Student Karategi

Student Karategi

Browse through a martial arts magazine one days, I came across the vilest clothing ensemble I've ever seen: a uniform set up after the fashion of the United States flag. Stars, stripes, it was all there. I think the worst part about the picture, and what causes it remain in my mind is the fact that the men wearing the uniform was performing a high side kick. His position, most unfortunately, I could see that, while the trousers of the uniform were mostly red and white, a field of blue with white stars was used to cross it. I still have nightmares.

Fortunately for everyone involved in the martial arts, this colossus is the exception rather than the rule. Martial arts uniforms are usually quite plain and simple ensembles that the user maximum movement and comfort. There is of course a wide range of martial arts there, and the name of the uniform varies not only by language, but my martial style. In karate, there is a "karategi," in Aikido, as a "aikidogi," in Tae Kwon as a "Dobok," and so on.

Many of these uniforms are very similar in appearance, consisting of losses, mostly cotton pants with an elastic cord and waist. The pants extend to the ankles and hang there, no elastic. The upper garment, the bottom of the hips and wraps around the body like a cloak and the sleeves are usually on the wrists. The garment is packed secure with ties on both sides and with a belt, also of cotton, which means the color of the rank of the wearer.

While most martial arts uniforms of that description are white, black is also relatively common. In some schools, once a student reaches the level of 1st dan black belt, he or she is allowed to wear a black uniform or a black border. In the United States it is customary for the name and logo of a specific martial arts school to be printed on the back of the uniform. This is especially true of those schools who compete in tournaments.

A notable exception to the above is the dress uniforms often used by practitioners of tai chi chuan and kung fu. These outfits can are made of cotton, but silk is often used. They may be of almost any color imaginable. The pants are not different from those described above. The summit is marked by frog buttons that often extend from neck to hem. Moreover, the summit is usually a traditional Chinese style collar, similar to what one would see on a cheongsam.

Maybe the most spectacular martial arts uniform is the one used in Kendo. Kendo is the Japanese martial art of sword fighting. Her dress has long, full trousers almost seem to be a skirt, top similar to the one worn in karate and bagu specially designed protective armor. A set of bagu consists of a mask, shoulder pads, a torso protector, gloves, leg protectors, groin protector and shin guards sometimes. Kendo warrior in full regalia is a very intimidating sight.

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