Do you have questions?

On this page you'll find answers to the most common questions we receive at Seishin International.

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to get in touch with us.

Q: How do I choose the right size for my Seishin gi?

Answer: The Seishin gi size is based on your height. Therefore, choose the size that best corresponds to your height (cm/feet/inches). If you are between two sizes, choose larger or smaller size depending on your personal preference. In this case, some people prefer to order a larger size and shrink it down with a hot wash. Lastly, if you are very slim or stocky (relative to your height), choose a size up or down accordingly. Good luck!

Q: Will the Seishin gi fit me?

Answer: It's impossible to make a gi that fits everyone. However, if you choose the correct size (see above), the Seishin gi will fit. That being said, if your body type is unconventional (i.e. very slim, very short, very tall, very long arms), the fit will naturally differ. Please note that many people are used to a different cut than the Seishin gi, which could feel weird at first. But that doesn't mean it doesn't "fit". For most people, it actually fits like a glove!

Q: What material is the Seishin gi made of?

Answer: The Seishin gi is made of 100% breathable cotton, a unique 9.5 oz premium composition developed exclusively for light feeling and good snap. No other karate brand in the world uses this unique fabric. We believe a gi should never feel "heavy" or "restrictive" of your movements. That being said, we love the sharp look and robust craftmanship of classical heavyweight gi. That's why we made sure to keep that tradition going. Our motto is: Look like a heavyweight, feel like a lightweight. That's why Seishin works for all types of training.

Q: Is the Seishin gi best for kata, kihon or kumite?

Answer: The Seishin gi is best for karate. No matter what you do - kata, kihon, kumite, bunkai, kobudo etc. Although Seishin is primarily made for the traditionally minded karate-ka, you can definitely compete with it. It's used by national team member and international champions. However, please note that if you're competing in elite kumite tournaments, you might want an even lighter gi than Seishin.

Q: How should I wash the Seishin gi?

Answer: As cold as possible. This will ensure maximum longevity of your gi. Hot water scorches the delicate cotton fibre. Try to avoid commercial tumble dryers. Let your gi drip dry. (Note: if you want your Seishin gi to shrink, a hot wash can shrink it 2-6%.)

Q: Do I need to iron my Seishin gi?

Answer: No. It's almost wrinkle free. You can iron it if you really want to, but we don't recommend it. Ironing actually damages the Seishin gi's delicate cotton fiber. Just let it drip dry, then nicely fold your gi and train as usual - your body heat and sweat will naturally straighten out any creases once you start moving around. But if you have a special occasion coming up (i.e. belt test, demonstration or tournament) go ahead and bring out the iron. We won't judge. 

Q: Is the Seishin gi really shipped from Okinawa?

Answer: No. That would be too expensive for most customers. However, the founder of Seishin was residing in Okinawa - the birthplace of karate - during the process of developing, designing and refining The Seishin Gi. That's why it has special features from Okinawa; like the innovative HW (high waist) trousers, unique cut, air ventilation, Ryukyuan crest logo and siky smooth cotton material. In fact, all the original Seishin gi prototypes were validated by actual hands-on practice in traditional dojos with grandmasters in Okinawa.

Q: What does "The People's Gi" mean?

Answer: This was our slogan during the crowdfunding period. It mean that Seishin was founded by people like you - through crowdsourcing and crowdfunding. The numerous features of the final gi prototype - material, sizing, stitching, durability, quality, cut - were validated and tested with karate practitioners all over the world, and each improvement was based directly on user feedback (crowdsourcing). An initial batch of limited edition gi were then directly funded through an online platform (crowdfunding) to kickstart the subsequent birth of a new generation of gi - the Seishin gi. In other words; Seishin is by karate people, for karate people.

Q: What does "Seishin" mean?

Answer: Seishin means "spirit" in Japanese. We chose the name because that's what defines a passionate karate-ka - lots of karate spirit. Like Funakoshi Gichin (1868-1957), the grandfather of Shotokan karate, once wrote in his 20 Precepts of Karate-Do: "Spirit first, technique second". Coincidentally, Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), the epic French war general once said something pretty similar: "There are only two forces in the world; the sword and the spirit. In the long run, the spirit always conquers the sword". That's why we chose Seishin as the name. It embodies what really matters to us.

Q: What does the Seishin logo mean?

Answer: The Seishin logo consists of a red mitsu-domoe (the three swirling points of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom [modern day Okinawa], also known as a triskillion) inside a golden laurel wreath (wreaths were awarded as symbols of martial victory in ancient Greece and Rome). Combined, these symbols represent Seishin's quest for connecting Eastern wisdom with Western vision.

 

Q: Can I get the Seishin gi in black?

Answer: Yes, simply choose the black option here.

Q: Is The Seishin Gi suitable for women or kids?

Answer: Yes, the Seishin Gi is available in unique sizes for men, women and kids. Simply choose male, female or kids option here.

Q: Do you ship to my country? What does shipping cost?

Answer: Yes, we ship worldwide! Keep in mind that import tax or customs duties may apply depending on where you live. All products are shipped from the EU.

Q: How long does shipping take?

Answer: Please allow 7-14 days for shipping.

Q: When will you get my size in stock?

Answer: Please sign up for our newsletter (bottom of page) to get notified when new stock & products arrive.

Q: How can I start selling the Seishin gi?

Answer: Contact us here.

Q: Where can I get the Seishin gi?

Answer: Just click the button below. 

 

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