Karate is a form of martial arts practiced by the community that seeks to balance the body and mind through training in various fighting techniques. Of course, such a community would require a uniform or uniform to denote a sense of belonging to a common cause or order. but, What is the karate uniform called?
Karate uniform is called ji (ghee). Traditionally, according to Japanese culture, it is referred to as “Do-gi” or “keiko-gi”. Or you can simply call it karate gi.
This thick, non-absorbent, breathable cotton costume has a lot going for it, aside from keeping you comfortable while looking just like Bruce Lee.
It has different parts, each designed to provide the comfort you need while training. Also, there is a specific way to clean and handle clothes. So it does not go away easily.
Read on as we dig deeper….
Parts of Karategi
There are three main parts of karategi, which are:
- UWAGI or tunic (uniform top)
- customer or trousers (undergarment)
- belt
Notes – jacket
This is a cotton crossover top that forms a V shape once closed. Also known as the top outfit.
The reason they are so large is to ensure less restriction of upper body movement. Such as rotating the arms and twisting the waist and the freedom to throw punches.
Parts of UWAGI:
Sode – is the arm sleeve. It covers the rest of the user’s arm from the wrist down to the fist.
Sodeguchi – This cuff sleeve. Exposing the wrist and fist.
when – This is a part of UWAGI that covers the user’s armpit.
Meguro – push back
We are – This is a UWAGI lapel (crossover jacket). It is located on both sides of the jacket. The left side is pulled out from the other side for installation.
Customer’s parts:
This is the bottom of the karategi. Just as the UWAGI is roomy for easy body movement, so is the Zubon. It is designed in such a way as to allow enough leg movement to meet the various leg positions and kicks offered by Karate.
Oisoto – This is the customer’s waist area (trousers). It’s made of cotton and will stay comfortable before and after a tight fit.
slim – It is located around the user’s thigh area. They are stretchy enough to perform high kicks and powerful leg stops without snagging or causing discomfort.
do it – These are the strings. It can be found a few inches below the armpit. And along the waist. They used to associate karate gi.
stock – This part covers the user’s knee.
they Covers the user’s legs.
released – Trouser cuff
Obi belt
This is not necessarily the case in all karategi. In fact, high-quality gi lack this feature. But when it is present, it acts as a lock or an indicator of rank. For example, white belts indicate that a person is a beginner.
How to maintain karategi
A good-looking karate student will be respected. It is a virtue that shows discipline in art. You could say it is also part of your training.
Here are some tips to keep your gi fresh, clean and impressive:
Always clean your gi immediately after working out
Whether it’s winter or summer, after every session you’ll definitely be sweating. Your sweat contains bacteria that will be absorbed into the cotton. This process will result in stains and odors. And so you start to rot your Gi.
With this fact in mind, you should be careful enough to know that express washing is not negotiable.
Note: Do not reuse an unwashed method.
Don’t waste time!
If you leave your gi bench after a workout without washing, it will develop an unpleasant odor that can be very difficult to get rid of.
To avoid this from happening, you need to constantly remind yourself to clean your Gi. Set a closing hour reminder on your mobile device if you have to.
Make sure it is dry
Wearing wet gym clothes is not only annoying but also very risky. You also leave yourself vulnerable to bacteria. It is best to hang the bell in the presence of natural sunlight.
This will take some time but if your environment is very humid it may take at least a couple of days for it to dry. If this is your case, then you should consider buying more karategis in this case.
Note: Another alternative is to use a sensor dryer. But don’t let it go too far, as you may end up with a shrunken gi.
Wash your belt
This is a necessary practice so that it does not smell bad and lose its color. When washing an obi belt it is best to wash it separately. So you don’t end up giving your UWAGI and zubon color.
Also, avoid washing your belt frequently as UWAGI and zubon must.
Note: Before washing the belt, be sure to soak it in salt water for a while and then rinse it properly. This technology is bound to ensure that your belt will retain its color for a very long time.
How to clean your Gi
Step 1Leave it to soak in the washing machine for 20-25 minutes. It must be cold water. Why? Hot water can shrink ing.
Step 2Add fabric bleach and stain remover if the stain and odor persist.
Step 3: start the washing machine!
How to fold a Gi
You don’t want to leave your look wrinkled and unkempt. Here are several steps to properly folding a karategi:
How to fold a digestive jacket
The first step
Post it.
Find a wider flat surface or just use the floor. Then spread the gi on the surface with the sleeves pointing in their (opposite) direction. This should be done with the back of the UWAGI (jacket) facing the flat surface or floor.
The second step
After you’ve rolled out the jacket, choose one of the sleeves and take a section (about a quarter) of the jacket’s torso so you can fold it over the other sleeve.
Note: At this point, you should clean off the stuff that’s stuck to the casing.
Third step
Once you have completed the last step, fold the sleeve back in such a way that it returns to itself. While you’re doing this, repeat the same process for the other part of the sweater.
The fourth step
The next step is to make two more folds from the bottom of the torso area to the top. In the end, your UWAGI should be a perfect square.
How to fold a customer (pants)
The first step
Place the client on a flat surface or on the floor. Next, brush it until it’s flat enough. Then fold the customer in half and bring one side to the other.
The second step
In this step, fold the pants in half at the top. Then make three more folds. So it will appear wrapped.
Third step
Put your jacket over your pants, then tie them together with your belt. (if it comes with one).
What to avoid when washing your Gi:
Do not wash your gi with other colored clothes
If you end up doing this, the whole karategi may be given a new color. Especially if corrosive detergents (bleach) are used. So it is better to clean it separately.
Don’t use bleach unless you can manage it properly
Bleach is very powerful and if not used effectively, your clothes can be ruined.
Do not use hot water to soak it. Your GI will shrink
Hot water would seem reasonable. But it’s a risky solution as you could be left with a shrunken gi. Thus, cold water is the ideal alternative for safe washing.
The karate legend
No cleaning
Sometimes people can be so obsessed with having that seniority that they decide not to wash their body. This behavior arose from urban legends that karate belts should not be washed. And so others went to extremes and decided not to wash Gi at all.
The truth: practices like this will only make you look terrible. Smells may drive other members away.
Conclusion
Now you know karate clothes have several names such as do-gi, keiko-gi and simple karategi. Each of them has its own interpretation but they share the same meaning.
Also, apart from the names, you now know all of its parts and how to preserve it, as well as the misunderstandings regarding karategi. All so you can understand its importance and take care of yourself.