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Heavy Weight vs. Light Weight Karate Uniforms in Traditional Martial Arts

 Heavy weight karate gi’s or uniforms have a number of advantages. Good quality uniforms are usually made of a nice heavy weight cotton and are stitched accordingly. This makes them very durable and once broken in they become very comfortable. If you are doing any close combat or grappling exercises a heavy uniform will out last a lighter weight one many times. It can also give you a slight advantage because it is more difficult to grab onto a thicker material than a lighter thin one. Another advantage of thick vs. thin is the esthetics. Thicker heavy weight martial art uniforms look nicer and more professional when properly pressed than their counterparts. Nothing beats a freshly cleaned and pressed heavy weight uniform at an awards ceremony or tournament.

Light weight uniforms have their place too. If you happen to be training in a place without air-conditioning in the blazing heat of summer a hot thick heavy weight gi can quite disadvantageous as well as uncomfortable. Light weight karate uniforms make idea training uniforms for those hot and sticky situations. Although consider what you will be competing in. If you compete in a heavy weight uniform then it may be a good idea to train in one as well. Otherwise on competition day you may not be use to the extra heat and even the feel of the heavier material. This can seriously throw off even the professionals. Light weight uniforms are usually less costly for obvious reasons. They are often stitched poorly too so using them for grappling or close combat style training can lead to rips easily.

All in all if your budget limits you to one uniform I would recommend a heavy weight one for its durability and style. It will help you train in an environment that will closely reflect your competition environment. At heavy weight gi will cost little more money in the beginning  but this will all play out in the long run and you have a quality uniform while it lasts.

 
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