Tell me about the Martial Arts Uniform

One almost universal piece of martial arts equipment has got to be the uniform. Usually consisting of three pieces- Jacket or shirt, pants or shorts and a type of belt, sometimes a sash. Traditional disciplines tend to use a type of jacket that opens in the front, some type of bottoms and a belt. Let’s take a look at one of the most common uniforms, the Karate Uniform. Karate students and masters wear a light, medium or heavy weight white cotton suit. A club badge is usually worn on the left side of the jacket. White trousers with a drawstring waist are worn as well. Practitioners are expected to be clean and tidy at all times to show respect for their school and the art.

Other martial arts can wear a wide variety of uniforms. Some wear shorts and t-shirts, muscle tops and some use a sash or no belt at all. Depending on the type of style, heavier uniforms may be used. Jiu Jitsu students, with all its take downs, locks, holds tend to prefer a sturdy cotton uniform. This prevents the need to replace their uniforms continually by withstanding the tugging and pulling forces that are applied during combat. Because some arts employ huge arrays of throws and chokes in their arsenal, a light uniform would be torn to shreds in virutally no time. In general a single or on occasion a double weave gi is donned to withstand the harsh usage that it will face.

Incorrect usage of the proper martial arts supplies, can be an impediment to training whatever discipline you select. Most styles use some type of uniform that does not restrict and allows the student to move unhampered. This is very critical as it allows the practicioner to fight without being encumbered. Practicing can be quite intense. Hampering uniforms would be a detriment to mastering of required movements that are foundational to the Style.