Judo is a traditional Japanese martial art focused on throwing, grappling, and submission techniques. Unlike striking-based arts, judo is practiced wearing durable uniforms called gis and specialized mats that allow athletes to be thrown safely.

Proper outfitting is essential for effective judo training and competition. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from the gi jacket and belt ranks to outfitting your dojo with regulation mats.

An Introduction to Judo Gear Basics

Judo equipment serves both functional and traditional purposes in the sport that was founded by Master Jigoro Kano in 1882.

The standard judo uniform, known as a gi or dogi, has a sturdy jacket and loose-fitting pants enabling unrestricted motions while grappling. Standardized belts denote each athlete’s experience level, from novice white belts up to elite black belt masters. Firm yet padded tatami mats provide impact absorption for throwing techniques without hindering movement or leverage.

Beyond these essentials, optional accessories offer protective padding and convenience. Proper outfitting supports safe, effective judo training for recreational and competitive athletes alike.

Key Judo Gear Covered in This Guide:

• The Judogi Uniform Jacket and Pants
• Judo Belt Ranking System and Tying Tips
• Benefits and Options for Judo Tatami Mats
• Necessary Accessories Like Shoes and Mouthguards
• Optional Supplemental Padding and Gear Bags

Having quality, regulation equipment fosters proficiency in ukemi landing techniques, clean throws, joint locks, chokes, pins, and combinations. Now let’s break down judo outfitting gear by category.

The Judo Gi: Much More Than a Simple Uniform

The gi, sometimes called a judogi or dogi, is the standard uniform worn for judo training and competition. It consists of a heavy cotton jacket and loose pants secured by a belt.

But the gi serves purposes far beyond simply clothing athletes. Its design and components carry tradition while supporting optimal technique execution.

Key Features and Construction of the Judo Gi Jacket and Pants

Judo gis have varied in look over time and across competitive bodies, but share common attributes:

• Durable Fabric: Made from tightly woven cotton or a cotton blend material that withstands constant gripping, pulling, and friction during throws, locks, pins, etc.
• Sturdy Jacket Construction: Reinforced stitching on jacket lapels, sleeves, and seamsallows it to withstand the rigors of judo training without ripping.
• Jacket Style: Comes over the hips with long sleeve openings, accommodating a wide range of techniques and body types. Comes in two main styles:
• Cross Over Jacket: Right side crosses over the left at the front.
• Half-Cross Jacket: Left side laps over right but doesn’t fully cross it.
• Full Length Pants: Pants extend past the ankles, allowing for foot sweeping techniques while preventing gi pants from riding up. An adjustable drawstring waists locks them in place.

The traditional heavy cotton judo gi with jacket and pants supports throwing and grappling techniques.

Common Fabric Weights and Weave Styles

Modern gis for judo come in single weave (lighter) or double weave (heavier) variations. Single weaves use thinner interwoven cotton threads while double weaves have an extra interior cotton lining for added durability.

Popular options include:

• Single Weave Gi (9 to 11 oz): More breathable and flexible but less durable (common in BJJ). Usually bleached white.
• Double Weave Gi (16 to 20 oz): Heavier and stiffer but extremely rugged. Usually unbleached natural off-white color.
• Gold Weave Gi (10 to 12 oz): Light single weave on exterior, partial double weave reinforcements inside over high wear areas. Lightweight durability blend.

Tip: Check your specific judo school or competition guidelines, as some restrict or mandate gi fabric weights and colors.

Major Judo Gi Brands and Purchasing Considerations

Many major athletic apparel companies like Adidas, Mizuno and Fuji produce quality judo gis catering to different needs:

Shopping for your first or next judogi comes down to factors like:

• Intended Use Case: Training, competition, recreational, etc.
• Weight and Weave: Lighter single or heavier double weave based on personalpreference.
• Brand Reputation and Budget: Established brands command higher pricing.
• Size and Fit: Measure yourself precisely; gis should have minimal extra fabric.
• Legal for Competition: Verify any gi meets guidelines of your tournament organization.
• Visual Appeal: Some brands offer customizable color strips, embroidery, patches, etc.

Take time to understand these dynamics to select a judogi matching your needs and budget.

Caring for Your Judo Gi Correctly

Washing: Wash gis in cold water only and hang dry or use low drying cycles to prevent excessive shrinkage.

Folding: Properly fold the gi jacket edges in prior to rolling the whole uniform together for transport or storage to prevent creasing and tears.

Repairs: Hand stitch any small holes or tears immediately to prevent enlargement. Replace giants rips or worn collars.

Caring for your judo gi properly enhances longevity while retaining the ideal thickness, weight and friction levels needed for training or competition.

Progressing Through the Judo Belt Ranking System

The colored belt system denotes both competitive skill and contributions to the sport itself. First introduced by Kano in 1886, belt colors signify judoka experience levels.

Symbolism and Significance of Belt Colors in Judo

Originally, all students trained in white belts. As participants grew more proficient, belts darkened from sweat, dirt and wear until they naturally became brown or even black. This evolution came to represent experience.

Today, belt colors hold deep meaning:

• White: Signifying purity, innocence and lack of skill.
• Black: Expert status after years of disciplined training to master techniques. Black belts assist with instructing students.

In between, incremental colored belts track progress. Darker green, brown and degrees of black sub-ranks demonstrate developing skill on the elite path.

Common Belt Level Rankings in Judo Competitions and Classes

Standard judo belt rankings adopted by mostcompetitive bodies are:

• White Belt
• Yellow Belt
• Orange Belt
• Green Belt
• Blue Belt
• Brown Belt
• Black Belt (1st through 5th dan degrees)

The Kyu/Dan ranking system categorizes skill mastery into student (kyu) and teacher (dan) levels:

• White – Yellow Belt = High Kyu Ranks (beginner)
• Orange – Green Belt = Intermediate Kyu Ranks
• Blue – Brown Belt = Advanced Kyu Ranks
• Black Belt = Dan Ranks (mastery as teacher)

It takes consistent, committed practice over many years to advance belt ranks in judo competitions and schools.

Tying Your Judo Belt Correctly for Class or Tournaments

Judo belts must be tied properly to stay secured during rigorous activity. Follow these steps:

1. Wrap belt around waist. Sufficient length remains after circling for knotting.
2. Tie off-center square knot. Left over right, right over left in front. Snug but not too tight.
3. Fold knot ends down. Fold excess belt tails under for clean appearance.
4. Secure belt ends. Tuck inside jacket or pants so they don’t come loose and cause trips or grips.

The knot should rest on your hip rather than centrally on your stomach. Confirm correct belt knot procedures with your sensei.

Always properly tie your judo belt using the traditional off-center square knot method before training or competing.

Adding Identification Marks to Your Belt

As you advance in judo skills and credentials, certain identification markings may be added to belt ends:

• Stripes or Tapes: Denote years at rank for brown and black belts.
• Badges: Signify coaching or referee certifications.
• Labels: Show school, national or organizational affiliations.
• Patches: Represent competitive achievements or special honors.

Check guidelines regarding acceptable custom markings before modifying your belt.

Earning each new belt brings great pride reflecting patience, discipline and perseverance on the lifelong path in judo.

Judo Mats: Finding the Right Training Surface

Ukemi breakfall techniques allow judokas to be thrown hard onto their backs without getting injured. Correct mat surfaces facilitate safe practice by providing impact cushioning and slide resistance.

Mats used for throwing arts like judo are called tatamis. Several options exist from classic to modern materials.

What Are Tatami Mats? History and Uses

The term tatami references traditional Japanese floor covering used in homes, dojos and ceremonies. Materials evolved over centuries:

• Original Rice Straw Core Tatamis: Dating back 1000+ years with rice straw cores encased in woven soft rush grass. Lightweight for portability but require meticulous care.
• Modern Tatamis: Composite materials like dense foam, PVC, EVA or vinyl covered layers. More durable but heavy requiring permanent installation spaces.

In martial arts like judo, tatamis provide balanced energy transfer enabling throws and ukemi techniques without undue discomfort or injuries.

Key advantages include:

• Absorbs body impact while maintaining footing traction.
• Durable to stand up to constant use without packing down.
• Retains shape without unnecessary shrinking or expansion with humidity changes.

Tatamis remain integral for judo training in clubs, schools, tournaments or homes.

Tatami Mat Sizing Standards and Layout Options

Official standards regulate tatami dimensions and arrangements for judo competition. Common sizes are:

Standard tournament floor layouts use full 1m x 2m tatami mats creating 10m x 10m square competition areas. Safety borders surround surfaces:

Competition regulation mat layout with 64 tatamis providing a 10m x 10m floor space.

For permanent dojo spaces, mats get custom cut and installed wall-to-wall over cushioning foam and wood frames. Portable mat kits assemble modular full mat panels over flooring as needed.

Consider floor plan, training purposes and budget when selecting appropriate tatami solutions.

Judo Mat Composition: Rice Straw Traditional to Foam Modern

Dojo operators weight cost, durability and portability choosing proper tatami cores:

• Rice Straw: Historical practice but high maintenance.
• Firm Foam: Modern, affordable but permanent mount.
• EVA Foam: Emerging option combining best properties.

Covering layers involve PVC, vinyl and canvas options:

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Waterproof but may tear over time.
• Vinyl: Softer feel but less durable externals.
• Cotton Canvas: Natural traditional material requiring extra care.

For most judo applications, EVA foam core panels with durable vinyl covers balance performance and practicality.

Caring for Your Tatamis Properly

With proper maintenance, quality tatamis serve dojos for decades:

• Vacuum loose dirt regularly. Gets into porous layers causing damage over time.
• Quick clean spills. Liquids can warp sensitive materials like rice straw and foam cores.
• No harsh chemicals. Even PVC covers degrade from caustic cleaning products over years.
• Avoid direct sunlight. UV rays and heat deteriorate fabric covers and foam layers.
• Humidify dry rooms. Keeps mat fibers and fabrics from becoming brittle in arid conditions.

Check tatami manuals formanufacturer cleaning guidelines specific to your mat composition.

With quality tatamis properly maintained, generations of judoka can safely master ukemi techniques on the same dojo mats.

Essential Accessories for Judo Training and Competition

Beyond the uniform and mats, additional gear makes sessions safer, more focused and convenient:

Proper Footwear Crucial for Mat Protection and Traction

Proper zori (slippers) or non-marking athletic shoes protect feet off the mats while providing traction for technical stand-up techniques:

• Hard or dirty outdoor soles trackin debris damaging tatami surfaces.
• Bare feet lack support for foot sweep defenses and movement drills.
• Light tread minimizes mat wear while gripping for breakfall stability and throws.

Select flexible, thin-soled footwear providing protection without grips for opponents. Check mat rules on approved shoes.

Training Partners and Dummies for Drilling Techniques

Solo judo practice has limits. Training partners enable drilling throws, transitions and groundwork:

• Uke: Receives throw or submission technique then attacks in return.
• Tori: Executes skill then receives counter technique from partner.
• Typical partner drills: Osaekomi pin transitions, choke/arm lock setups, combination attacks.

Without live opponents, grappling dummies simulate body mass for solo technique reps:

• Dummy held upright for harai goshi hip throw practice
• Mounted dummy for kesa, mune or scarf hold pin transitions
• Dummy arms wrapped for juji-gatame armbar reps

Rotate partners and drill both left/right sides balancing skill development.

Other Essentials: Tape, Mouthguards, Gear Bags

Additional basics include:

• Athletic tape: Supports vulnerable finger, wrist, knee or ankle joints during routine strains.
• ** Approved mouthguards:** Prevents dental damage; often required for competitions.
• Durable gear bags: Transport gis, accessories, training tools cleanly without rips. Mesh bags allow ventilation minimizing odors.

Prepare each training session by proactively taping any nagging pains and having all gear arranged neatly.

Stay safe while maximizing time on the mat.

Supplemental Gear for Off-Mat Judo Conditioning

Beyond essentials directly used during sessions, supplemental tools enhance off-mat physical preparation:

Extra Gear for Injury Prevention and Recovery

Prehab equipment keeps the body primed for judo’s physical demands:

• Resistance bands: Strengthen joints flexors/extensors preventing strains.
• Massage balls: Trigger point release tension buildup.
• Foam rollers: Lengthwise pressures along muscles unwind fascia tightness.

Recovery aids speed return to training after intense bouts:

• Ice packs: Reduce painful swelling and inflammation in limbs/joints. Apply ice packs wrapped in thin towels for 10-15 minutes post-session.
• Heating pads: Increase blood flow delivering fresh nutrients to heal damaged tissues faster.
• Electrostim devices: EMS signals prompt muscles to actively contract and relax, accelerating recuperative mechanisms.

Proactively use prehab and rehab gear so minor discomforts don’t become major injuries taking you off the mat.

Additional Specialized Gear Options

Further accessories support specific needs:

• Headgear: Extra protection against forceful mat impact on backward ukemi; often required for youth.
• Shin guards: Hard shields fitting under gi pants reduce impact on sensitive shins from low kicks.
• Waterproof gear bags: Keeps dirty, sweat-soaked gis separated after intense randori sparring.
• Gi customizations: Special embroidery, patches and color trim for individual style.
• Conditioning aids: Stretch ropes, agility ladders, slide boards.
• Towels/water bottles: Essentials between randori rounds.
• Post-training nutrition: Recovery protein drinks and snacks.

While not mandatory, specialized items enhance training, convenience and personalization.

Invest according to your judo practice goals and budget flexibility.

Conclusion: Outfitting Yourself with Complete Judo Gear

As demonstrated throughout this guide, much more goes into proper judo outfitting than simply grabbing any old uniform to start practicing.

Regulation gis, rank-denoting belts, impact-absorbing mats and supplementary gear all serve specific purposes in the sport. Understanding these dynamics allows recreational and competitive judoka alike to outfit themselves with ideal equipment.

Key highlights include:

• Durably constructed cotton gis with jacket, pant and belt components supporting throwing/grappling techniques without restricting motion or causing trips. Care for them properly.
• Rank signifying belts representing each judoka’s skill level from beginner white to expert black belt based on decades of accumulated knowledge.
• Firm yet cushioned tatami mats facilitate safe ukemi breakfalls critical for managing the biomechanics of high-amplitude throws.

• Read More on WayOfMartialArt!
• Read Next on Progressing Through Belt Ranks: What It Takes from White to Black

FAQs

Here are 30 FAQs for this Judo gear blog post:

How many belt ranks are in Judo?
There are typically six belt ranks before reaching black belt: white, yellow, orange, green, blue, and brown.

What does the Judo belt color black represent?
The black belt in Judo symbolizes a student has achieved a mastery ranking as a teacher and completed a rigorous training journey.

Are Judo jackets meant to fit loose or tight?
Judo jackets, known as gis, should have a loose but not excessively baggy fit to allow for a full range of throwing and grappling motion.

Should a Judo gi jacket be bleached white or natural tan?
Tournament guidelines may mandate if a judo gi jacket must be natural off-white or approved bleached white. Always check regulations.

What material are official regulation Judo mats made from?
Regulation judo mats, known as tatamis, typically use EVA foam cores encased in vinyl covers for ideal cushioning, durability, and longevity.

Can I practice Judo techniques alone without a partner?
While less ideal than with a live training partner, grappling dummies can supplement solo judo training by simulating body mass for technique repetitions.

How do I properly tie my Judo rank belt to stay secured?
Use the traditional off-center square knot method, with the knot resting on your hip rather than stomach, folding excess belt tails inside your jacket.

What equipment can help accelerate recovery after intense Judo sessions?
Post-training recovery aids include ice packs, heating pads, electrostim devices, massage tools, and supplements/nutrition.

Where can I donate used Judo gis and belts to help less privileged communities?
Contact local recreation centers, martial arts studios, or non-profit foundations about used gear donation programs assisting new judo students in need.

Can headgear be worn for extra protection when drilling Judo throws?
Yes, specialized headgear is allowed and often mandated for youth to prevent head injuries during elevated amplitude judo takedown techniques.

What proper footwear is acceptable on regulation tatami mat surfaces?
Light, flexible zori slippers or non-marking athletic shoes are permitted to provide traction and protect tatamis from damage.

How should I wash my stiff cotton Judo uniform to prevent shrinkage?
Only use cold water cycles with gentle detergents to wash Judo gis and always allow jackets and pants to fully air dry hanging up.

Can patches, labels, or custom trim colors be added to my belt or uniform?
Adding personal customization elements may be restricted for competitions, so always verify guidelines with tournaments ahead of time.

Is it acceptable to wear protective shin guards under Judo gi pants?
Yes, hard shield shin guards can be worn discreetly under gi pants to protect sensitive shins from impact during training.

What heating and humidifying guidelines should I follow to properly maintain school tatamis?
Avoid direct sun exposure and use room humidifiers as needed to prevent brittleness and cracking of mat fibers over decades of use.

Can I reinforce stressed sections of my Judo jacket using supplemental interior stitching?
Yes, hand-sewing small sections of interior reinforcement stitching is an acceptable way to strengthen developing holes or tearing in the outer jacket fabric.

What are the dimensions and area of regulation tournament competition mats?
Standard competition mat area is 10 x 10 meters (32 x 32 ft) consisting of 64 1 x 2 meter full-size tatami mat panels surrounded by safety borders.

Is it acceptable to skip the traditional Judo belt knot and use velcro fasteners instead if needed?
No, using alternative belt fastening methods like velcro is typically forbidden to uphold traditions. Exceptions may be granted based on medical needs.

What supplemental gear can help with off-mat Judo conditioning and strength training?
Resistance bands, agility ladders, foam rollers, massage balls, dynamic warmups/cool downs, and proprioception tools help round out physical preparation for Judo sessions.

Can I embroider custom name or flag patches onto the ends of my ranked Judo belt?
Yes, as you advance in competitive rank, achievements may be represented by approved custom embroidery and patches on belt ends according to regional federation guidelines.

Is it acceptable to train Judo without a shirt underneath my uniform jacket?
No, while a rashguard is optional, wearing a shirt under the jacket is mandatory for hygiene and sweat absorption purposes during training sessions.

What are the dimensions of a regulation size individual full tatami mat panel?
The dimensions of a single full-size tatami are 1 meter x 2 meters x 4 centimeters (3.3ft x 6.6ft x 1.6 inches). Home training mats come smaller in halves or quarters.

Can cool washcloth compress wraps be used instead of ice packs for inflamed joints after randori sparring?
Yes, chilling washcloth wraps in the fridge then wrapping swollen or painful joints provides similar inflammation relief as traditional ice packs post intense sessions.