Karate-gi (aka Keikō-gi)
A keikō-gi ("training clothes"), and in the case of karate-do, specifically a karate-gi ("karate clothes") is the fundamental item that participants in our karate classes must acquire as soon as possible after enrolling in class. The karate-gi consists of three parts: the uwagi (jacket), zubon (trousers), and obi (belt).
Although newcomers may participate in class for up to two months wearing normal, loose fitting workout clothing, a karate-gi is required for participation after that, and no participant is eligible for promotion in rank unless and until he or she has acquired a karate-gi conforming to AAU and Seishin-Kan standards.
AAU and Seishin-Kan
Karate-Gi Standards:
• The gi must be plain white, with no piping,
stripes, or other decorations. For children who are still growing, we recommend
acquiring a karate-gi that is one size too
large for the child and using seamstress tape or
tack-stitching to hem the sleeves and trouser legs until
the child grows into it. Otherwise, children tend
to outgrow their karate-gi long before the end of its useful life. The cost of a karate-gi can vary greatly according to
its size and quality. A lightweight karate-gi
suitable for beginners can be purchased new for $30.00
to $40.00 in most cases. We
recommend that beginners start with a lightweight gi, and
upgrade to a more durable heavyweight gi upon
reaching sankyū (3rd kyū) brown belt. Heavier-weight
karate-gi
that are better suited to long-term training or
tournament competition can range anywhere from about
$50.00 in children's sizes to over $200.00 for a
top-of-the-line gi for a large adult. Most adult
karate-ka can find a high quality, highly
durable karate-gi for about $75.00. Participants' karate-gi must be kept clean, in good
repair, and odor-free. Anyone with an excessively
dirty, damaged, or malodorous gi will be
prohibited
from class participation.
• If desired, a Seishin-Kan,
JKI, or AAU membership patch
may be affixed to the upper-left side of the uwagi
(jacket), approximately over the heart.
• The uwagi sleeves must extend to at least half
the length of the forearm, but not beyond the bend of
the wrist.
• The bottom of the uwagi must fully cover the
buttocks, but no more than three-quarters of the thigh.
• The zubon (trousers) must cover at least
two-thirds of the shins, but not extend below the ankle
bones.
• Neither the sleeves nor trouser legs may be rolled up
(must have a sewn or securely taped hem).
• The ends of the tied obi (belt) must hang at least 6
inches (15 cm) below the knot, but not lower than the
top of the knee.
• Female participants must wear an all-white t-shirt or
sports bra beneath the uwagi (jacket).