Judo Uniform

Judogi is the official Japanese name of the traditional uniform used in judo. Judogi is assumed to be derived from the traditional kimono, with several variations to make it suitable in a contact, combat sport.

A judogi has two parts: a heavy jacket and the pants. The heavy jacket is traditionally called as the uwagi. It is made up of heavy canvas material similar to shorter styles of kimono. The pants or the zubon is made up of light canvas. Because judo requires throwing, heavy lifting, and other rough forms of action, the judogi is stitched heavily. This is to prevent the falling apart of the uniform.  

The judogi or the judo uniform used in competition is strictly defined by the International Judo Foundation (IJF). This is to prevent the improper advantage of using a heavier judogi for uniform.  These rules include how long the sleeves and the legs must be made, and how loose the uniform might be. Double weaved uwagi are the type used in competition. The IJF bans using a judogi with a back seam area wider than 3 cm. Wider backed judo uniforms may still be used in local competitions.   

There is also a proper way to wear the judogi. The right side of the uwagi must cross over the left side. When it is done incorrectly, it may signify that the person is dead. Which almost always invites disapproval from the spectators.