Aikido Training Uniforms

Uniforms are an integral part of any sport and Aikido is no exception. Most martial arts use a uniform called the Keikogi which means a uniform for training and Aikido uses a uniform called the Aikidogi.

Every martial arts has its own terminology for the type of uniform that is worn while training. So if for Aikido it is the Aikidogi then for Jiujitsu it's Jujutsugi and for Karate it is Karategi. For Judo, it's Judogi and for the Ninjutsu arts it's called the Shinobi-iri and Shinobi shozoku, for Kendo the uniform is called Kendogi. These uniforms are also referred to as just ‘gi' or ‘dogi'.

For Aikido the uniform is Aikidogi and this comprises a pair of simple trousers and a upper garment like a white jacket which is also known as Uwagi. But even the wrap around jackets that are used for Judo and Karate can be used while training for Aikido. Judo jackets are made for handling a lot of stress that comes due to the throwing and seizing aspects of the sport.

Now Aikido also has some amount of throwing and Keikogi type of grabbing so Judo jackets are advised. Most Aikido uniforms are stitched in such a way so as to be able to withstand the wear and tear that it will endure. There is no possibility of special or personalized Keikogis but those that are made for Aikido will have reinforced patches for the knees.

Slightly longer jackets mean the they can be tucked into the hakama. The short sleeves are emphasized because the Aikido techniques require that there are a lot of wrist grabs and twists. Heavy tightly woven terrycloth is used generally for making the Uwagis but canvas can also be used like it is for the Uwagi for Judo. Both are considered strong enough to tolerate the throwing and grappling that comprises the Aikido training.

Now the hakama is a dress or a skirt look alike which is added to the main uniform and the reason for this is that the feet movements must be hidden form the opponent. These are generally indigo or black in color and only the Aikidokas who have reached the rank of Dan are allowed to wear this.

In the martial arts arena the ranking system used is that of ky and dan. But every style has its own requirements, some styles use colored belts to represent the ky and there are schools where the hakama is worn irrespective of rank. Some other styles require that only females can wear them.

Remember that your Aikidogi must be the exact size because too small means you cannot move freely and too big will mean that you have extra fabric coming in your way. Aikido has lots of pulling, throwing, stretching, sliding and jumping so your uniform has to be of a cloth that can withstand all this. Extra padding on the knees and double stitching will take care of the strength. It may cost a bit more but it will serve its purpose and you will not have to spend money buying uniforms repeatedly.

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