Martial Arts Uniforms - Getting the Right Fit

Whether you're just beginning martial arts training orcargo pants, which combine comfort with versatility.
you've been a practitioner for years, you may haveThe cargo pants are available in a variety of colors,
encountered challenges in finding uniforms that haveincluding camouflage prints, and usually have a stripe
the right fit. Contrary to the popular saying, one sizerunning down the outside of each leg.
doesn't fit all when it comes to martial arts uniforms.Mixing and Matching
Moreover, a single size might not fit correctly either.When you buy martial arts uniforms from a dojo or
After all, many of us aren't proportionate; we maydojang, you normally buy a set consisting of the
require a larger top and a smaller bottom, or vicesame size and color pants and top. Today, however,
versa. Unfortunately, though, many people - especiallythere are online sources where you can mix and
those just starting out - buy ill-fitting uniforms frommatch sizes and colors that fit both your body shape
their instructors. But before exploring the possibilitiesand your sense of style.
for well-fitting uniforms, let's look at the basics:When you purchase martial arts uniforms online, it's
Basic Martial Arts Uniformsimportant to pay close attention to the site's size
The type of uniform you need depends upon thecharts and buy tops and pants that will fit well. It's
type of martial arts training you're taking. Fornot uncommon for the best sites to carry sizes
example, karate uniforms are significantly differentranging from 000 (which would most likely fit a
than judo uniforms. In the Japanese practice of judo,three-year-old) to 12 (which would fit someone well
the judoka uses his opponent's strength against him,over six feet tall). Taking an extra moment to get
and therefore needs a thick jacket that is difficult tothe right fit will make you feel better and more
grab. For that reason, judo uniforms - or judogi -confident while practicing or competing.
typically consist of a pants and a quilted cottonIt's also important to select the proper fabric weight
jacket that is much thicker than karate jackets.for your specific martial art and skill level. A beginner,
There are also single weave jackets, which are lighterfor example, might go with a medium weight karate
and more useful in long practice sessions to preventjacket, while an experienced practitioner might need
overheating, and thick double weave jackets that area super-heavyweight fabrication.
essential for competition.If you're part of a demo team, you can easily outfit
In contrast to karate uniforms, judo uniforms, andyour entire team in their proper sizes, and find a wide
tae kwon do uniforms, which are cotton and featureselection of color schemes from which to choose.
a crossover front with a belt closure, traditional kungFinding the right martial arts uniforms is, of course,
fu jackets are typically made from silk and feature aonly one element of learning the arts. However,
front button closure. Those practicing kendo - thewhen you get the right fit, you can more easily
Japanese equivalent of fencing - usually wear aconcentrate on developing the stances, values, and
hakama and a kimono.mental preparedness that will enable you to excel.
One of the latest trends in uniforms is martial arts