1-Which type of Karate gi should you buy ?

There are two types of Karate uniforms:

Kumite gi : Used for Kumite (sparrings) and training. The kumite gi tends to be very flexible and does not have any snap in it.

Kata gi : Used for Kata (choreographed form). It is usually heavier than the kumite gi. And since it is used for Kata and demonstrations before a crowd, the kata gi tends to be more luxurious and more elegant than kumite gi.

Kata gi has generally a short cut in sleeves and pant cuffs. In opposition, Kumite gi has a longer cut.

2-What types of Karate gi in a tournament ?

Kumite uniforms used for international tournaments have to be approved by the (WKF) World Karate federation, the governing body of sport Karate.

Unless you are an international competitor, don’t worry about this, just buy any Karate gi which suits your training needs.

3- Are Karate uniforms all the same weight ?

There are 3 weight categories for a karate gi :

-Lightweight: 5oz to 7oz (140 to 200g) usually used by novices and kids.

-Middleweight: 9oz to 13oz (255 to 368g) This is the weight most students regardless of their ranks use in their day to day training and their Kumite.

-Heavyweight: 13oz to 17oz (368 to 481g) This weight is almost exclusively worn in demonstrations before crowds by higher ranked masters and instructors. Since this karate gi is heavy it does not have practical purposes, and it is not used in competitions.

Always take into consideration the kind of climate you are training at. If you are training in a warm climate then go for a lightweight, if you are working out in a cooler climate then go for a heavier weight.

4-The feel

One of the most important things in a Karate gi is that you have to be feeling comfortable while wearing it. You will be punching and kicking, so you need to feel comfortable while doing so. You don’t want to hear a tear in your pants while trying to do a split on the floor!

Good Karate gi pants will never make you adjust them before kicking high, they should be naturally flexible, allowing every kind of stance and kick.

5-Groin area

Make sure that the pants have solid material in the groin area to endure the high kicks and splits. Also, note that the groin area must have enough space for the groin protector.

6-Pant Cuffs

Pant cuffs should never be dangling on the floor risking you to trip and fall. Always make them above the ankle by 7 to 10 cm .