Types of Martial Art Uniforms

Martial art uses uniforms to indicate rank. Uniforms also offer the ability to practice techniques without sleeves and pants getting in the way. Regular street clothing will not hold up to the pulls, grabs and falls involved with martial art training. The uniform is also used to make everyone feel as being part of a unified group.

Tae Kwon Do

Tae kwon do uses a do bok. This consists of loose-fitting pants, a V-neck top and a ranking belt.

Karate

The karate gi is similar to the tae kwon do do bok. It has a wraparound top that covers the waist, and pull-on drawstring pants.

Samurai

The traditional practice uniform of the Japanese Samurai sword arts is the hakama and keiko gi. Hakama are loose-fitting pants, almost balloon-like, and keigo gi is a heavy top.

Judo

Judogi, the judo uniform, is very similar to the do bok and the gi. The three parts are a loose-fitting top that wraps around and ties closed, pull-on pants and a ranking belt.

Colors

Color is used to indicate rank. Many forms of martial arts require training ranks to wear white. A black uniform is reserved for black belts, or advanced practitioners.