Judogi and kimonos for judo

Judogi and kimonos for judo - make the right choice in the Sportano shopJudogs and kimonos are an inseparable part of judo culture and practice. For many practitioners, wearing the right attire is not only a matter of tradition, but also a sign of respect for this Japanese martial art. Choosing the right judogi or kimono can have a significant impact on the comfort of training and the effectiveness of the techniques performed during sparring. In the Sportano shop you will find high-quality judogi and kimonos for judo from renowned brands such as Mizuno, adidas, LEONE 1947 or Ground Game.History and origin of the judogiWhen we talk about judo, we cannot overlook a key element of the sport - the judogi. The history of this garment is inextricably linked to the origins of judo as a sport. Judo was founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, who saw it not only as a sport, but also as a means to develop the body and spirit. As Kano introduced his innovative training techniques and methods, he realised that traditional Japanese kimonos were not suitable for intense exercise. They were fragile and easily torn, making them impractical in the context of the new martial art form. It was clear that a special outfit was needed. Thus was born the judogi - outfits specifically designed for the practice of judo. The initial versions were much simpler than the ones we know today, but the basic idea remained the same - to create a sturdy and functional outfit that would allow the full use of judo techniques while protecting the athlete. Over the years, as judo has developed and become more popular, judogi have evolved, becoming more advanced and adapted to the needs of athletes.Differences between judogi and traditional kimonosAt first glance, judogi and traditional kimonos may look similar. Both are wide, loose-fitting outfits made mainly of cotton. However, the main differences lie in their function and use. Traditional kimonos were worn by the Japanese on a daily basis, while judogi were developed specifically for judo. The most important difference is the strength of the material. Judogi are made of thick, strong cotton, which makes them more resistant to stretching and tearing. They are designed to withstand the intense pulls, grabs and throws characteristic of judo. Traditional kimonos, on the other hand, are made of thinner and more delicate cotton, which is not designed for such extreme conditions. Another major difference is the cut. Judogi are specially designed to allow freedom of movement, which is crucial during throws and grapples. They also have reinforcements in sensitive areas such as the elbows and knees. In contrast, traditional kimonos are more elegant and designed with aesthetics rather than functionality in mind. The method of tying also differs. Judogi are tied with a special belt that not only holds the outfit in place, but also symbolises the rank and experience of the wearer. Traditional kimonos are usually tied with a delicate belt or string and do not have such deep symbolism. Although judogi and traditional kimonos share many characteristics, the differences between them are the result of their unique functions and uses. One is designed for everyday wear and cultural celebration, while the other is designed specifically for sport and competition.Key features of a quality judogiJudo is a sport that requires precision, strength and determination, but also the right equipment. One of the most important pieces of equipment for a judoka is the judogi. High-quality judogi not only emphasise the professionalism of the athlete, but also protect them from injury and allow full freedom of movement. There are several key characteristics that distinguish high-quality judogi from inferior ones. Firstly, the material. High-quality judogi are usually made of thick yet breathable cotton. The thickness of the material provides the necessary strength, protecting the athlete from abrasions and other injuries. At the same time, however, the material must be breathable to ensure comfort even during the toughest training sessions. Another important element is the method of sewing. The stitching in judogi should be strong and durable, especially in the areas most prone to stretching, such as the elbows and knees. High-quality judogi have extra reinforcement in these sensitive areas. Shape and fit are other key features. A good judogi should fit the athlete's body perfectly, but at the same time allow freedom of movement. A judogi that is too narrow or too loose can hinder the performance of techniques and even lead to injury. Last but not least is the fastening. Traditional judogi are tied with a belt, which not only holds the outfit in place, but also symbolises the rank and experience of the wearer. The belt should be strong and durable, but at the same time soft and flexible so that it does not hinder the athlete's movements.Materials used in production: from cotton to modern fibresWhen we talk about judogi, cotton is the first material that comes to mind. Cotton is the traditional material used in judogi production for several reasons: it is durable, breathable and pleasant to the skin. But advances in technology and research into new materials have led manufacturers to experiment with other fibres. Newer judogi can be made from a blend of cotton and synthetic fibres. The addition of synthetics, such as polyester, can increase the strength of the outfit and make it more resistant to shrinkage. Synthetic fibres can also influence better sweat wicking, which is key to comfort during intense workouts. Another modern innovation in materials is antibacterial technologies. Thanks to special coatings or fibres, judogi can become more resistant to bacteria and odours. This is particularly important in contact sports, where the risk of infection is higher. Despite advances in technology and the introduction of new materials, most professional judokas still choose traditional cotton judogi. These are considered more 'clean' in the context of the sport and more suitable for the traditional discipline of judo. Although cotton remains the main material used in judogi production, advances in technology and innovations in materials have significantly influenced what options are available to judokas today. Choosing the right material depends on the individual needs and preferences of the athlete.