| Like all martial arts or sports for that matter, Aikido | | | | to karategi. Regardless, both are strong enough to |
| has their own set of uniforms. The aikidogi or the | | | | withstand the regular grappling and throwing found in |
| uniform used in aikido is similar to the keikogi used in | | | | Aikido training. |
| most martial arts. Keikogi is a term used to refer to | | | | Aside from the trousers and wraparound jackets, |
| uniform for training. | | | | Aikido schools also add hakama, which looks like a |
| This is a general term used to refer to uniforms of | | | | dress or skirt, to the uniform. The concept behind |
| donned for traditional martial arts class. For Aikido it's | | | | wearing a hakama is to be able to hide the |
| the aikidogi, for Judo it's judogi, for Jiujitsu it's the | | | | movements of the feet. The hakama is commonly |
| jujutsugi, karategi for Karate, kendogi for kendo and | | | | black or indigo in color and are usually reserved for |
| the shinobi-iri and shinobi shozoku for Ninjutsu arts. | | | | aikidokas that have received the dan rank. |
| The training uniforms used in martial arts are often | | | | In Aikido, most of the styles or schools use the ky? |
| times referred to as mere gi or dogi. | | | | dan ranking system which is the norm in the martial |
| The aikid?gi consists of simple trousers and a white | | | | arts world. However, each style has different |
| jacket or uwagi or upper garment. For aikidogi, | | | | qualifications for meeting each rank and each style |
| wraparound jackets used in judo and karate are | | | | might use colored belts for ky? levels while others do |
| acceptable. Judo jackets are thicker and are built for | | | | not. In some schools the hakama is worn by all |
| durability since in judo the jacket receives | | | | students regardless of rank. While in other styles, |
| considerable stress from the techniques like seizing | | | | only female aikidokas are required to wear them. |
| and throwing. | | | | When buying for first aikidogi it is important to make |
| For aikidokas, judo jackets might be advisable since | | | | sure that the size and fit is right. Uniforms that are |
| some Aikido techniques also involve some keikogi | | | | too small will constrict your movements while too big |
| grabbing which could tear the cloth during practice. | | | | a size will get in the way of executing techniques. As |
| Sometimes, aikido uniforms are customized to handle | | | | mentioned before, in Aikido you'll get considerable |
| precisely the stress in some techniques. Although, | | | | pulling, stretching, sliding, jumping and throwing thus |
| personalized or specialized aikodogis are uncommon. If | | | | the need for a set of uniform that will not easily tear |
| you do find keikogi specially made for Aikido training, | | | | from the regular training routine. Double stitched |
| you'll notice that the gi has reinforced kneepatches. | | | | uniforms are usually stronger and will handle the |
| The jacket is also a little longer around the waist | | | | stress. |
| which allows the aikidoka to easily tuck them to their | | | | Extra knee padding is also a plus. However, do |
| hakama. The Aikdo jacket might also have shorter | | | | remember that these things cost a little extra but its |
| sleeves since basic techniques of Aikido focuses on | | | | all worth it since you'll be having a uniform that will |
| wrist grabs and twists. The uwagi might be made | | | | lasts longer. This is definitely better than buying a |
| from heavyweight tightly woven terrycloth which is | | | | new one every time you tear it up during training. |
| similar to uwagi of Judo or from heavy canvas similar | | | | |