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Karate Uniforms

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The karate uniform, or karategi, is similar to the uniforms of other martial arts. The karategi is looser fitting than a judogi which is used in judo, but is believed to have evolved from the judogi. It is sometime mistakenly called a gi, which means pajamas Chinese, so don’t get confused because they are very comfortable and loose fitting and probably would make great pajamas. The material is generally lighter than a judogi because there are less holds and throws in karate. This also allows it to be looser fitting, an opponent is not going to pull at sleeves and collars the way they do in judo.

A good karate uniform is cut from high quality canvas, usually 10oz. This gives them much more durability and good wear without losing mobility. Some are made from lighter materials such as linen, but they tear easily and stick to the skin when perspiring, causing discomfort. A thicker karategi actually keeps a karateka, or karate practitioner, much cooler and dryer than a light fabric because sweat is wicked away by a heavier fabric. Many masters choose to use very heavy canvas, up to 16oz. because of its durability. Regular practitioners brush their karategi to give it a more comfortable feel on the skin.

There are three parts to a karate uniform, pants, jacket and belt. The belt, called an obi, secures the jacket, called an uwagi, closed while the pants are held up with either elastic or a drawstring. The pants end above the ankle so as to not trip up the karateka. The jacket comes in different sleeve lengths depending on each karate schools preference, some go all the way to the wrist, while others end higher up the forearm. As a student grows it is necessary to replace the karategi with a large size so no mobility is lost.

The obi, or belt, is generally about 2 inches wide and is tied in a koma-musubi knot. They come in different colors which represent the amount of training and skill the karateka has. The first belt received is a white belt and it progress through yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and then black. Some masters receive a red and white belt when they have progressed past the 6 levels of black belt, although some beginners start with a red belt, mainly in Europe.

Uniforms can be found at local schools and dojos, as well as online. Many sports equipment stores also carry different types of karategi. Different schools have different requirements for martial arts uniforms so it is necessary to check with the school that will be used. Many offer significant deals to students of their school on the exact uniform desired. Many allow typical karategi, but ask that a patch or special insignia be sewn into the uniform, either on the chest or the backside of the jacket. Most require a white uniform, however many schools allow different colors to distinguish themselves from other schools, such as black, red or even the red, white, and blue of the American flag.

Cotton is the best material for the uniform, but 50/50 polyester blends are also used to keep them wrinkle free but lack in sweat absorption so are often discourage. The difference between a good uniform and a great uniform comes from the weight of the fabric and the quality of the stitching, heavy canvas with plenty of reinforcement is preferred.

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