Serious judo competitors need the best of the best when it comes to gis, and there are not many options on the market that are better than the Mizuno Shiai Competition. So, let’s take a deeper dive and see why is the Mizuno Shiai so popular and loved by top judo competitors.
Overview
The Mizuno Shiai is a new gi designed with serious judo competitors in mind, but what makes this gi so special? The Mizuno Shiai comes with a very simple design, but that doesn’t mean it lacks anything.
This gi has been built for competition, and its design gives you all the flexibility needed to perform at your best. It’s made of 100% cotton, so you get a comfortable feel while competing, and the reinforced shoulders, chest, and lapel make this gi durable enough for all-day training sessions.

Construction
As one of the world’s most respected judo brands, Mizuno produces some of the most highly regarded performance equipment on the market. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that the brand would be producing a top-quality judo gi for competitors.
As we said, the Mizuno Shiai is made from 100% cotton, which is not so common nowadays when it comes to judo gis. With a thick double weave you get a strong, yet soft, material that feels great against your skin.
All the stitching on this gi, especially on the jacket, is done superbly, and actually, the pants feature double stitching on the knee area. The gi comes pre-shrunk, so you can expect a very small shrinking percentage.
Durability

When it comes to durability, the Mizuno Shiai is up there with the best in the business. The jacket features reinforcements in three areas: lapel, shoulders, and chest. The double weave definitely adds to the thickness, but also to the overall durability of the gi.
This gi can go through many competitions and training hours while still retaining its shape and performing like it was when it was new.
Comfort & Fit

Comfort is one of the main aspects when it comes to the Mizuno Shiai. While the jacket is thick, that doesn’t mean that the comfort is lost. It does need some time to get broken in, but after that, you will notice how comfortable the Shiai is.
The gi features a relaxed fit, which gives you room around the chest and arms. The pants feature a drawstring waistband to help you get a better fit. The Shiai is available in sizes 1-7, but it runs large, so definitely be aware of that.
Features & Specs

- 100% Cotton
- Double weave
- Pre-shrunk
- Relaxed fit
- Drawstring waistband
- Reinforced jacket
- Double-stitched knees
Conclusion
“Shiai” translates to competition from Japanese, and this gi from Mizuno certainly justifies that name. While the price tag is on the higher side, if you are serious about judo competitions, Mizuno Shiai is one of the best options on the market.