Training Uniform

After signing the paperwork to join a martial arts dojo, the next investment most students make is a shiny new uniform. This is called a Gi, although this is a shortened form of the words dogi or keikogi. These uniforms are mass produced in genuine polyesther, and many schools will give the new student a cheapo starter set as part of the package deal. This is smart if your school wants to ensure a uniform look, or silk-screen your school logo onto the back of the jacket.
Generally speaking, there are three basic parts to the uniform: the jacket, the trousers, and the belt. Premium uniforms are usually made of heavy weight cotton. Karate gi are typically a cotton duck, and when starched make a nice "pop" when a punch is executed well. Karate gi also have ties at the waist to keep the jacket neatly gathered during practice. Karate trousers are plain, and usually pulled shut at the waist with a drawstring. Judo, Jujutsu and Aikido gi jackets are typically made of a softer cotton with reinforced seams that will stand up to the jerks, tugs, and pulls of these grappling arts. The lapels are often stiff and have adjacent grab panels built into the jacket. Typically, there are no waist ties on these jackets and they are kept closed by the belt. The lower third of the jacket usually has a subtle diamond pattern woven into the fabric. Some traditional jujutsu styles use a slightly different style more-popular with Kendo or Kyudo students. This style is longer hemmed, and features a single tie about chest-high. The trousers for grappling arts typically continue the re-inforced stitching and also feature quilted panels over the knees. These knee panels help stand-up to the extra wear from rolling around on the mat.
Traditionally, gi were white, or vanilla colored. Today, however, you can get a gi in white, black, blue, red, or even more exotic custom colors. White and black seem to be the most popular. However, crazy styles are gaining traction in the fashion concious United States. Everything from star-spangled red-white-and-blue patriotic prints to v-necked pullover tops can be had.
The traditional gi worn in a particular way. First, the student slips on the jacket. Then the trousers are put on and tied closed. The jacket is then wrapped closed; first the right side is wrapped around the body, then the left side is wraps closed over the right side. Then the belt is donned. The belt, or obi, comes in a rainbow of colors. Universally the first color is white, after that, the sky is the limit. A black belt is usually the last color awarded -- but in this ego driven age, all kinds of different-colored belts can be the ultimate goal. It all depends on the school. The diagram above shows how to wear the belt. Explaining how to wear the belt is easier to do by showing than by describing. Just one of many such bits of knowledge passed down through the arts.
Gi descended from undergarments, and were very plain and homely because of that. Only recently have some traditional styles been willing to lean forward regarding fashion and allow simple marks such as kanji. The example above has Kyokushinkan karate embroidered on the chest. Of course, many schools will hand out jackets with the school logo printed on it. Frequently, the student will be required to put his or her name on the front, so teachers can keep everyone straight. This is a necessity in large schools, and especially if student turnover is high. Of course, a brief review of martial arts supply catalogs will reveal an enormous assortment of multi-colored patches to be awarded for everything from good attendance to super report cards to nunchuku mastery. These patches are good incentive for some students and serve good purposes. Still, my preference leans towards simplicty. I like a few meaningful kanji at most.
While this costume fits Mrs. Affleck well and keeps viewers interested in an otherwise dismal film, it is a far cry from a traditional martial arts practice uniform.