Difference Between Competition & Practice Judo Uniforms

Martial arts is not a cohesive industry with uniform rules. Different arts and organizations have different rules when it comes to the uniforms they wear. However, judo's status as an international sport has kept different programs relatively uniform when it comes to standards. Specifications about the "judogi" worn during practice and in competition is one example.

History

The roots of judo are as ancient as any martial art, but the sport was founded in the 1880s by Dr. Jigoro Kano. Judo competition flourished in Japan and became the first Olympic martial art at the 1964 Games in Tokyo. Because many judo techniques involve grasping clothing, the rules for competition set specific guidelines to make certain that clothing worn by judokas was uniform to ensure fairness.

Style

A judogi resembles the traditional uniforms of other traditional Japanese martial arts. It consists of a pair of loose-fitting pants with a jacket, held on with a colored belt that represents rank and expertise. Unlike the light karate uniforms, however, judogis are heavily reinforced. The jacket is quilted to withstand the regular pulling and wrenching it receives during training, and the pants have extra layers sewn into the knees so they don't wear through from groundwork.

Practice Gis

In most cases, judokas practice while wearing a gi with white pants and jacket. The white color is part of the martial arts tradition and is expected to be kept clean and washed. The rank belt will be approved or awarded by the head instructor of a school, according to how long the student has trained and the techniques he has demonstrated with competency.

Competition Gis

In judo play, one competitor wears a white gi and the other wears a blue gi. This helps judges and scorekeepers keep track of two athletes roughly the same size rolling around on a mat. The white gi may or may not be the same gi the judoka wears during practice. Individual judo organizations will have specific rules as to the thickness and adornment of competition gis, rules which may or may not be enforced when practicing at your club.