Keikogi
The keikogi (稽古着, keikogi? , clothing or training uniform), dōgi (道着, dōgi?, clothing or uniform of the path or teachings) or gi (着, gi?, uniform) is a term that, in the context of the arts modern martial arts (現代武道, gendai budō?) from Japan, it is used to describe the attire used during classes to learn these sports. This uniform was developed by Jigorō Kanō and was introduced in the practice of Judo from 1907, in Karate Do in the 1920s, and in Aikido in the 1930s. It was subsequently incorporated into other traditional martial arts such as kendo, ninjutsu and then in other modern ones, even non-Japanese ones.
Structure
Commonly, it consists of three elements: a buttonless jacket, called an uwagi (上着, uwagi?); a pair of pants, called zubon (ズボン, zubon?) and the belt, called obi (帯, obi?). In some cases, the use of hakama (袴, hakama?) (which is a longer, pleated culotte). The name and some characteristics vary depending on the practice of which art will be used. The color is generally the same and white in the uwagi and the zubon, while the color of the obi is different, many times indicating the level of practicing.
- Judogi, Judogi, Judo
- Karategi - Karategi
- Aikidogi Diversity - Aikidō
- Kendogi - Kendō
- Jūjutsugi - Jūjutsu
The uwagi (上着, uwagi?)
It is in the training jacket where the greatest differences are noted between the martial arts in which it is used. In Judo and in most of the Jujutsu styles, it is made on the upper part with cotton knotted at each crossing, which gives it a lot of resistance, but also greater rigidity, it also has a horizontal seam on the front, but it does not on the sleeves, as well as a finer fabric skirt at the bottom. In Karate and Aikidō it is generally made of finer cotton and lacks the front seam, but has short or sewn-in sleeves for greater mobility and less weight. In Kendō it is made with the same type of knotted cotton as in Judo, however it lacks the horizontal seam and the skirt, since it is worn inside the hakama, and the sleeves are shorter, reaching elbow height.
The left flap covers the right. This way of covering one lapel with the other is perhaps an inheritance from feudal times, where the samurai carried their katana (saber) on the left side. If they were to cover the left side with the right, the hilt would often snag the right flap when drawing, which could spell death against a fast opponent. Likewise, by covering the right lapel with the left, a knife can be hidden inside the garment, which will be quickly unsheathed by inserting the right hand under it. A label with the brand of the keikogi is often placed at the bottom of the corresponding flap.
The obi (帯, obi?)
The keikogi belt is made from a single piece of cloth folded several times lengthwise and traditionally wraps around the waist twice and is tied in front with a special very firm knot, about an inch below the navel of the keikogi. who wears the keikogi.
The color of the obi in some styles is linked to the level of learning and development of the traditional martial art in the practitioner, the colors and levels are different according to arts, federations and styles.