Karate Uniform Orange

The Origin of Karate Gi

There are no records of karate gi in historical documents from the Ryukyu Kingdom era. In photographs taken before the Pacific War, most practitioners practiced karate bare-chested. In the 1929 publication "An Overview of Karate Techniques," Kiyama Chōtoku mentioned that the purpose of practicing bare-chested was to strengthen the skin's resilience. However, during Emperor Hirohito's visit to Okinawa in 1921, during a martial arts demonstration at the main hall of Shuri Castle led by Yō Yōjin, practitioners were seen wearing white shirts while practicing martial arts.

The modern karate uniform was first created in 1922 by Funakoshi Gichin during a demonstration at the Kodokan.

He purchased white cotton fabric from a store in Kanda and personally sewed the uniform, drawing inspiration from the style of judo uniforms. This is the earliest recorded karate uniform in historical documents. In 1934, an advertisement for karate uniforms was published in "Karate Research," and sales began in the early Showa period. Due to the differences between karate and judo, people gradually improved the karate uniform, resulting in the design we see today.

How to Choose a Karate Uniform

Those who practice karate likely place a high value on their uniforms, but how should one choose the right one? Here are a few suggestions:

Since karate is an intense martial art with high sweat output, the wear and tear on uniforms is quite significant. Issues like sweat stains, tears, and damage from washing can occur. Therefore, beginners should not invest in overly expensive uniforms for practice. If financially feasible, it is advisable to have two sets: one for practice and another for formal occasions.

For practice uniforms, choose breathable, lightweight, and easy-to-clean styles. The whiteness of the dye does not need to be too intense, as this makes the uniform more durable and easier to clean.