In this third and last post in this series, I will compare and contrast Tae kwon do uniforms to Karate uniforms. So let’s get started with a quick glance at how the uniforms compare.
Comparison
- Karate and Tae kwon do are striking arts.
- Karate and Tae kwon do uniforms require flexibility especially for kicking.
- Both uniforms require lighter fabric weights than grappling uniforms.
- Both style fabrics can range from 5 oz. to 16 oz. fabrics.
High Kick in Karate Uniform
Like Karate, Tae kwon do is a striking art. As such, practitioners use lightning fast movements to kick, punch, strike, and block. The need to kick high in both arts requires a fabric that is light enough so as not to restrict or be binding to the wearer.
The fabrics for both striking arts are lighter in weight than grappling uniforms. Fabric weights can range from 5 oz. ultra-light weight uniforms to 16 oz. super heavy-weight uniforms. The heavier range of uniforms are preferred by Karate stylists, and are also worn by traditional taekwon-doists. (Yes, there is a difference in how I spelled tae kwon do this time. There is more than one style of tae kwon do and I will discuss their differences in a future post.) Now let’s have a look at how they differ.
Contrast
- Karate uniforms have traditional criss-crossing jackets with straps.
- Tae kwon do uniforms are pull-over V-neck tops.
- Karate uniforms come in all different colors.
- Tae kwon do uniforms are traditionally white.
- Advanced Level Tae kwon do uniforms may have a Ribbed Fabric pattern.
As mentioned in the previous two posts, traditional cut uniforms have cross over jackets that secure on the sides by tying the string from the two sides together. Karate uniforms are traditional in their cut, so they all tie in this fashion. Karate uniforms (or gis) are available in every color in the book. Traditional karate stylists typically wear white gis or black gis , but Americanized karate stylists wear many other colors as well. Often, the beginners only wear white, but as they progress into higher skill levels, they are allowed to wear other colors.
Karate beginners often wear light weight fabrics, while advanced students often wear heavier fabric versions. The 14 oz and 16 oz fabrics are very similar in weight and feel to denim like in your old levis. ( And these uniforms are just as durable as your old pair of jeans as well.) The heavier weight uniforms give a crisper sound and snap effect to the demonstration of katas, thus they are often preferred by the karate sensei.
Taekwondo "Ap Chagi" Front Kick Wearing V-Neck Uniform
Tae kwon do uniforms (or doboks) on the other hand, have V-neck pull over tops. They pull over in the same way that you would put on a t-shirt. Most tae kwon do schools still wear white uniforms. Tae kwon do uniforms are great for younger students because their uniforms do not pull out from under the belt and require tying frequently like karate style uniforms do. The V-neck design is being used more frequently for young children in all styles of martial arts.
Tae Kwon Do advanced students can often be recognized by the ribbed pattern in the advanced level uniforms. These students might also have black lapels or black v-necks which signify that the wearer is a black belt. The preferred weight of a sport aka Olympic style tae kwon do uniform is about 8 oz fabric.
Well, this concludes my comparison of the Karate and Tae kwon do uniforms, and it also concludes this series: What is the Difference Between a Karate Uniform, a Tae Kwon Do Uniform, a Judo Uniform, and a Jiujitsu Uniform? In a future post, I will discuss the differences between Traditional Taekwon-Do and their uniforms and equipment and Olympic style Taekwondo, and its uniforms and equipment. I will also discuss some of the variations in Kung Fu uniforms.
I welcome you to share your thoughts on this subject. What differences have been left off of this list? Let us know what you think. For more information about martial arts uniforms, please visit http://www.mas4less.com.
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