[Fozzy]

REVIEW: Padilla & Sons Blue Goldweave Kimono available from www.matrat.us



Size: A3

Size 2 (A0) 4’5” - 5’ 75-110 lbs.
Size 3 (A1) 5’ – 5’6” 110- 135 lbs.
Size 4 (A2) 5’6” - 5’9” 140- 165 lbs.
Size 5 (A3) 5’9” - 6’ 170- 190 lbs.
Size 6 (A4) 6’ - 6’4” 195- 245 lbs.
Size 7 (A5) 6’ - 6’5” 250- 275 lbs.
Size 8 (A6) 6’5”- 6’9” 290- 325lbs.

Heralded by many in the community for making very affordable but high quality kimonos, Joe Padilla's kimonos do indeed live up to the hype. For past years I'd heard mention of them here and there, read reviews on other dedicated GI review forums but didn't quite take too much of an interest as I was first and foremost a nogi grappler.

Having switched up to Judo in recent months, I began looking at new kimono's that would provide me with quality and durability to get me through training. Unfortunately not being in the judo-niche forums, I had no idea what to look at as far as brand kimono's go (aside from Mizuno), so I stuck to BJJ gi's since, well even though I didn't train GI, it's kinda hard to not learn and listen over the last what, crap 5 years on this forum? (I am getting old sheesh)

I had been looking for a good kimono for competition, and the fact is, nobody will ship a Lucky Gi to Australia and I'm not really looking to make loan payments to get one haha. Gameness is always solid but I wanted to try something else, so I picked up a Gold Weave from Joe.

Front shot of the kimono PRE-shrinking on my bed


The gi top and pants are heavier than my other kimonos, which was to be expected, I mean this was my first kimono which wasn't in the 'summer' category (i.e. the lighweight gi's). Nothing insanely heavy so you get used to it and it is not a hindurance.

Shot of the kimono pants PRE-Shrinking


Me in kimono pants


Collar is relatively thick, not too hard to grab onto, but solid.

Stitching throughout the gi is strong. I haven't had any frayed ends yet or anything loose that has been a bother, I've washed the gi maybe 5-7 times so far including my washes to shrink it.

Review continued next post

~Foz

[Fozzy]

There are embroidered logos on the pants, and arms of the kimonos, as well as the lining of the gi. The shark is cool, who doesn't like sharks? (except shark victims)







Took this shot for Bullzeye because I know he likes to see the weave, and other stuff


note: this shot was afteer shrinking though


Review continued next post

~Foz

[Fozzy]

Shrinking however was a bitch. Joe recommends not machine drying it, and not hot washing it. Perhaps I should of gone a size down (A3) but after 2 hot washes, and about 30-40 mins in the dryer on hot I got the top to desired size. So it will shrink, you may just have to be patient with it.

Me in the gi PRE-Shrinking


Me in the gi PRE-Shrinking


After I got it to shrink by threatening it with my hatred for all things not pink, it fit rather nice and snug, a little looser than my Vulkan and Pearl but I have put on a bit of weight since I reviewed those, so maybe thats why they're snug anyway.

Me in the gi after shrinking


Other shots after shrinking




Overall, the gi is very durable so far, doesn't fall apart in the wash like other gi's, and I can't really say more about it. It's a solid, very affordable kimono compared to alot of the overpriced products out there right now. Joe is a pleasure to deal with also.

Rating: 10/10

Please visit MatRat.us for all your Padilla and Sons Kimono goodness!

~Foz

[JRT6]

After using the eearch function and reading enough reviews to give me a headache I decided to try the Padilla. I sent an e-mail question to the Matrat website and Joe Padlilla called me back the next day. After speaking with him at length about all things involving kimonos and what my personal needs were I decided to get a single weave for long term durability. If I'm still rolling next year I'll get a Gold Weave. Now this says a lot because when I started the conversation with Joe I wasn't intending to buy right away but by the end of the phone call I made an order. He was very personable and helpfull and I am excited about my order. I will update when I get the Kimono and try it out.

[Fozzy]

yup really cant say more good things about Joe. he's a standup guy.

~Foz

[Fozzy]

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the single weave btw.

~Foz

[Shadow Smurf]

good review.

[Shadow Smurf]

good review.

[Shadow Smurf]

good review.

[Jojitsu]

Thank you for the great review on our Blue Gold Weave. We take great pride
in manufacturing a quality Kimono.The Shark will actually help with submissions......
Keep in touch.

Joe