Black Karate Gi -8oz Poly/Cotton

Description

A complete starter gi that won’t let you down.

If you’re just starting out in Karate or Taekwondo — or if you need an affordable second uniform for your kids to train in — this is the gi that makes sense. At a reasonable price, the 8oz Poly/Cotton Black Gi comes as a complete set: jacket, pants, and a white belt included. You’re not buying pieces separately and hoping they match. Everything arrives ready to go.

It’s not a competition quality gi. It’s not built for heavy sparring every day. But for classes, grading, and general training, it’s great value, does exactly what you need it to do and we know from feedback, it will last for years.

Why black?

In many Karate and Taekwondo clubs — particularly ITF Taekwondo and some Karate styles — black gis are worn by instructors or senior students. If your dojo requires a black uniform, this gives you a clean, smart-looking option without spending big. It also hides wear and minor staining far better than white, which matters if you’re training multiple times a week.

What the fabric actually means for training

Poly/cotton is a practical choice for everyday training uniforms. The polyester in the blend keeps the fabric’s shape wash after wash — you won’t be fighting a gi that’s gone limp or misshapen after a few months. The cotton side of the blend lets air through, so you’re not training in something that traps heat against your skin.

At 8oz, this is a lightweight fabric. That’s genuinely useful when you’re doing high kicks, fast combinations, or long sessions in a warm dojo. Heavier canvas gis (like our 12oz or 16oz options) are more durable and feel more substantial, but they’re also warmer and stiffer — especially when new. This one moves with you from the first wear.

The fabric also needs minimal ironing. Poly/cotton doesn’t crease badly, so a quick shake out of the wash and hang dry is usually enough to keep it looking tidy.

Construction details worth knowing

The seams use heavy-duty double stitching. This is the first place a cheap gi fails — the stitching gives way at the shoulder or under the arm during a throw or stretch. Double stitching holds up significantly longer, especially on a lighter fabric like this.

The jacket is cut generously through the shoulders and chest. That matters for Karate and Taekwondo because both styles need full arm extension — whether you’re chambering a punch or setting up for a stepping side kick. A jacket cut too tight through the shoulders will restrict you every single time.

The pants have a full gusset — the extra panel sewn into the crotch area. Without a gusset, high kicks and deep stances tear seams or just feel wrong. With one, you can front kick at head height without your pants fighting you. The waist uses an elasticated band plus a drawstring, so you can get the fit right regardless of your build.

Who this gi is right for

This is a great fit if you’re:

• New to Karate or Taekwondo and want a complete, affordable first uniform
• Buying for a child who’s likely to grow out of it before wearing it out
• Looking for a spare gi to rotate while your main one is in the wash
• Training in a style that requires a black uniform

If you’re training seriously — competition Karate, heavy contact sparring, or daily sessions — you’ll eventually want a heavier canvas gi. The 12oz or 16oz options will last longer under that kind of punishment. But for the majority of club training, especially for beginners and younger students, this gi is perfectly suited.

Sizing guide

This gi uses a dual sizing system: the first number is a general size, the second is an approximate height in centimetres. So a size 3/160 suits someone around 160cm tall. Use the height guide as your starting point — it’s more reliable than guessing by general size alone.

Sizes available: 000/110, 00/120, 0/130, 1/140, 2/150, 3/160, 4/170, 5/180, 6/190. The same price applies to all sizes.

Poly/cotton doesn’t shrink dramatically, but wash in cold water and air dry to keep the fit consistent over time. Avoid the dryer — heat will cause some shrinkage and can break down the fabric faster.

If your child is between sizes, size up. A gi that’s slightly long can be rolled at the cuffs, but one that’s too short will look wrong and restrict movement within months as they grow.

Care instructions

Machine wash cold. Air dry — don’t tumble dry. Minimal ironing needed. Wash the gi after every training session; damp fabric left in a bag is the fastest way to shorten its life and develop odour that’s hard to shift. Quick tip: dry in the shade to prevent fade.

What’s included

• Black karate jacket
• Black karate pants
• White belt

Note: The white belt is included for beginners. If you already have a coloured belt, you won’t need it — but it’s there if you do.

Specifications

• SKU: BPCKGIP
• Weight: 8oz poly/cotton fabric
• Colour: Black
• Includes: Jacket, pants, white belt
• Sizes: 000/110 to 6/190
• Stitching: Heavy-duty double stitching at seams
• Waist: Elastic + drawstring
• Pants: Full gusset
• Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
• Shipping weight: 1.2kg
• Price: $35.00 AUD (same for all sizes – may be subject to change)
• Suitable for: Karate, Taekwondo, not suited to grappling styles.

Key features

• Complete set — jacket, pants, and white belt included
• Lightweight 8oz poly/cotton — cool to train in, easy to care for
• Double stitching at all key seams
• Full gusset in pants for high kicks and deep stances
• Generously cut through shoulders and chest for full arm movement
• Elasticated waistband with drawstring adjustment
• Minimal ironing required
• Nine sizes from 000/110 to 6/190
• Same price across all sizes
• Free shipping on Australian orders over $150

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this gi come with a belt?

Yes — it includes a white belt. If you already have a coloured belt from grading, you won’t need the white one, but it’s included for beginners who are just starting out.

Is this gi suitable for competitions?

It depends on your competition rules. For most club-level competitions and gradings, it’s fine. However, if you’re competing at a higher level where specific gi standards apply, check with your association first — some competitions have weight or construction requirements that a heavier canvas gi would better satisfy.

How do I choose the right size?

Use your height as the primary guide. The second number in the size (e.g., 160 in 3/160) represents approximate height in centimetres. If you’re between sizes, go up — a slightly longer gi is easier to manage than one you’ll outgrow in a few months.

Will this gi shrink if I wash it?

Poly/cotton doesn’t shrink significantly, but to keep the fit consistent, wash in cold water and air dry rather than using a dryer. Heat is what causes shrinkage and breaks down the fabric over time.

Is this suitable for BJJ as well as Karate?

It’s listed as suitable for Karate, Taekwondo, and Jiu-Jitsu. For casual BJJ training and drilling it will work fine, but serious BJJ training involves a lot of grabbing and pulling on the collar and lapels. A purpose-built BJJ gi with reinforced collar construction will hold up better for regular BJJ training.

How does this compare to the heavier canvas gis in your range?

The 8oz poly/cotton is lighter, cooler, and easier to care for — ideal for everyday training, especially for children or beginners. The heavier canvas gis (12oz, 16oz) are more durable and feel more substantial under pressure, which experienced practitioners tend to prefer for long-term training. If budget is a consideration and you’re not sure how long you’ll stick with it, start here. You can always upgrade.