How to Select your First Karate Gi

Choosing your first karate uniform can be a confusing affair, especially if you are unfamiliar with the sizes and requirements of the clothing. This guide is aimed at providing those new to karate uniform a few simple pointers when selecting their first karate gi.

Karate gi's are manufactured in different weights to suit the needs of the style of martial art and the wearer's personal preference.

Choosing your karate uniform: Size

Choosing the correct size is the most important factor when buying your first karate gi. Avoid purchasing a gi that fits perfectly when you first try it on because it will shrink after being washed. Almost all 100% cotton and canvas karate gi's are manufactured with a shrinkage allowance, so they seem too big before washing but shrink to the correct size after washing.

Choosing your karate uniform: Weight

The lightest weight karate gi is manufactured in 6oz cotton or poly-cotton, being so light and thin it tends to stick to the wearer's body as it absorbs sweat so it can become uncomfortable.

The most popular weight of cotton karate uniform for beginners whether adult or child is the 8oz cotton gi. It's also good as a regular training uniform for anyone that doesn't want the extra weight and stiffness of a canvas gi.

A good quality close weave 8oz cotton has some substance to it and is comfortable for energetic training. It absorbs sweat and breathes leaving the wearer feeling cooler; it also looks neat and wears well.

When you want something heavier it's time to check out canvas.

Most canvas is derived from cotton so it will be labelled by weight and 100% cotton, for example...'14oz 100% cotton' but it's definitely canvas and you'll feel the stiff nature of the material, unlike the softer feel of cotton.

A benefit of canvas karate gi's is that they all become more comfortable with wear and washing.

12oz and 14oz are the most popular weights for vigorous training with 12oz being the lighter. These absorb sweat without sticking to the body, they provide the attractive 'snap' that everyone likes and give the wearer a more proficient appearance.

The heaviest gi's are 16oz and 18oz. 16oz is a medium to heavyweight and 18oz is definitely an extra heavyweight gi. These are recommended for experienced practitioners and instructors or anyone looking for a tough long-lasting karate uniform that will stand up to some serious training.

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A Guide to Buying Taekwondo Shoes

So you’ve made the commitment to pursue Taekwondo as your chosen martial art, fantastic. No doubt you will have attended a few taster sessions and are now looking to purchase your own taekwondo gear. You will need a uniform, relevant protection and of course some Taekwondo shoes, but if you are unfamiliar with Taekwondo gear; it can be difficult to choose the right shoes.

This is a short guide on how to go about selecting your first pair of Taekwondo shoes.

Why Buy Taekwondo Shoes?

There are many martial arts, particularly Japanese, which require no footwear to practice. Karate, Judo, Aikido and Jiu-Jitsu are amongst those that require only a two-piece gi and bare feet. This is because most of your training will take place on a Tatami mat. However, in Taekwondo, most of your training could take place on hard wooden surfaces such as in a gym or sports hall. With this in mind there are a number of resons to buy Taekwondo shoes:

1. Protection – as mentioned, venues for Taekwondo clubs are as varied as the people who attend them, some are well provisioned sports halls, but others can be nothing more than a hired room in a church or local hall. This means the floors can present hazards due to their varied use. Shoes will protect you from splinters, stones etc.
2. Hygiene – any location where bare feet are the norm carry the risk of infection spreading, fungus and skin conditions can easily be picked up at a weekly taekwondo class.

Choosing the Right Taekwondo Shoes

Taekwondo shoes should be light and comfortable, if you're buying them specifically for training then check they meet the requirements of your school before you go ahead and buy them as some schools prefer students to purchase directly from them.

• The basic points to check when buying Taekwondo shoes are:
• The design and shape of the shoe - look for a design that fits snugly so it stays secure during training yet is quick to slip on and off,
• Check for soft flexible shoes, made of good quality materials, preferably leather. The shoes need to be pliable for quick action footwork yet hard-wearing for rigorous training,
• Well-made shoes with strong stitching to take the constant impact of bag and pad work,
• Good quality non-slip soles with a pivot point for fast pivot action when needed,
• Comfortable fit - shoes can vary in size depending on the brand so check the actual measurements of the shoes as well as the size marked on the shoe.

Click here to browse our selection of Taekwondo Shoes