The Art of Karate and the Karate Gi
Karate is a Japanese martial art that dates back to the early 1900s. It is commonly practiced as an art form, for self-defense, or as a competitive combat sport. Karate has roots in Kung Fu but has developed into a unique martial art. Karate is a striking martial art that focuses on punches, kicks, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and open hand techniques. Many modern schools also teach throws, joint locks, restraints, and grappling in addition to the more traditional striking techniques of karate.
As Karate developed as a martial art the Karate uniform, or Karate Gi, changed along with it. While early practitioners wore Judo uniforms, modern Karate gi have evolved to match the martial art. A Karate gi consists of three parts: a karate jacket, pants, and a belt that denotes the Karateka's rank. They are usually made of light, canvas style cotton with reinforced stitching that holds up to hard use. Karate gi are lighter weight than Judo gi as Judo is more focused on grappling. A Karate suit is looser fitting to maximize mobility, speed, and airflow.
Choosing the Right Karate Gi
While some dojos allow their students to train in street clothes many require a proper karate gi after the first few classes. If you plan on competing finding the perfect karate gi is even more important. There are several decisions to make when picking out the right karate gi including weight and colour. If you have already started at a dojo it's a good idea to ask your instructor about any requirements your school has for their karate uniforms. Competitions may also have karate uniform regulations.
While karate gi come in many colours white is the most traditional. Some dojos have different coloured karate gi for students and instructors. Other dojos may have coloured gi that they use during competition to stand out from other schools. White is always a solid choice but checking with your dojo will guarantee you get the right karate gi.
Once you've figured out what colour karate gi you need it's time to pick a weight. Karate gi generally come in light, medium, and heavyweight. The weight of the uniform determines how stiff it is. Lightweight karate gi are perfect for beginners. They are inexpensive, easy to move in, and help you stay cool. The one drawback is they aren't as good for throws and grappling. Medium weight karate gi are the most versatile and the best value. They can withstand more abuse while wicking away sweat. If you're looking for something to train in for the long haul a medium weight karate gi is a good option. Heavyweight karate gi are the standard for experienced fighters. They are perfect for competition and make a crisp snap when strikes are executed. They also hold up to more intense grappling sessions and are a great choice if you train in other disciplines.
Find the Perfect Karate Suit at Made4Fighters
At Made4Fighters we want to help you find the perfect uniform so you can train and compete without worrying about your gear. We carry only the best karate uniforms in a range of colors and weights. Shop top quality brands like Venum, Bytomic, Hayashi and more! Or check out our martial arts belts to complete your karate uniform.
Looking for martial arts uniforms for another discipline? We also carry Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Gi, Tae Kwon Do Dobok, Kung Fu Uniforms, and Kickboxing Uniforms.
