroideries and a small patch at the bottom of the lapel. I’m not a huge fan of shoulder patches, so this really appeals to me.

Left Shoulder Logo

The cool little shark logos are the only reminders that this is indeed a branded, professional piece of fightwear. The odd thing is, it still seems to attract attention. People ask what kind of gi it is. Either that, or they say “a Padilla, huh? Nice…” and make some sign of approval.
Finish Reading…

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Wrestling shoes were never really a part of my BJJ game plan, but here I am staring at a brand new pair of cobalt blue Adidas.

I wore them this morning and I think so far I like bare feet better. It seems more natural and…well..more martial-artsy, quite honestly. That’s a moot point, though. I bought these because my left big toe is giving me quite a bit of grief. Not to mention that everyone else is wearing them, and when you’re the only one not in wrestling shoes, your feet tend to get the raw end of the deal.

Why blue? They were the cheapest. I just hope they don’t look too obnoxious with my cobalt blue Padilla & Sons gi.

Yikes.

I feel like I either stepped out of a James Cameron flick or an ’80s cartoon. Oh well .

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