Are you considering taking up a martial art? If yes, then it is important to know the attire you will need to practise that specific martial arts discipline. Let’s take a look at the uniforms required to practise the most popular martial arts styles.
1. Judo
Judo is a Japanese martial art first developed in the late 19th century. It’s based on the principles of leverage and balance, and it emphasises throwing and takedowns over striking. Judo practitioners typically wear a white uniform called a gi, which is made of heavy cotton fabric.
The Judo gi consists of a jacket, pants, and a belt that denotes the practitioner’s rank. Judo gis are usually white but can also be of other colours like black and blue. Black is typically worn by more advanced judo practitioners, as it signifies a higher level of competence.
The judo gi is designed to provide the practitioner with a wide range of movement. The jacket is fastened with a series of ties, and the pants are loose-fitting so they can be easily pulled up over the hips.
This design allows judo practitioners to execute a variety of throws and takedowns without restriction. To practise judo, you will also need other gear such as a wrestling ear guard and a multifunctional bag.
2. MMA
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide range of fighting techniques, from striking and grappling to throws and takedowns. You will need MMA gear to train and compete safely.
MMA gloves are typically made of leather and padded inside to protect the practitioner’s hands. They also prevent the practitioner from injuring their opponent with cuts caused by fingernails or rings. MMA gloves come in various sizes to fit different hand shapes and sizes.
MMA practitioners also wear mouthguards to protect their teeth and gums from strikes. They may also wear protective cups for men, and women may wear sports bras.
MMA practitioners typically train in shorts made of a stretchy material like Lycra or polyester. This fabric allows the practitioner to move freely and prevents their opponent from grabbing onto loose fabric during a match. MMA shorts typically have a Velcro closure and may also have a drawstring waist. Participants can also use MMA apparel like headgear and shin pads.
3. Taekwondo
Taekwondo (TKD) is a Korean martial art that emphasises kicking and punching. TKD uniform consists of a dobok, a loose-fitting, V-necked shirt with long sleeves and pants. Doboks are usually white but may also be black or have other colours.
Taekwondoka (taekwondo practitioners) also wear a belt that indicates their rank. The belts are white for beginners and then progress to yellow, green, blue, red, and black as the practitioner becomes more advanced.
Headgear is worn to protect the head from kicks and punches during sparring, and a mouthguard is worn to protect the teeth. Taekwondoka also wear shin and forearm guards to protect these areas from kicks.
4. Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a martial art that uses punches and kicks. The uniform for kickboxing includes gloves, shorts, and a shirt. The gloves protect the hands when punching. The shorts are loose fitting so the legs can move easily when kicking.
The shirt helps to protect the upper body from kicks. It is vital to ensure that the kickboxing apparel fits well so it does not slip during training or competition.
5. Karate
Karate is a martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. It is characterised by striking techniques such as punches and kicks. The uniform worn in karate is called a gi and consists of loose-fitting pants and a jacket tied at the waist.
The gi is usually white, but practitioners also wear black. A belt is worn with the gi, and its colour denotes the rank of the karateka (practitioner). White belts are worn by beginners, while advanced practitioners wear black belts.
Karate equipment includes a focus mitt worn by the training partner and is used to target the strikes of the karateka. A mouthguard is also worn to protect the teeth from being damaged by strikes to the head. Other protective apparels include shin insteps and chest guards.
Remember, you can do Karate training with or without equipment. However, certain equipment, such as focus mitts and mouthguards, are recommended to prevent injury.
6. Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a form of kickboxing that hails from Thailand. In Muay Thai, fighters wear shorts similar to what you might see in boxing or MMA. They also wear gloves, shin guards, headgear and Thai pads.
The headgear protects the fighter’s face and head from strikes, while the shin guards protect the shins from kicks. Studies show that Muay Thai can be dangerous, so fighters need the proper gear to protect themselves.
7. Kung Fu
Kung fu uniforms are usually loose-fitting and comfortable. They allow for a full range of motion and won’t restrict your movement during training.
Kung fu shoes are typically lightweight and have rubber soles to provide traction. Most Kung Fu practitioners wear a black uniform, but some schools will use red, white or other colours.
8. Boxing
The typical boxing equipment consists of shorts, a sleeveless shirt, gloves, hand wraps and shoes. The shorts are usually high quality and form-fitted to allow a full range of motion while practising punches and footwork. The shirt is also form-fitting and made with breathable fabric to prevent excessive sweating.
Boxing gloves come in different sizes and colours and are used to protect the fighter’s hands. Handwraps secure the gloves and protect the wrists. Boxing shoes are lightweight and have a non slip sole to prevent injury during training.
Martial arts are a great way to get fit and learn self-defence. Different martial arts disciplines require different types of uniforms and gear. It is important to know what you need before you start training. Bushido provides various high-quality martial arts uniforms. We also offer martial arts weapons like the Kung Fu sword.
We hope this article has helped you understand the different types of uniforms and gear worn in various martial arts disciplines. Thanks for reading!
