For some, judo clothing is little more than the heavy, thick judo gi and the colored belt that wraps around the practitioner’s waste. While on a baseline level this is an accurate generalization, there is a bit more to the selection process of judo clothing than grabbing any old item off the store shelves and purchasing it. Make sure you are kitted out right with a well made uniform that is the correct size otherwise you may be held back. Why is this so? It is because loose clothing that does not fit properly can lead to a number of problems associated with the effective performance of one’s duties on the mat.
Loose clothing can hamper movement while also making it too easy for an opponent to grip the sleeves of the other athlete. If your Judo clothing is too big it creates a trip hazard. That would hardly make for an auspicious appearance on the mat! When groundwork (newaza) comes into play, loose judo clothing make one susceptible to chokes which can outright end the match quicker than anything else.
This does not mean that problems will go away with judo clothing that is too tight. Overly restricted tight uniforms will make movement stiff and difficult. In fact, judo clothing that is too small could sometimes be worse than judo clothing that is oversized. The harder you work, the harder your uniform will work, and in time you may get some minor damage such as small rips and tears. Once again, the need to purchase judo clothing that is the proper fit is a must.
It is not hard to find the correct uniform for you. It involves little more than accurately matching height and weight to a particular judo uniform. Judo clothing sizes are specifically numbered so you merely need to look at a chart that matches the number size with your current height and weight.
Judo uniforms very often shrink and it is good to bear this in mind when making your purchase. This is why some people will purchase a uniform that is one size too big and let the warm water tailor it for them. Whether you do or not is your decision.
