Note: The Edmonton JKA is not a martial
arts supply or retail business; we only
supply uniforms to our own members.

We use different suppliers from time to time, so brands and styles of uniforms (and belts) may vary. Generally, we suggest that students start out with a medium weight uniform, move a heavyweight uniform at purple or brown belt level and a Shureido or Tokaido uniform at black belt level (Shobu uniforms are still on the horizon, pending an English language website). We do not supply or recommend lightweight uniforms.

Medium weight uniforms come with a white belt. Heavyweight uniforms, Shureido uniforms and Tokaido uniforms do not come with a belt. In most cases, the appropriate belt size is the same as your uniform size.

Karate uniforms are sized in a peculiar way and the sizes are not consistent between different makes and models. If you are not sure about your size, it is better to have a uniform that is too large than one which is too small. More expensive uniforms also come in half sizes (e.g. 5.5).

It is essential that the gi is large enough to permit a full range of movement. The fit should be much larger than normal clothing (such as a business suit), to allow sufficient room in the shoulders and the seat. The bottom of the jacket, however, should not reach more than a few inches above the knees.

The most expensive uniforms come in “tournament cut” varieties, which have shorter legs and sleeves. All other uniforms will require substantial alterations to the legs and the sleeves (do not count on rolling them up; it doesn’t work very well and the practice is dangerous).

Sleeves should be shorter than normal clothing and end 2 or 3 inches from the wrist. Pants should be slightly above the ankle. Note that extraordinarily short sleeves (e.g. ending near the elbow) are not permitted. Similarly, pants must not end more than a few inches from the ankle. If you roll the sleeves, turn them to the inside, not the outide.

The manufacturer most commonly used by us for medium and heavyweight uniforms uses this sizing chart:

Note that these sizes assume a slim to average build.

From time to time, the Edmonton JKA will produce club crests. These are sewn on the left breast of the uniform jacket. It is advisable to wash them thoroughly before use, as the colors have been known to bleed. You may not wear any other crest, image or embroidery on your gi. (If you purchase a gi from a source that offers to conservatively embroider your name in kanji or kana on the jacket or pants, this is acceptable).

Except in the beginners’ class, a karate-gi is required to train at the Edmonton JKA. Only a plain, white karate-gi is acceptable -- tae kwon do and judo uniforms are different. Short term visitors are welcome to wear whatever (plain, white) karate-gi they use at home.

Students may purchase uniforms from any martial arts supplier, provided that the uniforms conform to the standards described here. We have found these suppliers to be courteous and helpful:

Students who have obtained dan ranks may wear a black belt embroidered with kanji / kana. The following information is appropriate: your name, the name of your club or association and the name of the person who performed the examination. Orange/gold is the most common color for embroidery, but other colors are acceptable.

Don’t wash the belt. When it starts to look ratty, cut off the loose threads. And, make sure that it is tied so that each end is the same length. Please leave the size tag attached, so we don’t have to measure the belts when they are recycled!