The traditional Japanese martial arts uniform is a vital aspect of the martial art's culture and history. Karate, in particular, has its own unique uniform style that reflects its origins.
Tokaido Gi vs Tokaido Karate Uniforms
Tokaido gi refers to the traditional Japanese garment worn by practitioners of Aikido and other martial arts originating from the Tokaido region. This uniform is characterized by a simple design, minimal ornamentation, and a focus on functionality.
Traditional Karate Uniforms
Karate uniforms are designed to facilitate movement and allow for easy identification of different ranks. The main difference between traditional and modern uniform styles is the addition of colored belts, which signify specific rankings within a martial art.
- White gi with no belt: represents the student rank
- Yellow gi with one belt: represents the junior instructor rank
- Brown gi with two belts: represents the instructor rank
- Navy blue gi with three belts: represents the master or senior instructor rank