How to fold a Gi in a traditional Japanese way?

A gi can be folded in many ways; however, traditionally in Japan it is folded either in a rectangular/square way or a round/circular way.

In Japan, these methods are known as:

• Shikaku oritatami gi (shikaku=square, oritatami=folding/folded, gi=martial arts uniform)
• Nagashikaku oritatami gi (nagashikaku=rectangle/rectangular)
• Marui oritatami gi (marui=round/circular).

Generally, martial artists in Japan, fold their gi in any of the above ways.

Why fold a gi?

Folding a gi before and after training preserves the weave of the fabric and makes the gi last a long time. Simply dumping the gi in the training bag will create creases, wrinkles and those areas will ultimately tear under stress. A gi should always be folded in whichever way is most suitable to you; however, traditionally it can be folded in two ways, namely rectangular/square or round/circular, with the belt keeping the folded gi intact. It also occupies less space in the training bag and in the absence of any bag, you can very comfortably simply hold it in one hand.

How to fold a gi?

1. The pants are placed on any flat surface.
2. The left side is placed over the right. In Japan, if a person is alive, then the right side is taken first, and then the left side is taken. This applies to all traditional dresses of Japan like a kimono, hakama, gi, etc. So, while wearing a gi, the right leg side of the pant is worn first, which is followed by the left leg side of the pant. Similarly, while folding the pants of a gi, the right side is placed underneath the left side.
3. The gusseted crotch is folded neatly over the pants.
4. The jacket is then placed on any flat surface.
5. Again, the right-side lapel of the jacket comes underneath the left-side lapel of the jacket.
6. The folded pants are placed on the center of the jacket.
7. The bottom of the pants is then folded to come inside the length of the jacket.
8. The right arm of the jacket is placed on the body of the jacket.
9. The extending right arm of the jacket is then folded to come inside the body of the jacket.
10. Likewise, the left arm of the jacket comes over the right arm of the jacket.
11. The extending left arm of the jacket is then folded to come inside the body of the jacket.

At this point, the gi can be folded either in a rectangular/square fashion, or in a round/circular fashion.

Rectangular/square fashion

12. Complete the above-mentioned steps 1 to 11.
13. Then from the bottom, make three folds to make a rectangular fashion or two folds to make a square fashion.
14. Tie the folded gi with the belt. Again, tying the belt can be done in various ways and you can employ any way that suits you best.

Round/circular fashion

12. Complete the above-mentioned steps 1 to 11.
13. Then from the bottom, roll the gi upwards towards the collar of the jacket.
14. Tie the rolled gi with the belt in any way that you find suitable.

Outstanding features and benefits of Pacific Sports gi

—Pacific Sports gi provides unhindered movement. A martial artist has to practice punches, kicks, blocks, and stances, which all need to be executed smoothly and fast, without any hinderance from the attire. A gi provides enough room, so that the body can move without any hinderance. The jacket is loose enough to perform powerful punches or blocks; the pants are loose enough to perform all types of kicks, including lightning-fast spinning kicks; and the belt is tight enough to keep the jacket in place during all these movements.

—Pacific Sports gi enables a full-range of motion. In order to execute complex movements like combinations of punches and kicks, the body needs to move with a full-range of motion, which a gi enables easily.

—Pacific Sports gi comes in different weights. The weight of the gi can be light, medium or heavy. The weight is due to the fabric, which is measured in ounces (oz). A gi weighing 8-10 oz is light in weight, 12-14 oz is medium in weight, while 16-18 oz is heavy in weight. usually, a light-weight gi is worn by beginners, a medium-weight gi is chosen by intermediates, while a heavy-weight gi is preferred by advanced practitioners.

—Pacific Sports gi has reinforced stitching. The collar and the edges of the jacket feature reinforced stitching, so that grabbing, rolling, or throwing can be accomplished without the gi tearing at pressure point areas. Similarly, the pants are gusseted and have elasticated waistband with an inner drawstring for a perfect fit.

—Pacific Sports gi is easy to wash. Every training session is intense and the gi absorbs a lot of sweat and dirt. Therefore, after every training session, the gi should be washed. Dedicated martial artists practice daily, and so they keep two or more gi, which enables them to wear one gi while the other is being washed. Washing can be done either by hand or by a washing machine.

—Pacific Sports gi lasts a long time. The fabric of the gi is made of cotton, canvas, or a blend of polyester and cotton. The fabrics have different weaves, come in varying weights, and all last an extremely long time.

Pacific Sports Gi Sizes

All gi from Pacific Sports are made from the highest quality fabrics, have reinforced stitching and last a very long time. Please check out your size from the chart below.

Pacific Sports quality

All products sold at Pacific Sports undergo rigorous testing. Numerous gyms and martial arts schools of Australia and the world, rely on the Pacific Sports quality for tough and long-lasting products, which includes uniforms, jackets, pants, belts, shoes, rash guards, compression wear, protective wear and training gear. Additionally, products offered on sale carry this same high quality but with drastically reduced prices. Moreover, if the monthly newsletter is subscribed, then an additional 10% discount is also offered.

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