Although fashion trends affect what we wear for many sporting activities, there has been very little change to traditional martial arts uniforms for many years. Why change what is perfect? And you won’t find anything more comfortable to wear than a good quality canvas martial arts gi. Okay, it may not be the most elegant outfit, but martial artists generally focus more on the state of their techniques than on the appearance of their uniform. We want a karate uniform that fits well, looks and feels good, allows full range of motion without pulling or straining during hard training, wicks away loads of sweat, looks like new after every wash, and lasts for years. What more can you ask for from any garment?
Most well-made canvas karate uniforms will withstand that kind of treatment, but the toughest of them all is the 16oz and 18oz weight uniforms. And they are getting harder to find. Mediumweight 12oz and 14oz canvas karate chalks are stocked at most martial arts supply stores, but there is now much less demand for heavyweight 16oz and 18oz uniforms, so fewer dealers have them ready for sale.
Unsurprisingly heavyweight karate uniforms are exactly what they say, heavy and this is why they are often described as for experienced practitioners. Most canvas uniforms are now made from cotton canvas, so although it is a strong, tightly woven fabric, it is comfortable to wear, soft against the skin, not scratchy or prickly as you might expect it to be. feel canvas 18 oz. They also improve with wear and washing, so the older your heavyweight karate uniform gets, the more comfortable it becomes.
All companies believe their uniforms have the best cut, but the best fit for you is the uniform that fits your body shape and meets your needs. Try to avoid choosing a uniform for the wrong reason. Fit should be your most important consideration, not cost or a prestigious brand name. Try to check the smaller companies as well. They often have a real interest in martial arts rather than the business aspect of selling uniforms, so they are happy to answer any questions regarding uniform fit.
The modern and professional European cut is the design preferred by most martial arts practitioners now. This is full length to the sleeves and pants and good length to the jacket. Double-stitched seams and strong material make it suitable for both tough training sessions and competitions. The strong cotton canvas fabric means better air ventilation around the body. It will absorb and wick more sweat, cooling the wearer faster than lighter gis.
The dense weave also means that correctly performed techniques create that audible “snap” that appeals to many martial artists.
The jacket is purposely cut to leave plenty of room through the shoulders and chest, to allow for full unimpeded range of motion, but without being too full or baggy. The pants have been designed to facilitate movement through lunges, pull-ups and high kicks without stressing the fabric.
The pants are made with an elasticated waist and include a drawstring for a closer fit.
The belts are not supplied with canvas chalk, but most vendors have them in a variety of colors.
