Students of any particular school, generally wear the same type of clothes, and hence their clothes are known as a school uniform, as the term “uniform” signifies “sameness”. Because all martial artists wear the same martial arts uniform in a dojo, and therefore, in this sense, a gi may be considered as a martial arts uniform. Nonetheless, besides uniformity, a gi also represents many other notable aspects. Pacific Sports offers high-quality gi in various fabric weights, materials, sizes and colours, to suit practitioners of different martial arts.
Origin
The origin of the gi is a matter of debate among scholars. Generally, it is accepted that the term “gi” is a short form of the term “keikogi”, where “keiko” signifies practice and “gi” signifies clothing. It may also come from a “dogi”, where “do” means way and “gi” means clothes. So, broadly, a “gi” means “practice clothes” or “clothes for the way”. A gi consists of a jacket (uwagi), pants (shitabaki or zubon) and a belt (obi). The belt is purchased separately depending upon the colour of belt required. Pacific Sports also offers belts of all colours made from premium cotton fabric.
Evolution
The traditional Japanese clothing is a kimono, and based on the style of a kimono, Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, designed a judogi or judo practice clothes for practicing Judo. Over time, the gi underwent several modifications to adapt the needs of different martial arts. For example, in karate, the heavier fabric of a judogi that suited grappling, was replaced by a lighter fabric that suited agility, and the gi came to known as a karategi. Likewise, the gi evolved into different cuts, fabrics, and lengths, to suit the needs of different martial arts. This evolution of a gi still continues, for example, a popular gi jacket is where the two separate lapels of the gi jacket are fused into one shirt like design, as found in a dobok (do=way, bok=clothing) used in Taekwondo.
Tradition
Since a gi has strong influences from the Japanese traditional kimono dress, it preserves and continues Japanese tradition. It also shows that martial artists practicing traditional Japanese martial arts like karate, kendo and judo, value the Japanese tradition.
Symbolism
As a martial arts uniform, a gi symbolizes that the person wearing it is a practitioner of a Japanese martial art. Generally, the gi is worn only inside a dojo; however, students feel a sense of pride while wearing it even outside, generally while running in a group on some road, or giving some demonstration in a public place.
Rank
The rank of a martial artist is largely indicated by the colour of the belt; nonetheless, nowadays, the colour of the gi may also show the rank. A white gi indicates purity, learning, and humility; hence, it is worn by all martial artists from the beginner to the most advanced. Sometimes, a blue gi is also worn to indicate an intermediate rank, while a black gi might indicate an advanced rank. A red gi may symbolize some specific style or some advanced mastery. Other colours or combinations of colours may also be used by wearers of karategi, judogi, jujutsugi, kendogi, and aikidogi.
Pacific Sports Gi
Due to the excellent features and outstanding benefits of a Pacific Sports gi, practitioners of martial arts like karate, judo, jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, and BJJ from all around the world wear it with complete satisfaction.
- Pacific Sports gi is the first choice of martial artists, amateurs and professionals alike, from all around the world.
- Extremely functional, which is its prime consideration.
- Provides unhindered and full range of motion, so you can smoothly practice different combinations of kicks, punches and blocks.
- Available in different weights from 8oz to 18oz and in a variety of sizes, so whether you are a beginner, intermediate or an advanced student, there is always a gi for you.
- Reinforced stitching at the collar and edges of the jacket, so it does not tear while you practice grabbing, throwing or rolling techniques. The pants are gusseted to easily enable any type of kick, especially high kicks or flying kicks. An elasticated waistband with an internal draw string ensure that the pants fit you perfectly.
- Maintained very easily and can be washed either by hand or by a washing machine.
- Highly durable and lasts a very long time, as the fabric used is cotton, canvas, or a blend of cotton and polyester.
- Made to exact specifications required by traditional martial arts dojos.
- Shows that you are a decision maker as by wearing it, you have decided to follow the traditional way of journeying on the path of your chosen martial art.
- Demonstrates that you are committed to the values of your martial art be it Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, or Jiu-Jitsu.
- Displays your intense focus to excel in your training, as when you wear a Pacific Sports gi, it helps you to become more focused and you can concentrate more in your training session.
- Tells others that you are a team player and stand united with the team.
- Makes you become a part of a larger worldwide martial arts community who always choose to wear a Pacific Sports gi.
- Proclaims that you are giving respect to the martial art, to your seniors and to your juniors. By giving respect to others, you also get respect from others, and in this manner, you ultimately become a respectable martial artist.
- Available in traditional white color, and black or blue colours. Always ask your instructor as to which color gi should you wear in the dojo or in competitions, as generally there are rules about the color of a gi that can be worn.
- Available in all sizes. Whatever may be your height, weight, or fitness level, there is always a Pacific Sports gi for you. Check out the size charts below to find your correct size.
Pacific Sports quality
All products sold at Pacific Sports undergo rigorous testing. Numerous gyms and martial arts schools of Australia and the world, rely on the Pacific Sports quality for tough and long-lasting products, which includes uniforms, jackets, pants, belts, shoes, rash guards, compression wear, protective wear and training gear. Additionally, products offered on sale carry this same high quality but with drastically reduced prices. Moreover, if the monthly newsletter is subscribed, then an additional 10% discount is also offered.
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