Your gi pants should be snug, but not overly tight. You don’t want them to fall down while you’re sparring or practicing kata, but you also don’t want them to bite into your waist and cause discomfort. Some newer gi pants have both an elasticated waistband and a pull-style drawstring for a more custom fit. [2] X Research source
If your uwagi has ties along the lower portion, knot the one on each lapel to the one on the opposite hip to hold the top together during practice. [4] X Research source
There are several ways to tie an obi, and different dojos sometimes use different methods. If you’re having trouble tying your belt or aren’t sure how to wear it correctly, ask your instructor for help. [7] X Expert Source Frank BlaneyCertified Tai Chi & Qigong Instructor Expert Interview. 28 September 2021. If your belt has any other design elements on it, like colored ranking stripes or the name of your school in embroidery, start with them on your left side so that they’ll end up on your right side. [8] X Research source
This simple adjustment will ensure a full range of motion for punches, high blocks, and other hand techniques. Be careful not to lean too far in either direction. Doing so could result in a sloppy, bunched-up look, or even cause the bottom hem of your uwagi to pull free of your belt.
You can also gently untuck the material at the front and back of your uwagi by hand, if you prefer. Take a moment to make sure that each part of your uniform is neat, symmetrical, and properly tied before you step onto the mat.
Avoid gis with bright colors, fancy patterns, or elaborate detail work unless your instructor tells you it’s okay to wear them. These sorts of uniforms are generally only worn for demonstration purposes. You won’t need to worry about choosing a gi yourself if your dojo supplies its students with uniforms, as many do.
Where as ordinary kumite gis usually weigh somewhere between 9 ounces (260 g) and 13 ounces (370 g), kata gis can weigh as much as 17 ounces (480 g). This extra weight will produce a nice snap when you execute certain techniques.
The cuffs on a pair of shitabaki should come down no lower than your ankles, while the sleeves on your uwagi should fall just short of your wrists. Consider going one size up if you like a more relaxed fit or want to be able to put your gi through the dryer for more convenient cleaning. [13] X Research source
Ideally, you’ll want to select a light-colored undershirt that fits close to your body and isn’t long enough to be visible beneath your gi if it happens to come untucked. The thin, white fabric used to make karate gis has a tendency to become partially see-through when soaked with sweat. For this reason, it’s a good idea to pass up shirts with logos or slogans that may not be appropriate for the dojo.
Get your instructor’s permission before you cover your uwagi with patches. Not all schools allow modifications like patches, pins, or ranking stripes. [15] X Research source Patches can be used to indicate advanced or in-between ranks, show off special distinctions, or simply lend a sense of flair.
You can also hang-dry your shitabaki and uwagi if you want to minimize wear-and-tear or you’re worried about either piece shrinking. A dingy, smelly gi isn’t just offputting to the people around you—it dishonors the spirit of karate.
