Shoyoroll Yang Gi Review
by Ka’ohu Ah Yo
Shoyoroll Yang Summary
The Yang is my favorite Shoyoroll gi and is one of my favorite gi’s of any brand. The Yang is made of a heavy duty gi material that keeps you warm on the mat in winter and helps you sweat to make weight for those summer competitions.
The look is classic, simple…and murdered out. Each time I put on my Yang, I feel like a ninja and ready for battle. This is why it’s one of our Top 5 Shoyoroll gis of all time!
Disclosure
The Yang went for presale in May 2011 at $184.95. It was rumored that there were less than 200 of these gi’s made in varying sizes from A0 to A4.
Introduction
The Yang was the last gi in Shoyoroll’s “Belt Series” signifying the BJJ black belt. The Yang was released along with the Yin SS, an all-white gi to signify the BJJ white belt. These two gi’s together were cleverly paired: Yin and Yang; white belt and black belt; the beginning and the end.
These gi’s were a limited release and were sold during the 2011 BJJ World Championships. Thankfully for those lucky few, gi’s that were not snatched up at the BJJ World Championships were placed for sale on Budovideos.com.
The remaining gi’s sold out in a matter of minutes. Just as any experienced Shoyoroll purchaser knows, I was quick to “Add to Cart,” enter in all payment information, and Submit.
Needless to say, I was stoked to see the Your Order Has Been Placed email. Even better, since it wasn’t a presale I received my gi in a matter of days.
If you’re having trouble getting your hands on those elusive Shoyoroll Gi’s, check out this article.
Fit
I’m a fan of the fit of the unique Sh
oyoroll size A3S. I’m 6’0” and 180 pounds. The Yang was slightly baggy in all areas prior to any washes. I wash my gi’s in warm water and follow up the first two washes only in the dryer on warm (Please see our guide on how to wash/shrink your gis here).
After the 2 runs through the dryer, my gi shrank perfectly to my body. Thereafter, I wash my gi immediately after training and hang to dry.
Design
I won’t be making any fashion statements at the gym with the Yang. It’s just simple and murdered out: black material, black stitching and all black Shoyoroll logos. Instead of the Shoyoroll’s usual rasta colors (red, yellow, and green) taping, the taping for the Yang is black, grey, and silver camouflage print. After over a year of wear and washing, the color has kept well with very minimal fading.
Jacket
The jacket is supposed to be of lightweight material, but feels like the thickest and warmest of all my gi’s. The collar is made of the standard EVA foam and feels thicker than the collar on Shoyoroll’s Golden State gi, which also has an EVA foam collar.
Trousers
The Yang pants are 12 oz. drill cotton pants with a pearl weave gusset. The pants feel thick and durable yet soft and comfortable. The pants are thick enough to make it hard for opponents to get a firm grip when attempting to pass.
Rolling Performance
I would compare the comfort of the Yang to wearing pajamas. The soft pants are comfortable as I roll. The fit and cut of the Yang allow for maximum flexibility and mobility. I can stay on the mat for hours training in my Yang and not have to worry about tear or rips.
Conclusion
I think the select Shoyoroll fanatics that have the Yang in their collection will be hanging onto to this one. I hope to one day pair my Yang gi with my black belt. The Yang’s mysticism and limited release make it the most prized Shoyoroll gi’s in my collection…for now.
Ordering
To order SYR gear, shirts, and other items, click here (affiliate link)
