When beginning fighting styles classes, one of the primary questions that students or parents of students will often have is “what sort of uniform do I or my child need”? In this article we will go through and examine many of the various advantages and disadvantages of the different weights, sizes, and styles of uniforms on the market. Before we start however, I would like to mention that article is going to be focusing mainly on Karate gi’s.
First we’ll discuss different weights of uniforms. Typically you will find three weight classes for your karate gi. These are light-weight, middle weight (sometimes called medium wieght), and high weight. The easiest and fastest method to describe what these make reference to is that they describe the density and thickness with the materials used to produce the uniform. This also directly affects the physical weight with the material too.
The lightweight uniform could be the thinner of the three classes. The material itself typically breathes a little better plus moves well using the body giving less resistance. Also, fundamental essentials cheapest when it comes to cost. To students 16 years or under I will generally suggest the lightweight uniforms. Children within that population continue to be growing usually and so their sizes changes often. You also can’t ever tell whether or not a young child that young will always be using the class for a month or perhaps a few years. This cuts the expenses down for parents and/or students and since younger students are learning basic skills like balance and coordination, this uniform will likely serve them better by providing less resistance physically while practicing. The drawback just 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 wind up replacing their uniform more regularly.
The middleweight (mediumweight) uniform is really as the name implies. It is a slightly heavier material that is a extra durable but nonetheless breathes fairly well and provide less resistance compared to the heavyweight gi. Most times I will recommend this uniform to new students ages 16 or higher. The cost is still reasonable and yes it provides the older student with better durability so they really replace them less often. This is an excellent option for most novice practitioners within the arts. The drawbacks are similar to the lightweight for the reason that these will likely be more prone to wear and tear under heavy training, but to the average student who only trains a couple of hours per week and determine if this is going to be your life long endeavor this is a great choice that will serve them well.
The heavyweight uniform is made from a thick almost canvas like material. It’s physical weight is heavier and thus it creates more resistance while training before the material continues to be worn and stretched, at which point it will end up more at ease. Students also usually feel more “hot” and will generally sweat more simply because that material doesn’t breathe at the same time as the other two. I recommend the heavyweight gi to adult students who’re ages 18 and up and who’re planning on prolonged training. I also suggest that instructors stick to heavyweight.
Although if someone else is teaching his or her own class chances are they must have a great thought of what to buy and what their preferences are. While this weight sounds bulky and uncomfortable, they have many redeeming features. It will save money ultimately must be good heavyweight gi takes at the very least a few years or higher under heavy training. The likelihood of these components tearing while being pulled, stretched, or simply generally abused is small at best. After used and worn to get a while the pad will end up convenient and can begin to seem like and old friend.
When choosing which uniform/gi to buy, the scholars as well as instructors should look into these items.
1.cost
2.day of practitioner
3.duration and intensity of training.
As far as sizes go, I would try to find sizing charts from whatever company you are planning to generate the purchase from since both size and quality can vary from manufacturer to an alternative. Typically though, gi’s are sized by way of a mixture of height and weight instead of waist size, inseam, etc. being a normal set of pants can be.
I sincerely hope this helps several of you fighting styles enthusiasts around. My any suggestion on this subject is…when going to make purchases of the nature, invest some time to make informed and educated decisions. This will help you save a lot of money and frustration which leaves additional time and capability to enjoy your training.