Karate Gi – Lightweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight Karate Gi
The gi is an essential part of any martial artist’s training. It is not just a uniform, but an embodiment of the discipline, dedication and respect for oneself and others that martial arts are all about. A good quality gi is not only durable and strong, but also very comfortable to train in. This is especially important when you are pushing yourself to your limits during sparring or kata practice.
The first gi was developed in the late 1800s for use within the Japanese martial art of Judo. The founder of the art, Jigoro Kano realized that traditional Japanese kimono were too thin and lightweight for grappling based martial arts like Judo. He took inspiration from the clothing worn by firefighters at the time, which were made of thicker material to be more durable and withstand heavy grappling training. The resulting gi was designed to be very durable, with a sturdy canvas fabric and large sizing for comfort.
Since then, the karate gi has become an integral part of both judo and karate, with precise specifications for weight, size and style of gi being required for competitions. The gi is often the only item of uniform that an athlete will own throughout their entire martial arts career, so it needs to be able to stand up to rigorous training and competition.
In order to meet the demand for tough karate gis, manufacturers have developed a range of different gi fabrics that vary in durability, thickness and weight. These gi fabric types include lightweight gis, which are usually around 6oz or 8oz and are used by beginners or children. They are typically a bit more expensive than the heavier karate gis because of the lighter materials.
Middleweight gis are often around 10oz to 12oz and are preferred by more advanced students because they are a little more durable than the light gis. They are often considered the ideal gi for competitions as they give a nice “snap” sound when performed correctly during kata and provide a lot of durability.
Heavyweight karate gis are usually between 14oz and 16oz and offer a much more durable and rugged construction than the mid-weight gi. These gi are typically made of a thicker cotton and are more durable than the lighter gis because they have a stronger weave. They are also more expensive than the middle-weight gi because of the higher material cost, but they are well worth the investment for any serious martial artist.
These high-quality, Heavyweight Karate Gi from Hayashi are made of premium duck or brushed canvas cotton and feature a classic Okinawan cut. They have a lovely roomy feel to them, are triple stitched and in some areas even have seven rows of stitching for extra strength. They are very comfortable to train in and when maintained with the right care (see our washing guidelines) will last a long time. This makes them the perfect gi for committed martial artists who want a top-quality, durable gi that will stand up to rigorous training and competitive events.
