Dressing Up to Train
While the word Keikogi can be used to talk about the clothes donned for any traditional martial arts class, individual sytles of martial arts have their own words for uniforms. For Aikido it’s the aikidogi, for Judo it’s judogi, for Jiujitsu it’s the jujutsugi, karategi for Karate, kendogi for kendo and the shinobi-iri and shinobi shozoku for Ninjutsu arts. The training uniforms used in martial arts are often times referred to as mere gi or dogi.
The aikidogi consists of simple trousers and a white jacket or uwagi or upper garment. For aikidogi, wraparound jackets used in judo and karate are acceptable. Judo jackets are thicker and are built for durability. In judo the jacket receives considerable stress from the techniques like seizing and throwing.
"One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train."
from the Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba.
For aikidokas (practitioners of aikido), judo jackets might be advisable. Note that some Aikido techniques involve grabbing the keikogi which could tear the cloth during practice, so the heavier judo jackets may last longer. Sometimes, aikido uniforms are customized to handle precisely the stress inherent to some techniques. Although, personalized or specialized aikodogis are uncommon. If you do find a keikogi specially made for Aikido training, you'll notice that the gi has reinforced kneepatches.
The jacket is also a little longer around the waist which allows the aikidoka to easily tuck them into their hakama (skirt). The Aikdo jacket or uwagi might also have shorter sleeves since the basic techniques of Aikido focus on wrist grabs and twists. The uwagi might be made from heavyweight tightly woven \terrycloth which is similar to the uwagi of Judo or from heavy canvas similar to karategi used in Karate. Regardless, both are strong enough to withstand the regular grappling and throwing found in Aikido training.
Aside from the trousers and wraparound jackets, Aikido schools also add hakama, which looks like a dress or skirt, to the uniform. The concept behind wearing a hakama is to be able to hide the movements of the feet. The hakama is commonly black or indigo in color and are usually reserved for aikidokas that have received the dan rank (black belt rank).
In Aikido, most of the styles or schools use the ky/dan ranking system which is the norm in the martial arts world. However, each style has different qualifications for meeting each rank and each style might use colored belts for ky levels while others do not. In some schools the hakama is worn by all students regardless of rank. While in other styles, only female aikidokas are required to wear them.
When buying your first aikidogi it is important to make sure that the size and fit is right. Uniforms that are too small will constrict your movements, while those which are too big a size will get in the way of executing techniques. As mentioned before, in Aikido you'll get considerable pulling, stretching, sliding, jumping and throwing thus you will need a set of uniform that will not easily tear from the regular training routine. Double stitched uniforms are usually stronger and will handle the stress.
Extra knee padding is also a plus. However, do remember that these things cost a little extra its all worth it since you'll be having a uniform that will lasts longer. This is definitely better than buying a new one every time you tear it up during training.
To recap the aikidogi or the uniform used in aikido consists of a wraparound jacket, trousers or skirt. Your local or online martial art supply store should be able to outfit you in a Keikogi that will work in Your aikido class.
The author, Scott Harker, is the publisher of websites about Coin Collector's Dream, Solar Energy, Survey Taking, Humor, Wine and Hybrid Cars.
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Aikido In Everyday Life
The Beginnings Of Aikido
Dressing Up To Train
Aikido Secrets Everyone Should Know
Using Aikido In Combat
Learning Aikido By Watching Aikido Video
Practicing The Art Of Peace
The Dynamics Of Aikido's Techniques
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