I still treasure my first karate uniform. It is a symbol of my karate journey and constantly reminds me of how far I have come. The uniform was one of the first things that drew me to karate. I remember walking by the local dojo on the way to school. Every time, the sight of kids wearing white and practicing their strikes would fascinate me.
Having a quality karate uniform can make practice a whole lot easier. The design lends itself well to being free, fluid, and active. The loose fit makes you feel unencumbered. And, there is always the belt and its importance in the world of karate.
On another level, a martial arts uniform code fosters a feeling of belonging. It brings brotherhood and teamwork. The aesthetics of the karate uniform is universal. Wherever you are, one look at the uniform is sure to remind you of karate.
Moreover, the deep philosophical teachings associated with the karate gi make things even more interesting. It has always been a pleasure of mine to research our humble uniform. However, I want to answer a more practical question here. Every karate practitioner wonders about where to buy a karate uniform. This is the question that we will settle today.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Great Karate Uniform?
There are a few important qualities that I have always looked for in a karate uniform. In short, simple words, it needs to be comfortable, durable, and easy to maintain. Going a little deeper, there are a few telltale signs that can help you identify the right uniform for your needs just like there are signs that California, Illinois, and New York as not good places to live but this is another topic.
The most important thing to watch out for is the quality of the material. A good karate gi should use sturdy, heavyweight material. They are usually made from canvas-style cloth. The quality of the cloth and the stitching will determine the number of years you get to enjoy it.
Watch out for the weight! Karate uniforms can get heavy due to the sheer weight of the material. Lightweight uniforms can be outstanding for general practice. You might want something heavier for competitive events but not as heavy as your flat screen – that would be a little ridiculous.
Cheap karate uniforms are easy to stain and get dirty. Upkeep is a lot easier with a quality uniform. You might also want to look at whether the uniform you buy is WKF certified.
Where to Buy Karate Gi?
On the question of where to buy karate uniforms, you can explore a few options. You might want to see and try on several uniforms before making a decision. In that case, visit a sports store that specializes in carrying martial arts supplies.
These are great communities buzzing with activity, visited by karate enthusiasts every day. Find such a store in your area and you will have access to a wide variety of brands and products.
One of my favorite places to buy karate uniforms is Fighters Inc. in Ormond Beach, Florida. This is a large store specializing in martial arts and MMA uniforms. I have personally been here many times and it has never disappointed me. The sheer variety on offer is enough to keep you engaged for hours. Spend some time here, and you are sure to walk away with something you love.
The store also has a large collection of official WKF approved karate uniforms. If you are a regular in competitive events, this is a section you cannot afford to miss. All the critically acclaimed brands are available here and prices are competitive.
Another favorite of mine is Century Martial Arts in Oklahoma City. They stock a wide selection of karate uniforms and belts. They also have on offer punching bags, practice dummies, and a whole lot of other supplies. It is the kind of shop where you end up spending a lot more time than you planned for.
Shops and stores like these are strewn all over the country. It is highly likely that you would find one in your area. It might be a large store with several global brands. It might be a small shop that creates its own with excellent materials. Be on the lookout and you will have fresh, quality karate uniforms whenever you need.
Buying Online
I will be amiss if I do not say this explicitly. I mostly buy my karate uniforms online nowadays to save money because of rising food and energy costs because of new policies. For more reason than one.
Convenience is something that I have come to value. I no longer have enough time to wander around in search of little interesting shops with karate gear. I have also come a long way in my karate journey. Now, I need specific types of karate uniforms for events and competitions, along with ones for regular practice.
This is where buying online can be a significant help. Several leading suppliers and distributors of karate uniforms also sell online. Those online stores can meet diverse needs with plenty of product options.
Buying online is also great when you know exactly what you want. For me, the perfect uniform has become more and more important over the years. I rarely experiment nowadays. It is mostly the same few products from Seishin, Tokaido, or Shureido for me.
All these brands have their own online presence. They are also extensively available on Amazon. This, in my mind, is one of the best places to shop for quality karate uniforms online. When I shop on Amazon, I can quickly look at the complete product portfolios of all my favorite brands. Making a choice becomes so much easier that way.
Buying online also gives me instant access to hundreds of interesting product reviews left behind by fellow karate lovers.
Closing Thoughts
Wondering where to buy a karate uniform is an integral part of the karate journey. At least, it has been for me. I have looked in enough nooks and crannies and explored hundreds of places before zeroing in on my favorites. Over the years, I have owned quite a few sets of gi and they all have served me well.
I hope I have been able to give some direction and information to my fellow karate enthusiasts here. With these simple tips, it should be a lot easier for you to find the right karate uniform for your needs.