| While the study of karate has been practiced for | | | | karate uniform is designed to reach all the way to |
| centuries, the modern karate uniform (karategi) is | | | | the ends of the arms and legs. A tournament cut |
| a relatively new creation. The easily recognizable | | | | uniform is designed to leave the forearms and the |
| uniform can trace its origins to Master Kigoro | | | | much of the shin exposed. The tournament cut is |
| Kano, founder of Kodo-kan Judo in the late 19th | | | | made to help reduce the risk of tripping and other |
| century. The karategi is an adaptation of the | | | | interfering aspects of a traditional cut. |
| uniform designed by Kano. | | | | The history of the karate belt, or Obi, has many |
| The standard karategi is made from a white | | | | myths associated with it. Many legends suggest |
| cotton canvas material. The thickness of the | | | | that there is a deep, mystical philosophy behind |
| material can vary greatly, but uniforms made | | | | the different colored Obi that are used in the |
| from at least 10-14oz cotton canvas are | | | | ranking system. The truth proves to be much |
| recommended. The heavier material is better | | | | more practical in nature. |
| suited to the rigors and strains associated with | | | | The colored belt ranking system was first |
| karate training. It is also much more effective at | | | | introduced in the study of Judo as a means of |
| absorbing perspiration, helping to maintain a cooler | | | | grouping students into similar levels of ability. The |
| body temperature during training sessions. | | | | system was soon after adopted by practitioners |
| Karate uniforms are made of three pieces of | | | | of Karate. The belts become darker as you |
| apparel; a jacket, pants and a belt. The jacket | | | | progress because each level originally required you |
| (Uwa-gi) and pants (Zubon) are designed to be | | | | to re-dye your belt, with the resulting color |
| comfortable and loose fitting to accommodate a | | | | always being darker than the previous. |
| high level of movement. The belt (Obi) is worn | | | | The karate uniform has become an internationally |
| both as a symbol of rank, and to help keep the | | | | recognized symbol of the martial artist. Like the |
| jacket closed. | | | | martial arts in general, they are an ideal blend of |
| There are two common types of karategi; | | | | form and function. |
| traditional cut and tournament cut. A traditional cut | | | | |