Beginner's Guide To Choosing a Martial Arts Uniform

by Century Martial Arts Supply

printed by Koch Martial Arts & Fitness Supply (Century brand seller)

This section provides resources to novice martial artists who desire more information on choosing a uniform.

Uniforms:

How to Choose a Traditional Uniform, Tae Kwon Do Uniform, Judo Uniform, Kendo Uniform, Kung Fu Uniform, Tai Chi Uniform and a Team/Demonstration Uniform.

How to Choose a Traditional Uniform

Lightweight - Ranging anywhere from 4 oz. to 7 oz., this uniform is an ideal weight for a beginner student.  Lighter weight uniforms are more accommodating for learning techniques because they make it easy for younger and beginner students to move.

Middleweight - This weight fabric can range from 7 oz. to 10 oz.  This uniform is a little heavier than the lightweight to provide added durability as training becomes more intense.

Heavyweight - A heavyweight fabric is usually around a 12 oz. weight.  Higher level students often prefer to wear heavier uniforms which are made of heavy drill cotton or canvas.  These uniforms last longer and stand up to intense workouts.  Students will get more of a "snap" sound when punching and kicking with this heavier weighted fabric.

How to Choose a Taekwondo Uniform

These uniforms have a pullover V-neck top and the pants tend to be slightly baggier than Karate pants.  This allows for great flexibility and range of motion for the fast high kicks that are performed in this sport.  The Taekwondo uniforms are also available with textured fabrics such as a "Dobby" or "Ribbed" cotton/polyester blend.  The new "Poome" uniform is a Taekwondo student uniform, which is used as a ranking system instead of the traditional belt system until the age of fifteen.

How to Choose a Judo Uniform

Why are there different colored judo uniforms?  In today's competitions one competitor wears a white judo gi while the other wears blue.  Traditionally both competitors would wear white, but recently (1997) the International Judo Federation officially decided to use blue uniforms.  Black uniforms have become popular in schools and demonstrations, though the color is not endorsed officially.

What is the difference between single weave and double weave?

Single weave uniforms are lighter weight than double weave but should be constructed well enough to handle the rigors of judo training and competition.  Double weave uniforms are made with extra material and are a much heavier weight.  This extra weight adds strength and durability.  Beginners generally choose single weave, while advanced students, or those that engage in intensive regular grappling and training tend to choose double weave.

How to Choose a Kendo Uniform

This uniform is made up of a traditional Keikogi, which is 100% cotton with 3/4 sleeves for easy movement to accomodate sword handling.  The Hakama pants were historically worn by the Samurai to hide leg movement and give the illusion of floating.

Kendo Armor is made up of five pieces:

Men - Head guard, Tare - Heavy quilted waistband with hip and groin protection, Do - Solid chest protector, Kite - Padded fencing gloves.

How to Choose a Kung Fu Uniform

Kung Fu uniforms are made of classic long sleeve, frog button traditional-style jacket paired with a ribbed or open ankle pant.  These uniforms are lightweight and "airy" to allow for the many fluid movements that characterize this style of martial arts.  A Kung Fu student would wear a thick sash instead of the traditional belt.  This protects your abdomen and lower back.

How to Choose a Tai Chi Uniform

The Tai Chi uniform is made to accomodate the moving form of yoga and meditation.  Because the movements are performed slowly and gracefully with smooth and even transitions between them, the uniform is designed with lightweight material.  It has a traditional Chinese art style with the frog button closure and 100% polyester material.

How to Choose a Team/Demonstration Uniform

Team uniforms are typically designed for a consistent team look during performances and competitions.  These uniforms often include easy-to-wear V-neck pullovers and styles that accommodate a variety of martial art techniques.  They are also available in traditional styles.  A variety of striping and "spliced" color accents are often chosen for a more appealing and unique look.

Demonstration uniform fabric is usually constructed from an exclusive stretch canvas with subtle stretch.  These uniforms are often the choice for martial artists specializing in tricks and intense performance moves.  Some demonstration uniforms are available in classic uniform and also in trick shorts.