Karate gi

Because of the nature of Karate training which emphasizes striking, kicking, and a more limited range of standing throws compared to Judo the karategi has evolved in a manner that maximizes mobility and speed without the extremely coarse and strong fabric required for grappling and throwing found in Judo.

They are made from smooth cotton which may be brushed or ribbed for unrestricted movement and added comfort.

These karategi are easily ripped and tend to adhere to the practitioner's skin, creating some discomfort after any extensive perspiration is experienced.

Most quality karategi are cut from a light canvas-style cloth because of their ability to stand up to considerable amounts of rigorous application and abuse without restricting the mobility of the karateka.

Many karateka tend to wear their obi (belt) much longer than judoka and other martial artists.

[6] Karategi is sometimes worn to practice other arts, such as jujutsu, when the practitioners are young and can expect to grow out of the gi in a few years; in this case, their reduced durability in comparison to judogi is less of a factor, and buying karategi until the practitioner stops growing is more cost-effective.

When Gichin Funakoshi demonstrated karate in Japan at the Kodokan, he still wore a traditional judo gi.