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WABUKAN Arsenal · Uniforms and tradition · Japan

Keikogi (gi)

The training uniform. Jigoro Kano created the judogi in the 1900s; Gichin Funakoshi adapted it for karate.

Keikogi (gi)
Keikogi (gi) WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

稽古着 · gi; jūdōgi; karategi; dōgi

Origin and history

The modern practice uniform comes from judo: Kanō Jigorō adapted Japanese work and under-clothing into a tough jacket and trousers at the Kōdōkan in the late 19th and early 20th century. Karate adopted a lighter version in the 1920s, and other arts followed.

Martial arts that use it

Judo Karate Aikido Jujutsu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Construction

Jacket (uwagi), trousers (zubon) and belt (obi), usually cotton. Judo and BJJ jackets are thick and woven to withstand gripping; karate gis are lighter and often longer in the sleeve.

Basic techniques

Training

Uniforms and traditional items are “trained” through etiquette: how to wear, fold, tie and care for them is taught alongside technique and is part of each art’s culture.

Safety

Keep it clean and dry, check seams and knots, and make sure nothing hangs loose that could catch fingers or toes during training.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

Competition rules regulate the gi closely: judo uses a sleeve-length and lapel-thickness check, and international judo has used a blue gi for one contestant since the 1990s.

More weapons

Hakama Black belt Berimbau Mawashi

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Keikogi
  2. Wikipedia — Judogi