How to determine your martial arts uniform & fight scenes from Ong Bak

VIDEO: The best fight scenes in the movie Ong-bak !

The pleats of the hakama symbolize the six fundamental virtues: Jin – mercy Gi – righteousness Rei – etiquette Chin – intelligence Shin – trust Makoutu Chu Ko – loyalty and allegiance In getting your uniform, be sure to try fitting it or when ordering online use a size chart as a guide. Take your own measurements and compare it with the guide. Keep mindful of your uniform and your first uniform won’t be your last.

A martial arts uniform is an essential part of self defense training for any student as part of their battle gear. The uniform is called gi, and usually comes in a white color or other colors as well.

Cotton uniforms are comfortable and usually less expensive than the heavy weight uniforms; however, you still have to be careful about throwing them in the dryer as well. Especially if they are 100% cotton. Most light weight uniforms are made of a cotton mix today so shrinkage is usually minimal. But I have still had them shrink on me. As a result I have started hang drying all my martial arts uniforms. If the weather is inclement I hang them inside.

This only needs to be done once. However, adding a little salt and vinegar to every washload helps colorfast and set the colors.

Regular washing thereafter:

– Fill tub with water FIRST, then add detergent, a 1/4 cup salt and a 1/4 cup vinegar to cold water.

– Wash pants separately from tops.

– Add garments. For reversible uniforms add garments with white side out; colored side in. (With reversible uniforms it is best to wash them separately from all other uniforms)

-Do not use bleach.

-Rinse all detergent out thoroughly before drying, any residue will cause the dyes to bleed.

Presoak Before You Wash

Before you wash your gi, it is a good idea to prewash it in the washing machine. When prewashing, you should first allow the washer to fill with water. Then, place detergent in the water and allow it to dissolve. Once the machine has filled almost to the top, you can add your uniform and allow it to soak.

Many of these uniforms are very similar in appearance, consisting of lose, usually cotton pants with an elastic or drawstring waist. The pants extend to the ankles and hang there, with no elastic. The upper article of clothing comes to the bottom of the hips and wraps around the body like a robe; the sleeves usually come to the wrists. The wrapped garment is secured with ties at both sides and with a belt, also of cotton, the color of which signifies the rank of the wearer.

Buying martial arts uniforms is often a thrill for younger karate students. Choosing the right uniform will make sure that they not only enjoy the purchase, but also look forward to wearing it. Use these 5 considerations before you buy your next karate uniform.