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The importance of wearing a gi

In martial arts like Taekwondo, Karate, BJJ, and Judo, a uniform is known as a "gi". The design of a gi has its roots from traditional Japanese attire and it consists of a jacket, pants and a belt. The importance of a gi lies in the fact that it is both functional and symbolic. [...]  read more

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How to wear a Gi

A gi (also known as a dogi, or a keikogi, loosely translated as "practice clothes") is a uniform that is worn to practice traditional martial arts like Taekwon-Do, Karate, Judo, BJJ, and other martial arts. They are designed for providing comfort, while allowing for a full range of motion, so that dynamic movements involving stances, punches, kicks and other martial exercises, can be easily executed. A gi comprises of pants (known as "shitabaki"), a top that is wrapped around (known as "uwagi"), and a long fabric belt (known as an "obi"). The belt holds the top and also shows the skill level attained by the practitioner. [...]  read more

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Must-haves for a martial artist

A martial artist may practice Taekwondo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ, Muay Thai or MMA, but there is always a need for the following essential and indispensable must-haves. A well-fitting gi that is comfortable, allows full-range of motion, absorbs sweat effectively, and is also long-lasting, is certainly a must-have. Pacific Sports offers excellent gi for Taekwondo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, and BJJ. A wide, long belt is a must-have. Besides showing the level of skill, a belt also functions to hold the jacket in place and protect vital pressure points of the body. Pacific Sports offers superb belts of all colours and also black belts specially made from premium cotton. [...]  read more

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Great Gi = Tough Training

A gi, besides being a visual statement of the level of skill attained, the martial art practiced, and its associated culture and style, also needs to be functional and comfortable. Even if an appropriate functional gi is worn, yet it needs to be comfortable, as an uncomfortable gi distracts attention and reduces performance. A great gi has a great fit, creates a great state of mind, has a great jacket, has a great pant, has a great belt, and has several great characteristics. A great gi is compulsory for tough training and thereby, it enhances performance in martial arts like Taekwondo, Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and BJJ. Every gi of Pacific Sports is a great gi. [...]  read more

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Consumer satisfying attributes of a gi

A study by Perry, A. & Lee, J. (2017) has found that consumers were satisfied with their current gi because of its quality, fit, and comfort. Whereas, while buying a new gi, they looked for functional and aesthetic attributes. Quality of the gi is a prime consideration. A high quality gi is durable, sewn well, should be fitting and be available in your chosen colour, fabric, and size. The stitching of the gi should be of high quality so that while performing complex techniques, it does not tear, especially at pressure points areas. Pacific Sports gi have heavy-duty double stitching at the seams. A full gusset in the pants allows room for deep stretches and high kicks without pulling at the seams. Gi made for Jiu Jitsu or BJJ, feature extra stitching at the knees, to enhance durability of the fabric. [...]  read more

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Enclothed cognition can improve performance

Wearing an attire that is suitable for a given task, increases the performance of that task. If you have just joined a martial arts class, then wearing a lightweight 8oz cotton white gi can motivate you immensely. If you have enrolled for an ITF Taekwon-Do class, then you should go for an 8oz Cotton V-neck white gi which has ITF logo in front and "Taekwon-Do" print on the back. Wearing a gi with the suitable weight, while practicing martial arts increases your dedication and this results in your throwing powerful punches and blazing fast kicks. As you progress and receive higher colored belts, you can go along with 12oz, 14oz, 16oz and 18oz gi. [...]  read more

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Various identifying aspects of a gi (martial arts uniform)

Any uniform is a dress code, whose primary function is identification. The usage of a uniform, as a means of identification, may be broadly classified as general identification and specific identification. A general identification occurs when the uniform denotes belongingness to a particular group or social entity. For example, schoolchildren wear a particular uniform that identifies their belongingness to a particular school. Likewise, different professions have different identifying uniforms. For example, a gi (martial arts uniform) identifies a martial artist, a white overcoat identifies a doctor, and a police uniform identifies a person serving in the police force. [...]  read more

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Does the colour of a uniform affect performance in sports?

In the past few years several studies have been done on the topic of how colour of a uniform can affect an athlete's performance in sports. Some studies argue that a white coloured uniform is disadvantageous in competitions; while some studies state that a superiority effect is achieved if the uniform is red; whereas other studies opine that aggression is increased if the uniform colour is black. [...]  read more

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Sewing a patch on a martial arts uniform (gi)

Patch of "Pacific International Taekwondo"

Martial arts uniforms have different names in different martial arts, for example, in Taekwondo it is known as a "dobok", and in Karate it is known as a "dogi". Nonetheless, a kimono-style top with pants and a belt is commonly known as a "gi". A gi is available in various colours and sizes. Most martial arts schools have a patch of their own, which needs to be sewn on the gi. Sewing a patch can be done by hand or by a sewing machine. The process of sewing is simple and it consists of three stages, namely before sewing, sewing and after sewing. [...]  read more

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Washing a Gi (Martial Arts Uniform)

Martial arts like Taekwondo, Karate, Aikido, Jiu-Jutsu and Judo use a uniform that is known as a Gi, which consists of a jacket, pants and a belt. Since there are different coloured belts, a Gi is usually sold with only the jacket and the pants, while the belt has to be purchased separately. Training in martial arts is rigorous and thus, the Gi gets soiled with dirt, dust, odour, and sweat. Therefore, the Gi must be washed and following washing instructions enables the Gi to last a long time. Washing usually consists of three phases, which are pre-washing, washing and post-washing. [...]  read more

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Common weaves of a gi

Common weaves of a gi. What is a gi? A traditional martial arts uniform that is used to practice Japanese martial arts and its derivative forms, is known as a "keikogi" (keiko, roughly translated as "practice", and gi, roughly translated as "dress or clothes"). A keikogi is also known as a keikoi, or a dōgi. [...]  read more

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Martial Arts Uniform Sizes Guide

When you are looking for your first martial art uniform you need to understand how the sizing of martial arts uniforms works. You need to know you’re buying a uniform that gives you the room to move comfortably in your style of martial art, so you can carry out every stretch, kick or jump that you need to without feeling restricted – or hearing that dreaded ripping sound! At the same time, you also want to know if the uniform is going to shrink and if so by how much. [...]  read more