KARATE ATTIRE or KARATE UNIFORM
Judo founder, Jigoro Kano devised the Gi/Uniform and the Obi/Belt that is presently used in traditional karate schools. Jigoro devised his Judo Gi based on Kimono attire but more comfortable and durable for grappling use.
The basic karate attire that was adopted from Judo attire is called keikogi or karate Gi. Karate Gi is made much lighter that Judo Gi for more mobility.
Karate uniform consist of 3 parts - top jacket (called Uwagi), a bottom pants (called shitabaki) and a belt (called Obi). Traditional karate uniform is made in white color.
Some schools of karate break from tradition and use black color Gi, there are other schools use many other colors but white remains favorite color of tradition karate.
The basic karate attire that was adopted from Judo attire is called keikogi or karate Gi. Karate Gi is made much lighter that Judo Gi for more mobility.
Karate uniform consist of 3 parts - top jacket (called Uwagi), a bottom pants (called shitabaki) and a belt (called Obi). Traditional karate uniform is made in white color.
Some schools of karate break from tradition and use black color Gi, there are other schools use many other colors but white remains favorite color of tradition karate.
|
Karate Gi in resent times have evolved from the those Karate Gi used during the karate formation years. Karate Gi pants and tops were much shorter than it is nowadays. Karate belts (Obi) too have evolve. The length of the belts have become longer. Different styles of Karate prefer slightly different look in their uniform.
Karate Gi used in competition too vary. Karate Gi for Kata competition are generally heavy and made of cotton. The Gi produce nice sound when preformed snappy techniques. Karate Gi for Kumite (sparring) competition normally are made of light weight and thinner fabrics with less noise when techniques are performed. There are some medium weighted Gi which is used for both Kumite and Kata practice. |
KARATE BELT - OBI
Initially its been said that only two colors were used for the karate practitioner's belt (Obi). White (Shiro) for juniors and Black (Kuro) for senior and masters. Then Brown (Chiro) was introduced to indicated intermediate level.
Karate belt system varies from martial arts school to school. Usually for beginners it starts with white belt. Followed by few color belts such as yellow, green, purple and followed by brown belt then finally black belt.
Some styles of Karate uses slightly different color sequence.. some even include orange and red color belts.
Some schools uses red or red-white belt for their top level masters. Most styles don't use red at all, except for competitions.
In Kumite competitions generally, only 2 clour belts are used. One is Blue belt (Au Obi) and Red belt ( Aka Obi).
Karate belt system varies from martial arts school to school. Usually for beginners it starts with white belt. Followed by few color belts such as yellow, green, purple and followed by brown belt then finally black belt.
Some styles of Karate uses slightly different color sequence.. some even include orange and red color belts.
Some schools uses red or red-white belt for their top level masters. Most styles don't use red at all, except for competitions.
In Kumite competitions generally, only 2 clour belts are used. One is Blue belt (Au Obi) and Red belt ( Aka Obi).
KURO OBI (BLACK BELT)
KURO OBI ( few years of abuse)
|
KURO OBI ( my Kuro Obi after 9 years of use)
|
