Karate Gi's and Uniforms.

[Xenophon456]

I have been in martial arts for a little over three years. I started shopping for a nice gi as I have never had one of quality. I have discovered Gi's for many different things and I wonder what are the different types and what are the differences.
Example they have Gi's of all weights (light, med, heavy, 8 ounce, 14 ounce, ect), they also have gi's classified in to Kata, sparing, etc.
I also don't understand what the difference between a karate Gi and a Tae Kwon Do Gi is?

I look forward to hearing your input

Thanks.

[Prince Loeffler]

Dobahk are mostly pullover. Keikogi are wrap around.

[Xenophon456]

Thank you Price,
What about all the other nuances that go along with Gi's.

[Prince Loeffler]

There really isn't much needed in-depth understanding with the difference between the dobahk and keikogi. Rather its the arts choice of standarization. Okinawan Karate adopted the keikogi from the Japanese.

The Okinawan masters in the past trained in their kimono, work pants or sometimes in their teeny weeny fundoshi prior to adopting the keikogi.

Funakoshi Gichen modeled the keikogi after the Judogi, however he opted for a lighter fabric and loose since karate techniques were mostly punches, strikes and kicks.

As for the weight of the keikogi or dobahk, its all a matter of personal preferences from the practioner.

As for the for the differences of keikogi for the use of kata and sparring, well personally I used the same keikogi for both, others may opt for their own choice of comfort. I really don't see any other differences other than its a big marketing ploy to buy more keikogi. :D

As for the Dobahk, I was told many years ago that the pull or the v-neck was copied from the Korean's traditional dress call Hanbok. (google this and you'll see the similarity)

Another reason is that pullover is widely used in TKD perhaps that the V Neck pullover dobahk can prevent the competitors uniform from opening during the course the match. Now you know full well how annoying it would be having to fix your uniform while wearing a hogo. That's like trying to undo a wedgie while wearing a diaper..:D



Hope this helps a bit.