Martial Arts Uniform Basics- Buying Tips

When beginning martial arts classes, one of the first questions that students or parents of students usually have is "what kind of uniform do I or my child need"? In this article, we will go through and examine some of the various pros and cons of the different weights, sizes, and styles of uniforms on the market. Before we begin, however, I would like to point out that this article will be focusing mainly on judo gi.

First, we will discuss the different weights of uniforms. Typically there are three weight classes for the judo gi. These are lightweight, middleweight (sometimes referred to as medium weight), and heavyweight. The easiest and fastest way to describe what these refer to is that they describe the density and thickness of the material used to make the uniform. This also directly affects the physical weight of the material as well.

The lightweight judo gi uniform is the thinner of the three classes. The material itself typically breathes a little better and also moves well with the body giving less resistance. Also, these are the cheapest in regards to cost. To students, 16 years of age or under I will generally suggest lightweight uniforms. Children within that age group are still growing usually and so their sizes will change often. You also can never tell whether or not a child that young will stay with the class for a month or a few years. This cuts the costs down for parents and/or students and since younger students are learning basic skills like balance and coordination, this uniform will also serve them better by giving less resistance physically while practicing. The drawback for this lighter material is that it also wears out much faster and tears easier under heavy training. This is why I do not recommend this uniform to older students or adults. They simply end up replacing their uniform more often.

The middleweight (mediumweight) uniform is as the name implies. It is a slightly heavier material that is a bit more durable but still breathes fairly well and gives less resistance than the heavyweight gi. Most times I will recommend this uniform to new students ages 16 and up. The cost is still reasonable and it provides the older student with better durability so that they replace them less often. This is an excellent choice for most novice practitioners within the arts. The drawbacks are similar to the lightweight in that these will also be more prone to wear and tear under heavy training, but for the average student who only trains a couple of hours a week and does not know if this will be a lifelong endeavor, it is a great choice that will serve them well.

The heavyweight uniform is made from a thick almost canvas-like material. Its physical weight is heavier and so it creates more resistance while training until the material has been worn and stretched, at which point it will become much more comfortable. Students also tend to feel more "hot" and will generally sweat more because this material doesn't breathe as well as the other two. I recommend the heavyweight gi to adult students who are ages 18 and up and who are planning on lifelong training. I also suggest that instructors stick with a heavyweight. Although if someone is teaching his or her class then they should have a pretty good idea of what to buy and what their preferences are. While this weight sounds bulky and uncomfortable, it has many redeeming features. It will save money in the long run because a good heavyweight gi can last for at least 5 years or more under heavy training. The likelihood of this material tearing while being pulled, stretched, or just generally abused is small at best. After being used and worn for a while the material will become more comfortable and will begin to feel like an old friend.

When deciding on which uniform/gi to purchase, the students and even instructors should consider these things.

As far as sizes go, I would try to find sizing charts from whatever company you are planning to purchase from since both size and quality can vary from one manufacturer to another. Typically though, gi's are sized by a combination of height and weight instead of waist size, inseam, etc. like a normal pair of pants would be.