Judo Suits
About Judo Suits
Are you thinking about adding a few judo sessions to your training schedules? Good idea by all means, as there is hardly a grappling martial art that can stand up to judo. That said, remember that judo is an art in itself, and there are certain principles and traditions that you need to uphold while performing it. One such essential thing is the judo uniform. The judo suit or a judogi is quite different from others in terms of cuts and design.
Judogis or judo sports suits are somewhat similar to karate uniforms as both of them have the same origin. Moreover, judo suits are one of the first modern martial arts training uniforms. Over the years, the shape, size and fit of the uniform have evolved to a great extent. The sleeves and pants have been lengthy, and the material and fit have changed. Also, the traditional unbleached cotton material has turned to white, and blue judogis have become available. Nevertheless, the uniform is still close to that used 100 years ago. Usually, a judo suit comprises three different parts: a heavy jacket, lighter canvas pants and a cotton belt. Due to the nature of the practice, they usually come in denser stitches and double layer knee patches to provide durability.
Judo suits – All you need to know!
Japanese judo kimono, also known as the judogi, is the traditional uniform that judokas (judo practitioners) wear. For judo competitions, the judokas must wear the judo suit according to the IJF rules of judo. These rules help prevent the judoka from gaining an advantage by wearing an improperly sized judo suit, usually smaller or bigger. A referee can disqualify a Judo competitor for their kimono for not obeying the size requirements. The referee may also check your uniform by using an official measuring device called the Sokuteiki. This is the reason that you need to be well aware of the rules and regulations. You also need to understand the technique to wear these judo suits to master this art.
The names of different parts of a judo uniform
Each part of the judo suit has a name. This often precedes a technique name. Therefore, if you are an ardent learner of judo, then you must memorise them. There are two names given to the collar area, namely, the collar rear – for the backside of the collar and the collar side for the front. The lapel is usually the name given to the area of the neckline, and they are generally thick. You can divide the sleeves into sleeve rear, mid-sleeve and sleeve opening. There is also a belt that helps hold your upper jacket in place. The belt usually has a front and a rear side. They typically come in different colours and are assigned according to their rank. For example, there is a black belt for the 1st-5th degree, red and white for the 6th-8th degree and read alone for the 9th degree.
Wearing the judo clothing and tying the belt
Wearing judo clothing has its style and must be followed in detail for maximum performance. To wear the uniform, you must first put on the lighter canvas pants, then the heavier jackets and then, at last, the belt. To tie the belt correctly, follow these steps: First, place the belt at the centre in the front; you should then wrap it around your body with the two ends of the belt crossing at the back. Now, bring the two loose ends to the front and make the first knot/tie. Once you have made the first tie, go for the second one so that the belt’s ends are facing towards the sides. Once you’ve put your knot in place, pull the ends tight so that they will not easily loosen. With all the tugging and pulling, tying the belt is essential.
Understanding the folding technique of a judo suit
Every apparel has a folding technique, and so does this judo suit. You must fold a judo uniform in the following sequence. You need first place the pants on top of the tunic. Once you are done with that, wrap both sides of the tunic towards the inside to cover the pants. You can then fold them in half in the centre and again repeat it to fold in half again. To keep them in place, you can tie the folded uniform with the belt to secure it. This always ensures that your uniform stays neatly folded. Moreover, they ease your job of unfolding the outfit when you need to use it the next time. Also, this method of folding allows for secure storage. Moreover, it helps you to maintain your uniforms in good condition for a longer period.
Features of judo suit that give you advantage
Certain fundamental features give a judo practitioner a tactical advantage. For example, the weight of the judo suit determines how easy it is to grip, and it can also decide on how many extra pounds you need to cut down on. A lighter Gi is easier to grip. Apart from this, the fit is also of prime importance, especially when you are wearing the judo suit for competitions. Usually, it is suggested to get the tightest fit for competitions; this helps in presenting the fewest possible grips to your opponents. Other factors, such as lapel thickness, also play a vital role in creating that perfect judo uniform. This is because if the lapel is too thin, it might probably cut into your neck, causing discomfort and allowing easier choke setups. Also, the softness of the uniform matters to a great extent.
Tips on how to buy Judo Suits online
Buying a judo suit online in UAE can sometimes be a daunting experience. This is because there are so many parameters that you need to pay attention to. Your brain can hurt when it comes to, such as the amount of information. Well, the goal of our buying advice is to make your Gi shopping easy as a breeze. Buying the wrong one will turn your training sessions into a nightmare. Here we are trying to help you find the best judo uniform that will completely fulfil your needs.
- Know the size – The size of the Judo Gi is immensely important. The correct size of your judo suite enables you to control your opponent, grab him and keep your legs flexible. On the other hand, if you wear judo suits that are too big for you, you might lose balance and fall during the training sessions. There is an excellent universal scale that explains how you should choose your judo uniform. By the way, your weight is equally important.
- Look for an extra grip area – Ensure that the uniform that you choose is more comprehensive and has an extra grip on the sleeves that come in durable materials. Remember that a judo suit usually is thick; this is because you have to grab your opponent correctly if you want to learn how to throw. Which why, when you enter a judo competition with BJJ Gi, the judges forbid you to compete. So be warned.
- Understand the country of origin – Just like Muay Thai, the best judo uniforms come from the country of their origin, which is Japan. The Gi that comes from China or some other countries may also be of good quality, but they are best only for beginners or recreational practitioners. However, a judo suit from Japan gives out better performance. It costs you more, though.
- Assess the thickness and durability – When it comes to the thickness, there are two types of judo suits. There are thinner ones, which you can use for your training sessions during the summer months, and there are thicker and stronger ones that you use for competitions. There are also Gis that come as single weave and double weave. The double weave offers more quality, unlike the single.
- Look for comfort – The best way to know whether your judo suit is comfortable or not is to put it on. Well, you can do that if you opt to purchase offline in a store. But if you are going for an online judo store, then look for their size and fit details. Also, consider the style and cuts. Look for their seams. A hefty price doesn’t always mean good quality. So, check thoroughly before placing an order.
- Go for the branded ones – Always go for the branded ones. They might cost you slightly more than the others but will also guarantee you the best quality. You will also get a uniform that has high durability and enables you to give out elite performances with ease.
- Know the colours – Unlike other uniforms; you can only wear a white or blue judo suit in the competition. However, there are some models in different colours that you can use for your training sessions. But it is usually advised to get these professional judo suit colours to practise in the right way.
A proper uniform and a piece of ideal judo equipment is the most critical factor. It is also a necessity for those who have to take part in any martial arts. It is essential that the one that you choose is comfortable and is made by the standard sports federation so that you can use them in competitions. If you are truly going to learn judo and develop those crazy grips, then you need to spar with a judo suit on. You need to get the hang of it to perform well in competitions further ahead in your judo career. We hope this guide helps you get through.
Question & Answer
Are judo and karate suits the same?
The apparel functionalities play a vital role in influencing the wearer’s performance. Specific quality indicators such as sewing, reliability, durability, quality and shrinkage may significantly affect the wearer’s actions. The same is the case with karate and judo uniforms. Both these forms of martial arts use different techniques, which is why their uniforms are also slightly different. The judo suits typically have thicker and stronger seams to withstand the opponent’s grip. Such is not the case with karate suits.
Why are some judo suits blue?
The judo uniform came into being in the 19th century. This was when the colour white was considered to be the traditional colour for pants and jackets. It was in the 1980s that the colour blue became prevalent for the judo suit. The purpose of the blue Gi is to distinguish one opponent from another during a match. In contrast with the white judo suit of the opponent, the wearer of the blue Gi makes it easier for the judges, spectators and referees to keep track of which contestant is which.
Are judo suits supposed to be tight?
For competition purposes, it is usually suggested to go for the tightest fit of the judo suit. This helps in presenting the fewest possible grips to your opponents. This, in turn, increases your performance. However, in some rare cases, people prefer a baggier fit. The reason for this is that the baggy fabric will provide you with extra grips on your clothing . You can use this against your opponents. However, always get one for yourself that fits you perfectly and makes you feel comfortable.
Are judo suits comfortable?
Judo suits, unlike any other suits, are usually comfortable. However, this level of comfort entirely depends on many factors and features. For example, the weight of the judo suit is critical when looking out for a comfortable judo uniform. Because it determines how it is to grip, other factors such as cut/fit, fabric, lapel thickness and softness of them play a vital role in offering you the comfort you need in a perfect judo suit. Therefore, always consider these primary factors before you buy a judo uniform. Come check out the extensive collection of high-quality cheap judo Gis from brands such as Adidas and Mizuno, all at Shops.ae, a unique shopping search engine .