The judogi, a symbol of commitment and respect
The white judogi (kimono) was designed by Jigoro Kano to be simple, humble, and pure, to reflects the seriousness of the practitioner. It is a symbol of tradition and respect. The judogi ensures that everyone is dressed the same, everyone is equal. It allows colours for the ranking system since the only way to stand out is to excel.
A practical reason for a judoka to wear white is the same reason nurses started wearing white in the 1900s. We wear white in the dojo so bloods stands out and injuries can be immediately attended to. It also encourage maintaining cleanliness and respect toward the dojo.
The judogi is a judoka's first partner. From its stiffness, its durability and also the thickness of its lapels, the judogi is here to protect and help the judoka in it's practice. Therefore, one should respect and take care of self judogi.
The mindset when one put on self judogi, the integrity – doing what is right even when no one is looking – with which one train and seek to improve, in the end, has a profound impact on self development and on self judo.
The obi (belt) of a judoka does not only represent a rank but also one's commitment to the martial art, one's respect for their teachers and fellow judokas, and self connection to the history and tradition of judo. Tying the obi is a ritual that signifies self dedication to practicing judo and self willingness to learn and grow. The obi is a constant reminder of the principles of judo, such as respect, discipline, and perseverance.
When a judoka enters the dojo, one bow to their teachers and fellow judokas, and one always bow when tying and untying self obi. This act of respect is a reflection of humility and understanding of the importance of etiquette in the martial arts.
The awarding of obi up to brown is left to the exclusive discretion of the Sensei. It is he who follows each practitioner in one's progress and commitment to the art. A obi is not a right, but it rewards work and technical skills. Therefore, the obi is passed down for generations as the unbroken chain of Sensei and students. It is a privileged an unique relationship with Sensei and judo.
To maintain the respect and dignity of the judogi, one should only wear it within the space of the dojo. The outside world is a messy place, and one doesn't want to bring its dirt onto the mats. After a vigorous training session, we are covered in sweat and grime, and one wouldn't want to subject others to self body odor or the imprint of a dirty judogi. It's a matter of respect for our fellow judokas and the purity of our practice to keep our judogi clean and confined to the dojo.
Judoka work in contact with each others
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Wear your judogi in the dojo only. Change your clothes at the dojo. | Do not wear your judogi outside of the dojo. This is disrespectful for the club, your Seinsei, your fellow judokas and this is dirty. |
| Wear only your judogi to prevent injuring others. | Do not wear anything else that your judogi. No bracelet, no ear-ring, no ring. |
| Keep your fingernails, toenails, underwear and judogi clean. | Do not be dirty. You and your judogi must be clean and maintained. |
The connexion
Care
The choice of a judogi is a personal one, influenced by various factors that reflect one's preferences and style. For instance, material plays a significant role. 100% cotton offers durability, while polycotton provides comfort.
When selecting a size, it's important to consider shrinkage. For 100% cotton judogi, a slight increase of 5 to 7 cm is recommended to accommodate shrinkage after the initial washes. Material thickness also influences the judogi's characteristics. A stiffer judogi provides greater resistance to gripping, potentially hindering an opponent's hold. However, it also adds weight.
The color choice – white or blue – has evolved over time. In my early days, white was the standard for training, while blue was exceptionally wore by instructors for visibility purposes aside of competitions. Today, preference is more open, with some preferring blue due to its perceived lower visibility of dirt and grime.
Upon receiving a new judogi, always try it on first to ensure a proper fit. After that, proceed to wash it thoroughly in hot water (30°C for 100% coton only) using only soap, avoiding fabric softener. This first wash helps to set the fibers and shrink the judogi slightly. After drying it completely, notice the change in the fit and feel of the judogi. The second wash, again in hot water (30°C for 100% coton only) with soap only, further sets the fibers and ensures the judogi maintains its shape. This second wash also removes any lingering creases or wrinkles from the first wash.
With the judogi now properly shrunk and shaped is ready to hit the mats. Wash the judogi every 2 or 3 training sessions to maintain its cleanliness and prevent odor. Hot water (30°C) and soap only are still the recommended cleaning methods, as fabric softener can alter the judogi's material and affect its performance.
Blue judogi
The origin of the blue judogi can be traced back to the 1980s, when the International Judo Federation (IJF) introduced the practice of using two different-colored gi (white and blue) in international competitions. The contrast between the two colors made it easier for referees and judges to track the action and make accurate decisions. Thus, helping to eliminate any confusion between the two competitors, particularly during close calls or complex maneuvers. Eventually, it enhanced viewing experience for spectators. The blue judogi is for lower ranked judoka in a competition match.
Honour and spiritual meaning
The white gi is a symbol of tradition and respect, and it is still the most common color of gi worn by judokas. The white gi, introduced by Jigoro Kano, is designed to be simple, humble, and pure, and it reflects the seriousness of the practitioner. The gi ensures that everyone is dressed the same, everyone is equal. It allows colours for the ranking system since the only way to stand out is to excel.
The condition of the gi is a reflexion of the state of the martial artist mind. The white gi is simple, humble and pure it should reflect these qualities on the judoka. It also encourage maintaining cleanliness and respect toward the dojo.
A practical reason for a judoka to wear white is the same reason nurses started wearing white in the 1900s. We wear white in the dojo so bloods stands out and injuries can be immediately attended to.
The judogi is a judoka's first partner. From its stiffness, its durability and also the thickness of its lapels, the judogi is here to protect and help the judoka in it's practice. Therefore, one should respect and take care of self judogi.
The mindset when one put on self judogi, the integrity – doing what is right even when no one is looking – with which one train and seek to improve, in the end, has a profound impact on self development and on self judo.
The belt of a judoka does not only represent a rank but also one's commitment to the martial art, one's respect for their teachers and fellow judokas, and self connection to the history and tradition of judo. Tying the obi is a ritual that signifies self dedication to practicing judo and self willingness to learn and grow. The obi is a constant reminder of the principles of judo, such as respect, discipline, and perseverance.
When a judoka enters the dojo, one bow to their teachers and fellow judoka, and one always bow when tying and untying self obi. This act of respect is a reflection of humility and understanding of the importance of etiquette in the martial arts.
The awarding of belts up to brown is left to the exclusive discretion of the Sensei. It is he who follows each practitioner in one's progress and commitment to the art. A belt is not a right, but it rewards work and technical skills. Therefore, the obi is passed down for generations as the unbroken chain of Sensei and students. It is a privileged an unique relationship with Sensei and judo.
To maintain the respect and dignity of the judogi, one should only wear it within the space of the dojo. The outside world is a messy place, and one doesn't want to bring its dirt onto the mats. After a vigorous training session, we are covered in sweat and grime, and one wouldn't want to subject others to self body odor or the imprint of my dirty judogi. It's a matter of respect for our fellow judoka and the purity of our practice to keep our judogi clean and confined to the dojo.
Acquisition
Please refere to our Getting Started page.