Karate Uniforms

The japanese term for uniform is 'gi' pronounced "gee".

Uniforms come in different brands and different weights of material. 100% cotton canvas is the preferred material. You have a choice of sizes 000 to 8 with material weights:
lightweight - 6 oz canvas, $30 - $40
mediumweight - 8 or 10 oz canvas, $50 - $60
heavyweight - 12 or 14 oz canvas, $70 - over $200

Uniform Sizing Chart
 Uniform Size  Clothing Size  Height  Weight
 000  Child 2-4 3' - 3'5" 30 - 40lbs. 
 00  4-6 3'5" - 3'10" 40- 55lbs.
 0  6-8 3'10" - 4'3" 55 - 70lbs.
 1  8-10 4'3" - 4'8" 70 - 90lbs.
 2  10-12 4'8" - 5'1"  90 - 110lbs. 
 3  Adult Small 5'1" - 5'6" 110 - 140lbs.
 4  Medium 5'6" - 5'11"  140 - 170lbs.
 5  Large 5'11" - 6'2" 170 - 200lbs. 
 6  X-Large 6'2" - 6'5"   200 - 230lbs.
 7  XX-Large 6'5" - 6'8"  230 - 260lbs.
 8 XXX-Large  6'8" - 6'11"  260 - 290lbs.
Half Sizes are available too, such as 5 1/2.

The heavier the material the longer it lasts. Most beginners feel uncomfortable in the heavyweight canvas, but many advanced people prefer it for look and durability. Heavyweight canvas is sometimes available in "brushed" cotton or "cut" cotton which is softer.

Experience has shown that most uniforms have a jacket which is too short. Many people buy a half size larger and have the pants and sleves tailored, cutting off about 2 inches. This is also known as a "tournament cut". It makes it slightly more difficult to grab an opponent's uniform who has shorter sleves.

Popular brands include:
Pine Tree (my current favorite, made in Korea)
Tokaido (made in Japan and expensive)
Shureido (great stitching) tend to run a size big, i.e. if you normally take a 6, a 5 would probably fit.
Kamikaze
ProForce
Tiger Claw
Adidas

Local retail shops

Golden Glove
3447 El Camino Real (Near Lawrence Expressway behind car wash)
Santa Clara, CA
(408) 243-2533

Nichi Bei Bussan Nb Kimonos-Martial Arts
140 Jackson St
San Jose, CA 95112-5105
(408) 294-8048
Hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri

Red Stores
206 South B Street (cross street is 2nd)
San Mateo, CA
650-347-9059

Bujin Design
Bu Jin Design took shape in Florida, in 1976, by Hiroshi Ikeda, after he moved from Japan to study and teach aikido.

General on-line stores

Other Opinions