Regulations for a Judo Gi

The Japanese martial art of Judo focuses on subduing opponents through the use of throws, joint locks and chokes. Judo is primarily utilized as a competitive martial art, with judo competitions being held around the world. All contestants involved in a judo competition must wear a judogi, or judo uniform. The International Judo Federation specifies regulations for official judo competition uniforms, ensuring parity among judo competitors.

  1. Material

    • An official competition judogi must be constructed of a strong material similar to cotton, with IJF regulations recommending that judogi material be composed of at least 70 percent cotton. Judogi material must be in good condition and be free of tears and other damage. Any material used must not prevent a competitor from taking grip of the judogi during competition.

    Colors

    • Only two colors of judogi are allowed during competition. The first contestant must wear a blue judogi and the second must wear a white or off-white judogi. Regardless of competitor number, female competitors must wear a white or off-white leotard or short-sleeved shirt under the judogi jacket.

    Markings

    • According to IJF regulations, only certain marking are allowed, with rules regarding size and placement. For example, the National Olympic abbreviation is only allowed on the back of the jacket, a national emblem measuring no more than 100 square cm may only be placed on the left breast and the name of a competitor may only be placed on the belt, upper front of the trousers, and lower front of the jacket with a maximum measurement of 3 cm by 10 cm. The name of a competitor may also be placed above the National Olympic abbreviation, as long as it does not prevent a competitor from gripping the judogi and the letters measure a maximum of 7 cm by 30 cm.

    Jacket

    • A judogi jacket must be crafted long enough to cover the thighs, with sleeves that reach at least to the fists when the arms are extended to the sides of the body. Sleeves must reach within 5 cm of the wrist joint, and be wide enough to allow for a 10 to 15 cm space between the arm (including bandages) and the sleeve down the entire length. Competitors must wear the jacket with the left side crossing over the right and have a minimum of 20 cm of overlap at the bottom of the rib cage.

    Trousers

    • Judogi trousers must be long enough to cover the legs of a competitor and reach within 5 cm to the ankle joint. The legs of the judogi trousers must be wide enough to allow for a space of 10 to 15 cm between the competitor's leg (including bandages) and the trouser down the length of the limb.

    Belt

    • Judogi belts must correspond to the grade of the competitor and measure 4 to 5 cm wide. The belt must be worn around the waist of the jacket and tied snugly with a square knot to prevent the judogi jacket from being loose. Belts must be long enough to be wrapped twice around the waist and tied with 20 to 30 cm left on either side of the knot.