Martial Arts
Uniforms - Getting The Right Fit
Karate Gis and Tae Kwon Do Gi
Whether you're just
beginning martial arts training or you've been a practitioner for
years, you may have encountered challenges in finding uniforms that
have the right fit. Contrary to the popular saying, one size doesn't
fit all when it comes to martial arts uniforms. Moreover, a single size
might not fit correctly either. After all, many of us aren't
proportionate; we may require a larger top and a smaller bottom, or
vice versa. Unfortunately, though, many people - especially those just
starting out - buy ill-fitting uniforms from their instructors. But
before exploring the possibilities for well-fitting uniforms, let's
look at the basics:
Basic Martial Arts Uniforms
The
type of uniform you need depends upon the type of martial arts training
you're taking. For example, karate uniforms are significantly different
than judo uniforms. In the Japanese practice of judo, the judoka uses
his opponent's strength against him, and therefore needs a thick jacket
that is difficult to grab. For that reason, judo uniforms - or judogi -
typically consist of a pants and a quilted cotton jacket that is much
thicker than karate jackets. There are also single weave jackets, which
are lighter and more useful in long practice sessions to prevent
overheating, and thick double weave jackets that are essential for
competition.
In contrast to karate uniforms, judo
uniforms, and tae kwon do
uniforms, which are cotton and feature a crossover front with a belt
closure, traditional kung fu jackets are typically made from silk and
feature a front button closure. Those practicing kendo - the Japanese
equivalent of fencing - usually wear a hakama and a kimono.
One
of the latest trends in uniforms is martial arts cargo pants, which
combine comfort with versatility. The cargo pants are available in a
variety of colors, including camouflage prints, and usually have a
stripe running down the outside of each leg.
Mixing and Matching
When
you buy martial arts uniforms from a dojo or dojang, you normally buy a
set consisting of the same size and color pants and top. Today,
however, there are online sources where you can mix and match sizes and
colors that fit both your body shape and your sense of style.
When
you purchase martial arts uniforms online, it's important to pay close
attention to the site's size charts and buy tops and pants that will
fit well. It's not uncommon for the best sites to carry sizes ranging
from 000 (which would most likely fit a three-year-old) to 12 (which
would fit someone well over six feet tall). Taking an extra moment to
get the right fit will make you feel better and more confident while
practicing or competing.
It's also important to
select the proper fabric weight for your specific martial art and skill
level. A beginner, for example, might go with a medium weight karate
jacket, while an experienced practitioner might need a
super-heavyweight fabrication.
If you're part of a demo team,
you can easily outfit your entire team in their proper sizes, and find
a wide selection of color schemes from which to choose.
Finding
the right martial arts uniforms is, of course, only one element of
learning the arts. However, when you get the right fit, you can more
easily concentrate on developing the stances, values, and mental
preparedness that will enable you to excel.
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