Different Types of Gi and Dobok for Martial Arts

Choosing the right uniform—whether it's a gi or a dobok—is essential for anyone practicing martial arts. Each martial art has its own specific uniform designed to meet the unique demands of its techniques. Even within a single martial art, there can be differences depending on your rank or whether you're training or competing. This guide will help beginners understand the key differences in uniforms for Judo, Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Taekwondo, Aikido, and Japanese Jujitsu, so you can make an informed decision.

Judo Gi: Club Gi vs. IJF/Competition Gi

Club Gi:

• Material & Weave: Club gis are typically single-weave, making them lighter and more affordable. They are ideal for regular training sessions, providing comfort and ease of movement.
• Purpose: These gis are great for beginners and those who practice Judo recreationally. They are easier to care for and sufficient for everyday use.

IJF/Competition Gi:

• Material & Weave: Competition gis are usually double-weave, which makes them heavier, more durable, and better suited to withstand the rigors of competitive Judo. The thicker material provides resistance against an opponent's grip.
• Regulations: For official competitions, especially those sanctioned by the International Judo Federation (IJF), your gi must meet specific requirements regarding fabric, fit, and color (typically white or blue). These regulations are strictly enforced to ensure fairness.
• Cost: Due to their specialized construction and adherence to competition standards, IJF-approved gis are generally more expensive than club gis.

For more information on Judo gi regulations, visit the International Judo Federation.

Karate Gi: Club Gi vs. WKF-Approved Competition Gi (Kata and Kumite)

Club Gi:

• Material & Weave: Club gis are made from lighter materials, typically a cotton or polyester blend, providing comfort and mobility during regular practice.
• Purpose: These are suitable for beginners and everyday training, offering enough durability for practice without the added features needed for competition.

WKF-Approved Competition Gi:

1. Kata Gi:

• Material & Design: Kata gis are heavier, made from a thicker cotton fabric, designed to produce a snapping sound that emphasizes the precision and power of techniques.
• Fit: The tailored fit with shorter sleeves and pants helps to enhance the visual impact of Kata performances.

2. Kumite Gi:

• Material & Design: Kumite gis are lighter and made from breathable fabrics that allow for quick, unrestricted movement, which is essential for sparring.
• Fit: They are designed to be slightly looser to maximize mobility during fast-paced sparring matches.

For more detailed information on the differences between Kata and Kumite gis, visit the World Karate Federation or check out this in-depth guide on the subject.

BJJ Gi: Club Gi vs. Competition Gi

Club Gi:

• Material & Weave: Club gis are usually lighter, often made from single-weave or pearl-weave fabric. They are designed for comfort during regular training sessions.
• Purpose: Ideal for beginners, these gis provide ease of movement and are practical for everyday use without the added weight and cost of a competition gi.

Competition Gi:

• Material & Weave: Competition gis are heavier, often made from double-weave or gold-weave fabric, providing enhanced durability and resistance against grips.
• Regulations: These gis must adhere to strict rules regarding color (usually limited to white, blue, and black) and fit, as set by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). The heavier material and compliance with specific measurements make competition gis more suited for official events.

For more information on BJJ gi regulations, visit the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

Taekwondo Dobok: ITF and WT – Understanding the Differences by Rank

ITF Dobok

1. Student Dobok (Color Belts): Typically plain white with minimal decoration, featuring the school's emblem and ITF logo. The collar is white, indicating a color belt student.
2. 1st to 3rd Dan Black Belt Dobok: Includes a black collar and black piping along the sleeves and pants. This design is strictly for 1st to 3rd Dan black belts, differentiating them from both color belts and higher-ranked black belts.
3. 4th to 6th Dan Black Belt Dobok: Features additional black trim or embroidery, signifying an advanced rank. Only practitioners at this level are permitted to wear this style of dobok.
4. 7th Dan and Above: More elaborate, often featuring custom embroidery or colored trim, signifying mastery and high status within the ITF.

For more details on ITF regulations, visit the International Taekwon-Do Federation or the ITF Taekwon-Do Sport.

WT Dobok

1. Student Dobok (Color Belts): Typically plain white with a white collar, similar to the ITF, and focuses on simplicity and functionality for training.
2. Black Belt Dobok: Features a black v-neck collar. There is less variation among black belt ranks in WT compared to ITF, but higher ranks might have additional insignia.
3. Competition Regulations: WT-approved doboks must adhere to specific guidelines, particularly for international competitions, ensuring uniformity in color, fit, and design among competitors.

For more information on WT regulations, visit World Taekwondo.

Aikido Gi: Traditional vs. Modern Styles

Traditional Aikido Gi:

• Material & Design: Similar to a Judo gi, Aikido gis are generally made from heavy cotton to withstand the rigors of training, especially the frequent throws and falls that are a hallmark of Aikido practice.
• Fit: The gi is designed to allow freedom of movement, with reinforced stitching at the shoulders and sleeves to handle the stress of training. The jacket is typically longer and looser to facilitate smooth rolling and falls.

Modern Aikido Gi:

• Material & Design: Some Aikido practitioners prefer a slightly lighter gi, especially in warmer climates, while still retaining the necessary durability for practice. These modern variations are made to be more breathable and comfortable during long sessions.
• Purpose: While traditional gis are preferred for formal training and demonstrations, modern gis are often chosen for everyday practice due to their comfort and ease of movement.

For more information on Aikido gi guidelines, visit the International Aikido Federation.

Japanese Jujitsu Gi: Traditional Gi

Traditional Japanese Jujitsu Gi:

• Material & Design: The gi is typically heavier and more durable, similar to a Judo gi, but often with additional reinforcement to accommodate the varied techniques used in Jujitsu. It usually features a thick collar and reinforced seams, particularly around the shoulders and chest.
• Fit: The gi is designed to be loose enough to allow for the full range of motion required in Japanese Jujitsu, but also strong enough to withstand throws and grips.

For more information on Japanese Jujitsu, refer to the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF).

Glossary

1. Gi: The traditional uniform used in Japanese martial arts.
2. Dobok: The traditional uniform used in Korean martial arts.
3. Weave: The pattern in which threads are interlaced to create the fabric.
   • Single-weave: A lighter, more breathable fabric construction.
   • Double-weave: A heavier, more durable fabric construction.
   • Pearl-weave: A lightweight yet durable weave, popular in BJJ gis.
   • Gold-weave: A medium-weight weave, balancing durability and flexibility.
4. IJF: International Judo Federation
5. WKF: World Karate Federation
6. IBJJF: International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
7. ITF: International Taekwon-Do Federation
8. WT: World Taekwondo
9. Kata: Forms or patterns of movements in martial arts
10. Kumite: Sparring or fighting practice in martial arts
11. Dan: A rank designation for advanced practitioners, typically black belt level

Comparison Table

Martial Art	Uniform Name	Training Uniform	Competition Uniform	Key Features	Governing Body
Judo	Gi	Single-weave, lighter	Double-weave, heavier	Reinforced collar and knees	IJF
Karate	Gi	Lightweight cotton/poly blend	Kata: Heavy cotton Kumite: Lightweight, breathable	Kata: Snapping sound Kumite: Loose fit	WKF
BJJ	Gi	Single or pearl-weave	Double or gold-weave	Reinforced stress points	IBJJF
Taekwondo	Dobok	White with school emblem	ITF: Rank-specific design WT: V-neck for black belts	Loose fit for high kicks	ITF or WT
Aikido	Gi	Heavy cotton, similar to Judo	Same as training	Longer jacket, reinforced shoulders	IAF
Japanese Jujitsu	Gi	Heavy, durable construction	Same as training	Reinforced collar and seams	JJIF

There are many more martial arts styles and uniforms beyond those covered in this article. If you have any questions about which gi or dobok you require, please feel free to give us a call, and we will do our best to help you find the martial arts uniform that suits your needs.