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The Gi - the traditional karate uniform

Like many other sporting activities, karate requires a special karate uniform which is called Keikogi or Karate-gi.   Most often it is called “gi”.   The Bend Karate Club wears white gis.  Gis may be purchased through the club at range from $15 and up.  Until you have a gi, wear loose fitting clothes such as sweatpants and t-shirt.

We train barefoot, so please your feet are clean and toenails are clean with no jagged edges.

The karate-gi or uniform should always be clean and in good repair.  Gi specifications must adhere to Japan Karate Association (JKA) regulations in the interests of safety and practicability.  The use of old, torn or dirty karate-gi is undignified and improper.  If it becomes shabby or torn, have it mended before it is used. A karate-gi becomes soiled very quickly.  When this happens, it must be laundered.  A grimy, dirty Karate-gi is also a sign of improper training.

The cleanliness of one’s karate-gi is a sign of a good karate practitioner.  If one trains daily or several times a week,  the gi will become soaked with perspiration.  Proper airing and drying is therefore required after each training session.  Do not keep the gi rolled up in a ball or folded up until the next practice, but hang it up in an airy place were it can dry.

It is better to buy a Karate-gi and keep it as a personal piece of equipment rather than to borrow someone else’s gi.  It is well to own at least two gi in order to allow rotation between use and the laundry.

Stripping off the jacket while in the dojo is never done, unless specifically directed by the instructor for purposes of some training objective.  Laxity in wearing the gi is inexcusable.  Close and adjust the obi (belt) prior to all salutations for practice, contest or meeting other karate exponents.

The use of indiscriminate markings, emblems, etc., on the gi is to be avoided.  The gi should not be used as a signboard; it should be kept free of unnecessary decorations.  This does not include the properly authorized insignia, properly worn.  One’s name can be embroidered or lettered on the obi (belt) at one end, and on the gi at the bottom end of the lapel on the outside surface, so that the name may be seen by the instructor.

It is not necessary to wear anything under the gi, the less one is hampered, the better their karate will be.  T-Shirts or other garments should not be worn under the jacket.  This practice, for men and boys, is considered improper and should be discouraged.

Females should wear a white T-Shirt or a white work-out top beneath the jacket.  Another alternative is to sew a pair of ribbons near the top of the gi, so as to be able to tie it closed. Pins should never be used.

Karate is traditionally performed barefooted. Under special circumstances of injury or foot fungus, a protective covering in the form of a bandage or stocking may be worn, though it its use should be discontinued as soon as possible. The use of socks for formal karate training is not recommended since the slippery surface provided will most certainly lead to serious injury in the performance of fast movements required in many techniques.