Although fashion trends affect what we wear for many sporting activities, there has been very little change in traditional martial arts uniforms for many years. Why change what is perfect? And you won’t find anything more perfectly comfortable to wear than a good quality canvas martial arts gi. Okay, it may not be the fanciest outfit, but martial artists generally focus more on the state of their techniques than 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, absorbs tons 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 stand up to that kind of treatment, but the toughest of them all are the 16oz and 18oz weight uniforms. And they are getting harder and harder to find. The 12oz and 14oz medium weight canvas karate gis are stocked at most martial arts supply stores, but there is much less demand now for the 16oz and 18oz heavyweight uniforms, so that fewer distributors have them ready for sale.
Unsurprisingly, heavyweight karate uniforms are exactly what they say, heavy and this is why they are often described as being for experienced practitioners. Most canvas uniforms are now made from cotton canvas, so although it is a strong, closely woven fabric, it is comfortable to wear, soft against the skin, not scratchy or prickly as you might expect it to be. sit 18 oz canvas. They also get better with wear and washing, so the older your heavyweight karate uniform gets, the more comfortable it becomes.
All companies believe their uniforms are the best cut, but the best 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 brand name recognition. Try to check smaller companies as well. They often have a real interest in the martial arts rather than the business side of selling uniforms, so they are happy to answer any questions regarding uniform fit.
The modern and professional European cut is the preferred design 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 durable 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 gi’s.
The dense weave also means that techniques performed correctly 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 a full range of motion without hindrance, but without being too full or baggy. The pants have been designed to ease movement through lunges, stretches and high kicks without straining the fabric.
The pants are made with an elastic waistband and include a drawstring for a more snug fit.
Belts are not supplied with canvas chalk, but most vendors have them in a variety of colors.
